Is there open space around the receiver including the underside? The receiver should be able to sit without overheating on its own feet on a hard flat surface with an inch on all sides and with the front and back of the equipment cabinet (if any) open. (Another component sitting on its own feet on top of the receiver or amp will not leave enough clearance.) A fan won't hurt, and is a good idea if several electronic components are close together in an equipment cabinet. Video hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm
Is there open space around the receiver including the underside? The receiver should be able to sit without overheating on its own feet on a hard flat surface with an inch on all sides and with the front and back of the equipment cabinet (if any) open. (Another component sitting on its own feet on top of the receiver or amp will not leave enough clearance.) A fan won't hurt, and is a good idea if several electronic components are close together in an equipment cabinet. Video hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm
I have a closed cabinet which contains a dvd player, a TiVo, a vcr, and a receiver. I've noticed it gets pretty hot inside, so I think I should probably get some sort of fan. But I don't know anybody who has an electronics cabinet with a fan, so I don't really know what I should be looking for. Where should I go to find something appropriate?
Kurt, you didn’t give us any details on your set-up (ie, is it in an enclosed cabinet), but as long as you have adequate clearance all around the receiver, you’re alright. Putting it in tight slots in a shelving unit is a no-no, especially for top –side clearance, which is where all the hot air escapes. Also, if you have any components on top of the receiver, that’s a big “no,” too. Nothing should be within about 6” of the top of the receiver. Bryant, do a search on our DIY and Advanced Projects Forum and you’ll find all the information you need. Regards, Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Kurt/Bryant, I've been happy with the JMC fans I bought for my cabinet application. I can't post the URL apparently, but search for JMC Panther fans to find out more. They are as quiet - as far as I can tell, as advertised, and move more air than I expected (I was able to use fewer fans).
If you mean directly on top of the receiver, no that’s not the best idea. It will result in uneven cooling of the internal components. Regards, Wayne A. Pflughaupt
I usually don't keep a receiver long enough for a fan to really matter. I've also found that it's the nature of amps to get hot, that's just what they do. And most receivers have internal thermal protection circuits that will shut off at a certain temperature to prevent any damage. Personally, I wouldn't stress over it.
Here's a link I just pulled off of the DIY section that Wayne recommended to you. http://www.activethermal.com/
I have an onkyo HT-R500 and it does get quite warm/hot. I has about 4" of air space on top in a closed cabinet, though I do leave the glass door open for dvd viewing... I've used it continuously at loud volumes (75-80 volume...not dBs) for 4 hours plus...movie marathon...I use it for reg tv too... never once in 2 years has it overheated. amps get hot! it's normal.
