2. amps-preamps
  3. 1125867730

Small circulating fan to cool amps

I have two tube amps that are on a rack system with wood shelves. Because of the space requirements of all the components on the rack, there is not as much space as I'd like to see between the top of the amps and the under side of the shelve above. Although I have not had any problem to date, I'd like to make sure it stays that way. These amps do throw a fair amount of heat. Has anyone had any experience with a small fan that could be used for ventilation? I looked at Radio Shack and although they had a number of small fans, the smallest and lightest ones were 12v. I'd much prefer to run off wall current, but I don't have alot of space in which to situate the fan. Their non-battery fans were just too big and heavy. Any suggestions?
frankm1

Showing 3 responses by frankm1

frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
Thanks. Unfortunately, both units are just too large and heavy (appears the Sherbourn comes in just one size - the 3 fan unit and is 12v). I saw the same (3") fan at Radio Shack - I've got a pretty limited space - was hoping to some how attach the fan to the uprights on my rack - the fan(s) would need to be pretty light to do so.
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
I'm also thinking that I may have to go with the 12v for lack of an alternative that will fit the my space requirements. I note that one of the postings above refers to using a different outlet. Currently, I have a PS Audio Power Port and I have a PS Audio Power Director plugged into it. My tube amps and other components all plug into the Power Director. If the 12v power supply is plugged into the other outlet on the Power Port, is this going to cause some sort of problem that might interfere with the operation of my other units?
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
Sounds like a good possibility. Note the fans you mentioned are about 3" X 3" X 1". Hopefully I could mount them in the space I have - but I would be close. I might try to find something even a bit smaller. Just to answer a couple of the questions above, I have vintage tube gear-Marantz model 9 amps and a model 7 preamp. There are four EL34s for each amp and they run in a row parallel to the back edge of the shelf on which they sit. Just measured and I have only 3" from the top of the tube cages to the bottom of the shelf above. Presume the wall wart referred to is the 12v 'cube' that plugs into the wall??
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