2. amps-preamps
  3. 1380911585

How much heat from a tube amplifier?

I am looking at picking up an integrated tube amplifier, likely the Yaqin MC-30L. It is rated for 50 wpc in ultralinear mode. Whatever one I end up getting it will be a "toy" that isn't always hooked up.

I am trying to figure out the logistics of adding it to my system. If I slide my TV to one edge of my audio cabinet there is just enough room for it to sit on top of the cabinet. The downside is that I really can't leave it there for several reasons included WAF and two small kids (9 months and 27 months old). There is room in the cabinet and the door can be easily removed to provide additional ventilation when it's used, but it appears that there would only be about 6 inches of room between the top of the amp and the cabinet. If I could use it while inside the cabinet (rather than just storing it there) I could leave the speaker cables connected to it and the SACD player connected making it much quicker to setup for use. Is it likely that it will get hot enought to damage the inside of the cabinet?

I understand that all amps are different and there isn't any way for anyone to really know the exact answer, but I'm interest in getting an idea of what you guys think.
mceljo

Showing 4 responses by mceljo

mceljo OP
1,348 posts
 
Thanks. Was you experience with mostly closed cabinets?

Mine is at least 50 open in the back and 95% open in the front assuming the door is removed which takes about the same effort as removing a grill cover. I would have reasonable clearance on the sides as well.
mceljo OP
1,348 posts
 
Donor - I am happy with my solid state receiver and plan to still us it as the primary unit. The purpose of the tube inter grated amplifier is simply to be a secondary source of fun to hook up when I am in a listening mood and have the time to play. It probably won't get hooked up more a than a a few times a year. I just want to play around with a side of audio that I have never really experienced.
mceljo OP
1,348 posts
 
I am looking at the yaqin MC_30L.
mceljo OP
1,348 posts
 
I have not pushed the tube amp yet, but it has run for three hours at a time and got very warm, almost hot, but I am confident the cabinet space is large enough to provide adequate ventilation as long as I remove the door which takes seconds.
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