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Post by Eli & Oscar on Feb 16, 2012 23:27:08 GMT -5
New UPA-2 owner here. After a week of a LOT of listening, I feel compelled to remark about just how much the sound of this stout little amp improves with proper warm-up. Mind you, I don't mean "burn-in"; I mean allowing the unit (and associated hardware) to reach a limber state before sitting down for critical listening. (Disclaimer: all other current components in system are "experienced"; only the amp is new.) I'm finding that 30 minutes at decent (just above background level) volume is a minimum, and after 45-60 minutes things become very sweet.  I can't wait to continue this musical journey of discovery with the UPA-2...and the being-delivered-tomorrow USP-1!!  |
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Post by Golden Ear on Feb 17, 2012 0:20:09 GMT -5
New UPA-2 owner here. After a week of a LOT of listening, I feel compelled to remark about just how much the sound of this stout little amp improves with proper warm-up. Mind you, I don't mean "burn-in"; I mean allowing the unit (and associated hardware) to reach a limber state before sitting down for critical listening. (Disclaimer: all other current components in system are "experienced"; only the amp is new.) I'm finding that 30 minutes at decent (just above background level) volume is a minimum, and after 45-60 minutes things become very sweet. I can't wait to continue this musical journey of discovery with the UPA-2...and the being-delivered-tomorrow USP-1!! I have the UPA-2 and didn't expect till it was delivered to me. The build quality was something hard to believe on its price range. The sound was neutral and listening to more music that ever before. I still could not make up my mind if I want to purchase USP-1 or wait till may for the XSP-1. I am very skeptical how much refined and resolution XSP-1 over USP-1. Enjoy your new Emotiva! |
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Post by bobbyt on Feb 17, 2012 0:47:11 GMT -5
A "limber state"?
Do the transistors need to stretch their hamstrings?
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Post by Eli & Oscar on Feb 17, 2012 0:53:11 GMT -5
A "limber state"? Do the transistors need to stretch their hamstrings?  You know what I mean, bobby. I'd hate for any of my equipment to pull a hammy. ;D |
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Post by bobbyt on Feb 17, 2012 4:00:13 GMT -5
I really don't...I'll buy that you may be able to hear differences in tube amps as they warm up, but I haven't heard a difference in solid state ones.
Granted, I've been using Class D monoblocks which are at the other end of the spectrum. You'll probably shudder when I tell you I keep them on a smart strip so they're only on when my other equipment wakes up.
I did pick up a pair of Airmotivs which are traditional solid state amps, so maybe one of these days when I'm bored I'll take the time to listen extra hard at startup and later, but right now I'm having them kick on with my computer and notice no change as they warm up.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 17, 2012 4:16:39 GMT -5
I don't have any tube gear and all components are solid state.
I've tried to listen carefully after just switching on the gear and also about 1 hour later, using the same sources, same volume level. Honestly, I cannot tell the difference in SQ. YMMV.
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cgolf
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Post by cgolf on Feb 17, 2012 9:11:43 GMT -5
Ain't no difference where I come from. Other than my ears getting used to a different sound or piece of equipment when applicable. ;D
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 17, 2012 9:15:27 GMT -5
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Post by Eli & Oscar on Feb 17, 2012 9:44:09 GMT -5
LoL I am NOT a psycho! :-P
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Feb 17, 2012 9:51:38 GMT -5
Yes, one should never use their gear until after it has warmed up. For modern solid state electronics, this occurs approximately 8.63 miliseconds after power on.
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Post by geebo on Feb 17, 2012 10:32:06 GMT -5
Yes, one should never use their gear until after it has warmed up. For modern solid state electronics, this occurs approximately 8.63 miliseconds after power on. I give mine a full 9 miliseconds just to be on the safe side... |
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bootman
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Post by bootman on Feb 17, 2012 10:35:57 GMT -5
LoL I am NOT a psycho! :-P I don't think that is what was meant. |
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cgolf
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Post by cgolf on Feb 17, 2012 12:27:04 GMT -5
Wives are masters of the scientific study of sound perception and recognition. Not only do they hear things we didn't even know existed -- BUT they remember them forever and ever and ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D |
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Post by Darksky on Feb 17, 2012 12:52:24 GMT -5
LoL I am NOT a psycho! :-P Denial is one of the first warning signs. |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 17, 2012 15:01:56 GMT -5
When I first saw this thread, I tried stretching, warming up by lightly jogging and then listening to my gear. Nope, the SQ was the same as it was if I turned on the gear immediately upon waking in the morning. |
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Post by thepcguy on Feb 17, 2012 15:09:33 GMT -5
To save time, I use hair dryer to warm them up before turning them on. Of course, a thermometer is always on hand - it's a must. They sing at 100 degrees F.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 17, 2012 15:17:53 GMT -5
Place amps in an oven preheated to 100 oF? |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Feb 17, 2012 15:18:49 GMT -5
Place amps in an oven preheated to 100 oF? Did you say amps or head? ;D |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 17, 2012 15:24:56 GMT -5
^  It is said that cooler heads need to prevail. This means a cooldown period after a listening session. So audio is an exercise, requiring warmup and cooldown. |
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Post by roadster on Feb 17, 2012 15:48:19 GMT -5
Lots a joking going around but I totally agree with this step. I always start my system up for 30 minutes+ before sitting down to enjoy the music.
Clearly a more balanced sound, specially noticable in the higher frequencies, which come through with a more organic, natural timber. Voices also profit from this warm-up, more so for female singers (heck we all know how they like to be warmed up).
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