2. amps-preamps
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Amplifier Cooling Suggestions?

My integrated amp sits on the middle shelf of my rack. It has reasonable clearance and gets adequate air flow. I'm not concerned about the amp overheating at my typical listening volumes. That being said, cool is always better. Do any of you guys supplement your amps' factory cooling solutions with additional cooling? If so, what? If I used supplemental cooling it would have to be quiet, non-invasive (no case modifications) and cheap. I was thinking about getting some high quality computer fans and velcro-ing them to the slots above the fins to draw more air out of the case (aesthetics be damned), but they use molex power connectors and I'm not sure it would be all that effective anyway. What do you guys think?
danoroo

Showing 3 responses by zd542

zd542
5,339 posts
 
I bought a small refrigerator, put my amp inside it and cut holes in it for the cables. Once the cables are through the fridge, I pack the holes with insulation that gets held in place with tape. You just have to make sure to plug the refrigerator into a power strip that isolates the outlet. And, of course, put some sound dampening material on the outside of the amp fridge so it doesn't mess up your room acoustics, and cones under the fridge and the amp both.

MOST IMPORTANT: Do not set the temp to low. If you do, you run the risk of water in the air condensing and getting in your amp.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"01-23-15: Swampwalker
Zd- I just tried your suggestion but it didn't work for me. My liquid cables got too cold and froze up ;-) "

You bought fake cables. The only cables that I can think of that have liquid in them are from PAD and the liquid ceramic from Cerious. They both freeze at a much lower temp than water.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"01-23-15: Swampwalker
Zd-the ;-) is a "wink" emoticon, meant to indicate that it was said tongue-in-cheek. Sorry for the confusion. "

So you were kidding? You really didn't freeze your cables because you put your amp in a refrigerator? lol. I bet someone will try it this weekend and report back Monday on how great their system sounds.
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