When's the last time you sat down to a cold amplifier and thought it sounded right?

Solid state amplifiers sound better warm. That's not an opinion—it's how transistors behave. The operating characteristics of a bipolar or FET device change with temperature, and the first hour of use is when those changes are largest. An amplifier sitting at operating temperature for several hours behaves more consistently than one switched on twenty minutes ago. The bias stabilizes, the thermal gradients even out, and the sound settles into itself.

So the question becomes: leave it on all the time?

For class A/B solid state, the answer is usually yes—assuming a safe installation and regular use. Power consumption at idle is modest. And the wear from thermal cycling—repeated heating and cooling as you switch the unit on and off—can exceed the wear from simply leaving it warm.

Tubes and high-class A bias amps (like the new PMG amps) are a different matter. Hours accumulate and matter. Tubes off when not listening is the right call.

Whatever your amplifier type, give it an hour before you sit down. Then give it your full attention.