2. amps-preamps
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How hot is too hot?

I run a Creek Classic 5350 SE integrated that gets up to around 105 degrees or so in the cabinet. It's not an ideal cabinet, for sure, but I'm dealing with it as a constraint. Does anyone know how hot is too hot? I know that servers and computer equipment really should not be run that hot if you expect them to last. What about audio amps?

Thanks.
tjnindc
8 responses Add your response
fotis_k
128 posts
 
I have a 50W Linar Class A amp....runs warm. I can keep my hands on the heatsinks all day long. This is my first class a design amp, so I personally have no experience other than a friends Classe class A design amp, wich could fry small animals at 2 feet away!
undertow
1,033 posts
 
105 degrees ? Thats nothing, celcius yes, but I can guarantee the amp would not be working.. I would guess most amps get well into the 110 plus for normal operating temps...
tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
thank you all. that is what i guessed, but it was hard to find the info. that's why we all love the 'gon...
cathode
72 posts
 
105 F is no problem at all. 105 C is a big problem.
extra_action
52 posts
 
55 deg C or 30 above ambient is the rule of thumb for Class A. 100 deg F is nothing to worry about.
chuck
202 posts
 
TJ,

Here is my rating system

normal is to be able to keep your hand on the heatsink as long as you want to.

Warm is when you can only leave your hand on the heatsink for a few seconds before it becomes uncomfortable.

Too hot is when you cannot leave your hand on the heatsink for more than a second.
samuellaudio
91 posts
 
Can you/your handyman install a portable fan? Because many amplifiers have fans, I noticed, unless you don't care about longevity.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
105 degrees is not very hot at all.
You are 98.6 and even over 100 if you have the flu.

Or do you mean 105 celsius which could boil water.?

Class A amplifiers can fry eggs without the proper heat sinks.
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