2. amps-preamps
  3. 140826-115924

Cabinet clearance for Audio Acoustics LS16 tube pre-amp?

I am in the process of designing a built in cabinet for my stereo system. The owner's manual for the Proceed HPA2 amp is very clear about clearances for air flow. And even in the summer it almost never feels very hot as it has enormous aluminum heat sinks with completely open airflow from top to bottom.

The owner's manual for the LS-16 does not give any specifics. It says things like "adequate airflow" and that with a closed back cabinet, which mine will be, an exhaust fan is "desirable". That's about all they say. And it runs noticeably hotter than the amp. The top is never too hot to touch by any means but it is warm to the touch. Currently it sits on top of basic component stand and is up on some raised blocks so it gets all the airflow it could possibly need.

I could put it on top of the built-in shelves but I'd prefer not to. I'd also prefer not to have an exhaust fan humming along all the time. But, I don't want to shorten tube life or hurt the unit either.

Any recommendations? Precautions? Prior experience with your set-ups with tube pre-amps? 

Thanks,

George
n80

Showing 5 responses by cleeds

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,700 posts
 
n80
... Madrigal gives specific numbers in terms of spacing as do some other manufacturers. In that regard I don't see why it is unreasonable to expect that sort of info ...
I think ARC gave you all the information you or anyone would need. It's just that you don't like the advice offered.
... the last thing most of us want in our music rooms is a fan humming along and producing all sorts of noise in the power source.
Producing noise in the power source? That needn't be a problem.
If you'd like a really quiet, effective and inexpensive fan, it's tough to top one of these.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,700 posts
 
n80 
I find it irritating that Audio Research did not give more specifics in regard to placement.
How much information did you expect ARC to provide? From the LS16 user manual:
"In a cabinet or rack-mount installation which has an enclosed back, an exhaust fan is desirable ..."
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cleeds
5,700 posts
 
donvito
All these consoles from the 50’s and 60’s that your granddaddy owned were all tube. Many are still working today with no problem! I doubt an enclosed preamp with its small tubes would be something to worry about!
Enclosing a vacuum tube component is not a good idea - even a preamp. Three or four inch clearance above the component is not sufficient, imo. Those old consoles - if you examine them carefully - typically have good accommodation for ventilation. They are not as "enclosed" as they appear at first glance.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,700 posts
 
n80
And for the record I've gotten conflicting advice here. Right?
Quite so. Some of it was consistent with the maunufacturer's recommendation. Some was not.  Who do you trust?
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cleeds
5,700 posts
 
n80
I checked out the link to the fans cleeds provided. Interesting. They do make a front exhaust model which would be the only one that would work for me ...
Same here, except I use the rear-exhaust version.
Sound level is reported as 24 dB.
My listening chair is about 14 feet from the AC Infinity unit and I never hear it.
While I’m not a major audio tweaker I do wonder what folks with power conditioners and Noise Harvesters in all their outlets would say about putting an electric motor physically on top of their pre-amp? Maybe no issues at all.
I have no issues with noise from the AC Infinity unit. I do plug it into a separate outlet, along with things like the Littllite that I use over the turntable. All my other equipment goes into a power conditioner.

I’m not sure why you consider the information I’ve offered here “petulant” but I’m providing it anyway for the possible benefit to others.

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