space above amp in rack for cooling

As long as the sides are open I don't see any problem -- but if the amp doesn't use a toroidal power transformer, be careful what you put on the shelf above it.

kinda late to be asking, isn't it? stupid post. if you need someone to validate your expenditures, go ask your mommy. she may give you an unconditional ok.

Cornfedboy, i think your the mommies boy. The man asked a question but your obviously not man enough to answer him. Thats the way you make yourself look with you starcastic remarks. Real men don't act in such a manner. Only mommies boy does. HA HA, lets get a little more civil DUDE

Cornfed could have said the same thing but in a much more civilized manner while STILL answering the question. Then again, we all have our moments, don't we : ) As to the question at hand, i would NOT install that amp into that specific rack. Even with open sides, the amp will surely run much hotter than it should. This will effect both sonics and the longevity of the equipment. If it was an amp with very low bias and ran cool, it wouldn't be a problem. As an amp that does run warm, i wouldn't push it. Look for something that has TONS of room above the amp for the heat to rise along with open sides. Besides that, don't forget that lifting the amp off of the shelf via some type of cones or isolation devices will also allow increased airflow under and up around the entire chassis. This allows both higher efficiency for the cooling of the amp and longer lifespan of internal components. Sean >

I keep my amp in a small beer fridge, using four Labatt's Ice cans as lifters for an increased frost-chilling effect!

You may want to consider placing the amp on the floor on an amp stand next to or even behind your rack. Good luck.

thanks to all who responded, luckily the order had not been sent out and i changed to another rack which gave me more flexibility.