5 replies to this topic

[gypr1961]

Can someone explain why it is people say its best to have an amp running at temperature i.e. warmed up, to get the best performance, when if you have a computer you have to keep them as cool as possible ?

[datafone]

It's a double edge sword, in that heat is the enemy of a lot that is electrical, like electrolytic caps ect'. But then there are tubes and many IC's that perform optimally at certain temps.

I guess the thing is to get those that need to be at certain temps that way, and not too much hotter, while minimizing heat in other areas

Edited by datafone, 08 May 2012 - 02:59 PM.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Can someone explain why it is people say its best to have an amp running at temperature i.e. warmed up, to get the best performance, when if you have a computer you have to keep them as cool as possible ?

Analogue audio items must deal with an analogue (duh) signal. IOW: They must be able to cope with an infinite variation in signal level and a very wide range of frequencies. Amplifying devices, such as valves and transistors, need to be able cope with these demands with as little distortion (deviation from the original signal) as possible. Due to the nature of the material, silicon devices operate with their best linearity at around 60 degrees Celcius. Valves are designed to operate at elevated temperatures as well. If the temperature rises much higher, or falls much lower, than optimum, then distortion will increase. Hence, keeping analogue devices operating at nice, snuggly temperatures is often the best thing to do. Naturally, the manufacturer's advice trumps anything I've written.

Digital devices (computers, et al) need only respond to two states: On and off. Distortion is irrelevant. The only facter that has to be taken into account is frequency of operation. In general, the higher the frequency of operation, the more power is consumed and, therefore, the more heat is dissipated. Keeping computers cool, allows them to operate reliably and optimally. Of course, at extremely low temperatures, semiconductor devices no longer operate the way they are supposed to.

[LogicprObe]

And further to what ZB said, the things are designed to run at an optimal temperature that is within a range....................it will say in the manual something like 10 to 55 degrees C.

[holdencaulfield2007]

Analogue audio items must deal with an analogue (duh) signal. IOW: They must be able to cope with an infinite variation in signal level and a very wide range of frequencies. Amplifying devices, such as valves and transistors, need to be able cope with these demands with as little distortion (deviation from the original signal) as possible. Due to the nature of the material, silicon devices operate with their best linearity at around 60 degrees Celcius. Valves are designed to operate at elevated temperatures as well. If the temperature rises much higher, or falls much lower, than optimum, then distortion will increase. Hence, keeping analogue devices operating at nice, snuggly temperatures is often the best thing to do. Naturally, the manufacturer's advice trumps anything I've written.

Digital devices (computers, et al) need only respond to two states: On and off. Distortion is irrelevant. The only facter that has to be taken into account is frequency of operation. In general, the higher the frequency of operation, the more power is consumed and, therefore, the more heat is dissipated. Keeping computers cool, allows them to operate reliably and optimally. Of course, at extremely low temperatures, semiconductor devices no longer operate the way they are supposed to.

This is why I like coming to this forum every day. You learn something every day!

[gypr1961]

Cheers Guys all makes good sense