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Educating Myself About Fan Noise

Until I owned a Dynaco 400 (200 WPC) Vintage Solid State Amp, I don't think I had ever given this issue any thought.

If I unhook the fan, it does get a bit too hot, so I have to plug it back in. I've had some recommendations to try quieter fans, but I am very do-it-yourself averse, and I am very extraneous-noise averse, so I am thinking of simply trying to buy a new two-channel amp.

Putting aside all the other issues we could discuss (what is my system, budget, etc.), I think my interest here is just really to understand a bit better an issue that I'd never really given much thought to. Do many amps, tube or solid state, have this fan noise issue once they get "up there" in power?

I do think I would like good power for this particular speaker setup and am leaning toward solid state. I'm fine buying some less expensive "decent" sounding equipment, but when I read about it I don't know if the owners are putting up with fan noise and not even telling me.

I guess I just would like to narrow down, when I read about some of that equipment, how much of it has this fan noise that it brings with it.

I have a 70 WPC Arcam integrated amp that I use in another purpose, and this allows me to hear some good things (I've never owned a lot of super-duper hi-fi, though my speakers are considered good), even if it's not super-powerful, and it does not have a fan, but rather some modest-sized heat distribution in the back.
joshl

Showing 1 response by shadorne

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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I believe there is a separate fan cooling device for the PS3 that you might try. Low noise also fans exist (cost about $100+). The tendency is for manufacturers to use the cheapest fans possible in audio and computer gear ($20 fans).

I have done DIY upgrades to fans on equipment and managed to get a 20 db noise reduction. A noise factor can be the proximity to a grill - a fan without a fine grill or one with a grill that is one or two inches away will run much quieter. If you place something in a closed cabinet then you can also gain about 10 db in noise reduction but the fan may run more often due to the restricted air flow.

FWIW: The fan on the Panasonic PT-AE4000 projector is an example of a very quiet fan design. I highly recommend this projector. I cannot recommend this projector enough. A giant killer which blows away 10K projector systems from only a couple of years ago. Now is the time to get into projection and screens IMHO - as black levels have finally reached high quality at a reasonable price.
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