External Cooling

[smglbrth]

I've been reading alot on other forums lately about heat build-up on some audio equipment and wondered if you guys, anyone, actually uses some type of external fans. The used AVR I bought runs warm, just above the case (Appr. 3/4 inch) my wifes food thermometer say anywhere from 110-127.6 degrees F. My cabinet is totally open in the front with 6 inches above, 1 inch on each side and three inches in the rear free. The back is closed off except for two small holes which I drilled out for cables and such. I need to leave the back of the cabinet on for the WAF. The AVR does have it's own internal fan (which has never turned on) which faces the rear of the unit.

I've never actively cooled any of my audio equipment, ever. Part of me thinks it would be a good idea and part of me thinks it's nuts.

Any thoughts?

[GEBBY44]

Depending upon the AVR, it may not need it. My Onkyo 805 supposedly has internal fans, but I never heard them kick on, even when it got really hot. I like to be safe so I bought a cooling fan with a dc wall wart that I just plug into the back of the AVR. Kicks on whenever AVR is on and it keeps the internal temp about 10 degrees C cooler.

I got a package with one of these fans and an adjustable speed wall wart. The piece of mind was worth the $30 to me.

http://www.coolerguys.com/sff21.html

[smglbrth]

I've seen some fans which are supposed to go directly on top of the equipment and they look kind of fake. Like they were painted to look cool and such. Taking a hole out of the back of this cabinet of that size will not be in the works for me. I'd probably get shot (she wasn't real wild about me purchasing this anyway). If I was to do something like this I'd probably just get a small square fan and lay it directly over the processing area pulling the inside air out. At least this is where it's the warmest. By the way, it is an Oink, the 787. Older, to be sure, but sounds excellent for movies. Much better than my old Pro Logic stuff. DTS is awesome... Not too good for 2 channel but that's not why I have it.:D

[Mike21]

The Onk 805 does not have any internal fans - I've seen the insides. I cool off my 805 the same way GEBBY does. My rig cost $9. Amazingly, the Onk 705 does have a fan.

For fans that will fit in a cabinet, take a look at

> the Parasound Zbreeze - $200 @ www.audioadvisor.com

> the Cool Components fans - $55 to $165 @ www.parts-express.com

Mike21

[comfortablycurt]

If it's between 110 and 127 degrees it's probably alright. I remember reading somewhere a while back, that the optimum operating temp. of most AVR's is around 115-120 degrees. Once it starts getting up to 135 or higher it might be time to look into cooling fans.

It definitely won't hurt anything to put some in though.