Robin, there is On and there is "on", like a standby mode, so I don't really see idling as a serious problem where batteries are concerned; SS gear that is left on all the time might even be switched back to a trickle from the wall. This is usually how I warm up my DAC, and I would certainly do it if I left the thing on all the time.. I think switch mode anything comes with its own problems, so in reality this "solution" is like most others, the old 2 steps forward, 1 step back scenario, best case. Hard to know ahead of time how any solution would actually sound in use, , let alone why, and this is exactly why even the best available "commercial" gear is a mix of good and bad, if only because of R&D, manufacturing, advertising and distribution costs (not to mention customer service...) vs. "the market" and a viable business plan. Ironically, as we all know only too well, costs and timelines increase exponentially when we try for a "short run". C'est la Guerre.
Best regards,
Paul S |
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