Fan suggestions for Onkyo 875

[NewHTguy]

Ok, so I found a good deal on an Onkyo 875 and took the plunge. I have it out in the open -- I'm using a Sanus stand for my tv and components. However, the heat still concerns me. From previous discussions there seem to be a lot of fan options. Was wondering if anyone could point me toward the better choices? Also, is it possible (for a newbie) to rig the fan so that it only comes on when the power is on? Any advice would be appreciated!

[F1nut]

A little heat isn't a bad thing as there are components in your AVR that like to be warm and actually sound better when they are. Besides, fans add noise. Relax and enjoy your set up.

[jakelm]

A little heat isn't a bad thing as there are components in your AVR that like to be warm and actually sound better when they are. Besides, fans add noise. Relax and enjoy your set up.

+1

Dont want your AVR to start sounding like a cheap PC. Doesnt the Onk have a built in fan? Nope, just looked, it doesnt.. it should though.

[WilliamM2]

If it's in an open rack, you really don't need a fan. If it's in an enclosed rack, the heat will build up.

I have an enclosed rack, so I just mounted an 80mm computer fan exhauasting out the back at the top. It's a 12v fan, but I used an old 6v wall wart I had laying around. It's is silent that way. Plug it into the switched outlet on the 875, and it will turn on and off with it.

[NewHTguy]

I appreciate you guys trying to ease my fears, but the report of these things starting to smoke just has me concerned.

WilliamM2, please forgive the stupid question but what is a "6v wall wart "?

[ben62670]

If it's in an open rack, you really don't need a fan. If it's in an enclosed rack, the heat will build up.

agreed

[F1nut]

but the report of these things starting to smoke just has me concerned.

$10.00 says it's because they were overdriven and had nothing to do with the normal heat produced.

After using the AVR for say an hour, can you comfortably leave your hand on it?

[WilliamM2]

I appreciate you guys trying to ease my fears, but the report of these things starting to smoke just has me concerned.

WilliamM2, please forgive the stupid question but what is a "6v wall wart "?

It's an AC adapter. I used what I had lying around, but if I had to buy one, I would get something with adjustable voltage. That would allow you to vary the fan speeds.

http://www.amazon.com/PowerLine-600m...264632&sr=1-28

[GEBBY44]

I felt the same way as everyone else: having the unit in the open shouldn't need one. And I'm sure it doesn't, but the normal operating temp of my 805 in a 74 degree room was simply too hot for my tastes. I'm sure the component was fine, but the fact that I couldn't comfortably set my hand on the unit for more than 5 seconds make me try a fan. The one below has served me very well and comes with a voltage adjuster to lower the speed if noise is a big issue. I keep it around halfway and the receiver runs the same as before but is 20-22 degrees cooler. Definitely worth a try if piece of mind is worth $30.

http://www.buyextras.com/cocofankiscs.html

[GEBBY44]

O yea, and to have the fan turn on when the receiver is on, simply plug the fan's power cord into the switched power outlet on the back of your receiver.

[avguytx]

Cool Components makes some nice basic fans that work like a champ and have minimal noise. I use these myself as my HT and 2-channel stuff are inside some older Barzilay cabinets with tambour doors which usually stay shut. The CP-SF or CP-DF are fairly economical.

[mmadden28]

I plan (sooner than later) to cut some holes in my ent. center and install a fan at the botom and at the top (along the back). The idea is to get some fresh air in at the bottom, and the hot air out at the top.

I have my Amp and AVR behind closed doors and it can get hot in there. For now I have to keep the doors open (low WAF).

I bought some low dB computer fans-and a speed controller. One of the fans will automatically speed up/slow down depening on the heat load (still testing which fans I will finalize with-I realize the in and out flows should match). Another even displays the temp in LEDs(as it spins). I know I saw some premade kits on ebay not too long ago for about 30-40, but I don't see them anymore. The had a couple fans mounted in a frame (to do exactly what i am doing) and even came with the temperature controlled speed controller and power supply. Here is all I could find now. EDIT--Wait Here ya go-it was something like this also from Cool Components, but much less expensive (WTF?).

Because my equipment will be in an enclosed environment, I will definately have a temp display and alarm setup. I want the thing to beep or blink a light if it gets to hot--perhaps even shut down the amp/avr automatically.
If I can keep it cool enough, I'll put my jet engine of an xBox in there as well.

I might be able to get away with just exhaust fans as the negative pressure created will simply pull fresh air in, but I want to ensure I don't get any dead-air spaces so I'll add a bit of turbulence.

[Marty913]

The 805 will actually display the temperature and the 705 has a thermal controlled fan that kicks in around 130 degrees. Not sure what the 875 offers (I don't have Onkyo but am considering one). There is an interesting thread on Onkyo heat problems over at AVS and a lot of recommended solutions. I think all the suggestions here have been good. Here's a link if you'd like to read about the temperature display readout.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...e#post13738136

[NewHTguy]

F1nut: It is more than uncomfortable when I have been watching TV for an hour. Not so much when I am listening in stereo, though it still gets warm. I haven't done much "pure audio" listening because I like having the sub. However, someone wrote that it does not get hot in that mode.

Thanks to you rest of you folks for the links and suggestions. I really like the fact that the fans do not need to be turned on separately. For a small amount of money I'll probably make the investment. Between the refrigerator and the AC in my place, I doubt a small fan will be much more of a nuisance.

In the winter I guess I can think of it as a space heater!

[mdschlayer]

I have cut two holes in the back of my ent. center and put in two 120mm fans. I had read somewhere that using a bigger size fan and running it slower will result in the same amount of air being moved versus a 80mm fan running slightly faster. The slower the RPM's, the lower the decibels.
I can't remember the brand I'm using, but got them from newegg real cheap. Hooked them up to a 12VDC adapter w/adjustable voltage, plugged into the switched outlet on the receiver. I normally leave it on 6V unless I crank it up, then boost it up to 10 or 12.
I'm happy with the results. Before the installation I was only able to hold my hand on top of the Harman Kardon receiver for a few seconds - now its barely even warm.

[demaples]

Check out some units on ebay that are around $40 that are basically computer fans but they have a thermostatic sensor that turns them on at a specific temp. I use them on an 805.