amp blowing up

Unwanted preamp switching noise often arises from (1) a power switch that causes a voltage spike when it is flipped and (2) uneven discharging of capacitors. A high quality preamp such as the ART could easily avoid these issues by buffering the power switch (or using a well-designed one that doesn't cause a voltage spike) and by using better capacitors or designing circuitry to allow them to discharge without affecting the audio circuits. Obviously, lesser products require proper sequencing to avoid unwanted noise.

123a- Most tube pres have relays that short the output connection to ground when powered down or during initial warmup. However, to be safe, it would be best to follow the standard power up/down sequence to avoid any surprising incidents. The sonic garbage that a tube pre can produce during warm up has been known to damage speakers and amps. Relays are very reliable, but I try not to depend on them all the time. Just my .02

Be happy, amps arent supposed to blow up