Amplifier Power Question

[xboxweasel]

I have a set of Anthem MC20 / MC30 amplifiers that come with your standard manual/auto/12v trigger on. When I power them up manually I get a pop from my speakers. I tried the 12V trigger once, where all amps were turned on at the same time, and there was a bigger/louder pop from all my speakers.

My question is, is this bad for the speakers? Bad for the receiver? Bad for the amps? Can anything be done about it?

I would prefer to have the amps power up via the trigger, or auto, function.

I am not too familiar with the auto mode. Will a particular amp only turn on when it sees a signal from my receiver? What about power consumptions when in auto mode, is the unit truly off when no signal is present or is it still completely powered up? Let's just say that I have seen an increase in power consumption when I upgraded to this system.

Thank you for your help.

 

[jaxvon]

This is normal for some amplifiers. The "pop" sound is a small surge of current sent to the speakers when the unit is first powered on. Some amps have a muting circuit to stop this from happening, others (like yours), don't. It's not bad for the speakers as long as you don't have the volume cranked when you power up.

 

[xboxweasel]

Thanks jaxvon.

I guess it's something to remember next time I am buying amps.

My previous sub did not have a muting circuit. It was made my Cambridge Speakers. When it was not being used you could still heard a hum coming from it. That was rather annouying since the system was at that time in my bedroom (since I was still living at home). I used an external 120VAC relay (powered from my receiver) and a seperately mounted receptacle plugged into the wall socket to turn the sub on/off. My receiver could not handle the load with it's switched outlets.

That whole system was sold when I upgraded to my current system. I kind of miss it now though.

PS: I find it funny that people list their system specs at the end of their forum posts. I see it everywhere! Is it to out-do the other guy (bragging rights) or more towards opening up a possible discussion with poeple with similar systems? Half of the stuff that I see listed I never heard of.

I did come to the realization that Future Shop/Best Buy/etc. are not the place to purchase home theater equipment anymore. The items they stock now are of cheaper quality and appeal more to the people that like to show of how shiny their A/V equipemnt looks. I personally don't even want to see my A/V equiment. Only the screen/TV. The rest should not draw any attention.

Later.

 

[ht_addict]

Thanks jaxvon.

I guess it's something to remember next time I am buying amps.

My previous sub did not have a muting circuit. It was made my Cambridge Speakers. When it was not being used you could still heard a hum coming from it. That was rather annouying since the system was at that time in my bedroom (since I was still living at home). I used an external 120VAC relay (powered from my receiver) and a seperately mounted receptacle plugged into the wall socket to turn the sub on/off. My receiver could not handle the load with it's switched outlets.

That whole system was sold when I upgraded to my current system. I kind of miss it now though.

PS: I find it funny that people list their system specs at the end of their forum posts. I see it everywhere! Is it to out-do the other guy (bragging rights) or more towards opening up a possible discussion with poeple with similar systems? Half of the stuff that I see listed I never heard of.

I did come to the realization that Future Shop/Best Buy/etc. are not the place to purchase home theater equipment anymore. The items they stock now are of cheaper quality and appeal more to the people that like to show of how shiny their A/V equipemnt looks. I personally don't even want to see my A/V equiment. Only the screen/TV. The rest should not draw any attention.

Later.

What are you using as a pre/pro? I've had a few different amps in my setup over time and never have them pop when turned on. You may want too look into a power conditioner with time delay 12v triggers. Belkin PureAv and Monster are two that offer this feature.

 

[xboxweasel]

At the time it was a Yamaha RX-V1400. It comes with a 12V trigger.

Now I am using a RX-V2500. I have not checked, but I'd hazard a quess and say it also comes with the 12V trigger output.

 

[annunaki]

Separately delayed 12V triggers for each amplifier should take care of your turn on pops.