Ventilation space around AMP (1 Viewer)

[Bastiaan]

I just bought my first Amp today. In the manual it says to have at least 8 inches of space on the sides and 12 at the top.
Is that much space really necessary?

I have my amp in a wooden cabinet, with 1.6 inches of space on the sides. The front is open and 1/4 of the rear is open. On the top I have 3.5 inches. I could remove one shelf from the cabinet an increase the top space to about 7 inches.
Is there any danger for my amp if I don't remove the shelf?

 

[Kevin. W]

If it gets hot it will matter. Heat dissipation is critical to components. Could lead to problems down the road. Saying that I had my Rotel RMB 1066 amp in an enclosed TV stand for the longest time. Never once had a problem.

Kevin

 

[Tomoko Noguchi]

You can always put a fan on it (although some would say this causes dust problems)