Warm up?

[AudioGremlin]

How long does it take for your system to work at its best starting from cold?

I find mine depends a bit on room temperature and allowing time for the tube pre and power amplifiers to settle down. Winter is preferable for me as the equipment helps warm the room. Summer time is good but occasionally it can become uncomfortably hot.

I guess loudspeaker driver surrounds stiffness must be somewhat affected by the ambient temperature.

It satisfying when I know the system has finally settled and is 'on song' so to speak.

[Antonmb]

My system sounds a bit bright and edgy from a cold start, but settles down after about 15-20 minutes.

[PHC1]

About 20 min if stone cold. In standby mode about 5 min for my Class A integrated to come on song.

[crwilli]

My system sounds noticeably fuller and more coherent after about 30 minutes. In fact just tonight, after I started it up and sat down, my first thought was that there were two speakers totally disconnected from each other. Supreme separation!

But after it warmed up the sound stage filled in to one solid picture. Weird.

[chessman]

My system hits its stride after about 30 minutes.

[jimtranr]

The bedroom system has become my primary listening venue of late, and it takes about 15-20 minutes from startup to fully "sync". Note, however, that I generally leave the amp on all the time, so "warmup" applies to the source laptop, the DAC, and the USB-stream regenerator (and associated power supply) feeding it.

[jdandy]

My studio system with the MC2301 tube power amplifiers takes about 30 minutes to develop full composer. I keep the Aurender N10 and the Esoteric K-01X energized continuously so no wait time on the source components. I usually energize the system and allow the tuner to play during the first half hour before sitting down for a listening session.

The living room system arrives at peak performance in less than 20 minutes. The C2300 tube preamplifier warms up relatively quick, and so does the MC452 solid state power amplifier. I keep the Aurender N100H and the Yggdrasil DAC energized continuously so no wait time on the source components. I generally energize the living room system and begin playing music immediately because more often than not it is background for morning coffee or dinner.

[AudioGremlin]

So most systems are up and singing within 30 minutes. Mine takes somewhat longer, according to Manley the Steelhead needs 15 minutes & suggested rest of Manley equipment about 40 minutes, I'd agree with that however my aged Infinity RS1b speakers need an hour, so like jdandy I just leave the tuner playing. I use that time gently exercising on a treadmill.

[keef]

Agree, my amps and tube pre take about 20 to 30 minutes but the nickel wound transformers in my Allnic phono take around an hour+ to fully bloom.

Same with my cartridge, side of an album and the second side is noticeably better, warmer.

[vintage_tube]

Dan D'Agostino recommends amps stay ON & so, mindful of the Master, mine are constantly on (not in standby); unless there is a chance of nasty weather -- storms, lightening, or when away overnight(s). I do put his preamp & the dCS stack in standby.

The SME speed controller & VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage are also on, I just turn the illuminated VAC window off.

So, I'd say my system sounds pretty good in a few minutes.

Should I turn the amps off or disengage everything from AC due to storms/residence absences, I'd say it takes about an hour to get back to snuff. In that case, I usually reenergize everything and put a CD on and walk away for a play through.

Best Sirs,

Bob