2. amps-preamps
  3. 169517-388

How hot does the Ayre EX-8 2.0 Integrated Amplifier get?

I am considering the Ayre EX-8 2.0 integrated amplifier and am concerned how hot the amplifier gets.  The amplifier will be placed in my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet (66"long, amp in middle cabinet), so heat is a concern.   The cabinet front doors will be closed, and the back is completely open (all panels removed).  I know the new 2.0 upgrade added new vents to remove the heat, but I am unclear how hot the unit gets.

There are no channel markings on the back of the amp for the left and right speaker connections and balanced inputs.   As you FACE the unit, is the left side for the left channel connections and the right side for the right channel connections?  

I called my retailer today for answers but they are closed on Mondays so I will call them on Tuesday.  To be honest, I prefer some real-world experience for how hot the unit gets.  I read a review who suggested Ayre’s Myrtle blocks to help cool the bottom of the amplifier.   Any other comments would be appreciated.  Thanks.  


hgeifman
hgeifman OP
2,359 posts
 

@deone

Thanks.  Where did you place the AC Infinity Multifan S4 fan in relationship to your amp (behind it, where exactly, middle?). You are using one fan and not 2 fans, correct?   Do I need to keep the fan on 24/7 or just when my amp is on?   

if I want to use the fan only when the amp is on, I would need to turn it on and off manually, correct?  

hgeifman OP
2,359 posts
 

 

My Ayre Ex-8 2.0 integrated amp is installed and has been breaking in for several weeks. Yes, the amp gets warm, maybe hot, but it is not an issue. My  amp is sitting on Ayre Myrtle wooden blocks that raise it up.  This helps cool the bottom of the amp that gets very hot.  My Salamander cabinet has plenty of ventilation so I have no issues.  

I just started some serious listening to my Ayre amp.  As you know, describing how something sounds is nearly impossible. But to my ears, the music now sounds more natural, without any added “air” or artificial enhancements. There’s a noticeable increase in detail and emotional depth, and it also seems like the noise floor has dropped significantly. I am listening to my albums and the music sounds alive. I am very happy with my Ayre amp.  

My Infigo Audio IS-1 streamer, running Audirvana, connects to my Bricasti M21 DAC that connects to the Ayre amp that connects to my PMC Twenty5.21 speakers. 

 

deone
39 posts
 

I have one fav blowing across the back of the amp since I find that the right-back gets the warmest and I have it on 24/7... The fan is very low noise and very little power consumption so turning it on and off is not worth it to me

More to discover