2. amps-preamps
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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 2 responses by djones51

djones51
4,947 posts
 
I deleted my post I noticed cleeds already linked to the company that makes the airplates used in av cabinets I was thinking could be used in a false wall. They are flush mount you can  google , airplate, to see the flush mount fans. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
One way to get an idea of how hot it gets is make a box out of scrap wood about the size of the opening you want the preamp to fit in, set it over the preamp and run it for a few hours and see how hot it gets. That's the way I was thinking about the fan. Use a  small flush mount in the back blowing the air  outwards , get one with a thermostat I doubt it would run that often. 
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