My amp, Usher R1.5, consumes around 50 watts when plugged even when it is off as a circuit is active to keep the amp warmed up, to save on electricity I disconnect the power cord. To make it convenient, I installed a power strip with an on/off switch and leave the power amp in the On position and just power on/off using the power strip. Would there be any ill effects using the power strip as main switch for the power amp?
I don't think so, but there may be some more arcing/sparking of the mains strip switch contacts than there would be with the amplifier mains switch. The mains switches in amplifiers are usually fitted with a snubber to reduce this problem.
Some days ago I had to replace a power strip used as described. It powered a Pioneer SX450, a tiny dab radio and a reading light. The switch in the strip whent dodgy. Those switches are poor quality. Seen many of them go. Be aware if something pulls a lot of power when nobody is around!