2. amps-preamps
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Cooling fans for tube amp

Just read a thread from 2005 about rack cooling fans. I'm having a custom built wood cabinet made with casters for my stack that includes an Audio Research D-90 that can get very warm after an hour or so.

Any new recommendations on what fan to use and how to set-up? Most computer fans don't have standard wall plug connectors.

I was thinking about a 4" diameter fan that will plug into my "Switched" power output off the SP-12 pre amp so it goes on auto whenever I power up. Should it "push" or "pull" the air? Mount on the back of the cabinet with a cut-out for airflow?

I may just run a power strip off the pre-amp's switched output to power one to two fans plus the subwoofer so they all only run when I power up the pre-amp and amp.

Also thinking of putting heat resistant tape/insulation on the underside of the wooden shelf directly above the amp.

Sound OK?

Or something better work w/o a major engineering project?
jamesk58

Showing 2 responses by inpepinnovations1e75

inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Forced draft or induced draft, it doesn't matter, the tubes don't know whether the air is being 'pushed' at them or 'pulled' by them. Usually, however, one can get more air flow for the same size fan in a forced air setup, but the difference isn't much nor critical. I see only noise problems using a combination of forced and induced draft and no advantages.

Salut, Bob P.
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Again, induced or forced draft doesn't change the amount of air cooling the tubes nor its quality. Even if the pressure is positive inside the cabinet, dust enters from the room in the air being blown in by the fan, unless one has a filter on the intake of the fan.
At any rate, the tube amplifier should not be placed inside a cabinet and if one must, it should be placed at the highest level so that its heat doesn't affect other components.
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