ATI 1803 on order - enclosed OK or fan install needed?

[jp_over]

Just ordered an ATI 1803 to downsize/simplify my dual amp + Belkin PF60 system. My entertainment center does not have ventilation and the amp will be enclosed; I wonder if I need to install a vent / cooling fan? I've never had a problem with my P2500S amps running even warm but of course these have fans built in.

Any thoughts on the necessity of a fan for the ATI 1803 (it would be a 120mm thermostat controlled fan such as the link below):

Amazon.com: Coolerguys Cabcool1201 Single 120mm Fan Cooling Kit w/thermal control for Cabinet or Home Theaters: Computers & Accessories

 

[KEW]

I cut the back panel out where my Denon receiver sits in my EC. It is open from the base of the receiver to 1" above it (where the next shelf sits). Does the job for me.

ATI has a good safety circuitry. You might work it hard and see what it takes to overheat it - I always like to burn-in/stress-test new electronics, anyway (if something is wrong, I'd rather find it when I'm setting it up, than 3 months down the road).

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

All 4 of my ATI amps run very cool. But none of them are enclosed inside a cabinet.

I would not risk it. Definitely get the fan.

And BTW did you REALLY buy the ATI just to DOWNSIZE and not for any other reasons like wanting a kicka$$ amp from a company that makes amps for, oh, you know, Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Cary Audio, B&K, & Theta Digital?

 

[jp_over]

All 4 of my ATI amps run very cool. But none of them are enclosed inside a cabinet.

I would not risk it. Definitely get the fan.

And BTW did you REALLY buy the ATI just to DOWNSIZE and not for any other reasons like wanting a kicka$$ amp from a company that makes amps for, oh, you know, Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Cary Audio, B&K, & Theta Digital?

Your opinion (and quite a few others) on these amps is what made me even consider giving up my beloved (although beastly) P2500s. Let's just say it's probably 40% wanting fewer components and 60% wanting a sweet new amp! After all, when I get back from this next Afghanistan trip I'll need something to go with my new Supercharnged SongTowers! At least, it's either those or a minivan.

Looks like I'll likely be cutting some nice holes in that Amish entertainment center of mine - somehow, I knew this day would come.

 

[English210]

It won't work in that installation - Just forward it to me at the following address...

You can tell us the real reason you ordered it, not just the 'official' version....unless of course, 'she' reads these forums too..

On one of the websites, I read a recommendation for 2" minimum clearance above and slightly less to the sides, but that sounded risky. Still, it's all the manufacturer suggested. If you install a fan, will it have a (relatively) clear air path? I may be wrong, but it seems pointless to install a fan when there's no air to move.

 

[Irvrobinson]

I would not risk it. Definitely get the fan.

I agree, get the fan. An amp like that idles in the range of 75 watts of power consumption (I'm just guessing; ATI doesn't publish that spec.), and in a small enclosed space there could be considerable heat build-up. Perhaps not enough to trip the protection circuit, but heat ages electronics. The fan is cheap insurance and ensures longevity.

 

[cpp]

If there is a Radio Shack close by, get yourself a couple of computer fans... Simple to install and they come in all sizes. or you can go down to Wally World and get a small clip on fan. Me I would do the custom look and install the computer fans in the cabinet.

Search Result

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

it's either those or a minivan.

Oh, yeah, definitely screw the minivan. Speakers & amps are just way cooler.

 

[jp_over]

Thanks all - good info! I plan on doing the fan install to stay on the side of caution. I've got as much clearance as I'd like above the amp and the fan I'm getting is simply a computer fan with a thermostat trigger. I'll post some pictures of the project once I get my circular drill saw and get all my components in. Part of me hates these projects, but then again, ours is a sickness...

 

[jp_over]

It won't work in that installation - Just forward it to me at the following address...

You can tell us the real reason you ordered it, not just the 'official' version....unless of course, 'she' reads these forums too..

On one of the websites, I read a recommendation for 2" minimum clearance above and slightly less to the sides, but that sounded risky. Still, it's all the manufacturer suggested. If you install a fan, will it have a (relatively) clear air path? I may be wrong, but it seems pointless to install a fan when there's no air to move.

I'll send it right over... just don't hold your breath! I didn't even plan on buying this until next year (when I get back from deployment) but when I saw classic audio parts had the exact model I've been waiting for I just couldn't resist. Yep, even if my p2500s and PF 60 sit on ebay for a year!

I think the fan air path will be good as I've got lots of clearance in and behind the cabinet (I'm going to install the fan to blow "out"). Here's the product:

Coolerguys Cabcool1201 Single 120mm Fan Cooling Kit w/thermal control for Cabinet or Home Theaters
I didn't want to spend this much ($62.00), but I figured the thermostat was worth it by extending the fan life/cutting down on usage. It's also nice if I have to add another fan as I can just wire it in line fo power.

 

[Steve81]

Part of me hates these projects, but then again, ours is a sickness...

If it makes you feel any better, I've made an unholy mess out of my entertainment center over the years. Not too long ago, I broke out the hole saw so I could achieve better cable management. I suspect only a sick individual would spend the time to remove everything from the shelves, cut the holes, vacuum up the mess, and hook everything back up for wires you can't see anyway...

 

[English210]

Steve, I can relate, but my wife has a simple rule regarding wires - they must be invisible to her. I can do almost anything I want as long as she doesn't have to see wires. Hence the Hsu ULS15 I ordered. I'm sceptical about the wireless working well, BUT showing her it had wireless connectivity allowed me to order it - Forgiveness vs. permission, we all know that story, right?

Joe, you know someone had to ask, and I'm the newb, so I got the dirty job... and since you're deployed, want me to break in the amp for ya??

 

[KEW]

When you are installing the fan(s), pay attention to the venting of the ATI.
If the ATI is vented on the bottom and top, you may want to drill some holes in the shelf under the amp so the air is pulled through the amp.

 

[Irvrobinson]

When you are installing the fan(s), pay attention to the venting of the ATI.
If the ATI is vented on the bottom and top, you may want to drill some holes in the shelf under the amp so the air is pulled through the amp.

And make sure you're sucking, not blowing.

 

[jp_over]

Steve, I can relate, but my wife has a simple rule regarding wires - they must be invisible to her. I can do almost anything I want as long as she doesn't have to see wires. Hence the Hsu ULS15 I ordered. I'm sceptical about the wireless working well, BUT showing her it had wireless connectivity allowed me to order it - Forgiveness vs. permission, we all know that story, right?

Joe, you know someone had to ask, and I'm the newb, so I got the dirty job... and since you're deployed, want me to break in the amp for ya??

You are a generous soul Sir, too generous in fact but regretfully I'll have to decline!

Steve, I know just what you mean because the whole thing that sparked this search for a new amp was cables, cables, cables (even though they don't show!)! Now I'll be removing, cleaning, drilling, cleaning, replacing, ah the list goes on.

 

[KEW]

Hence the Hsu ULS15 I ordered. I'm sceptical about the wireless working well, BUT showing her it had wireless connectivity allowed me to order it - Forgiveness vs. permission, we all know that story, right?

My suspicion is that the signal is digital and will be good enough as received by the sub. However, make sure you run the time delay compensation in your pre/receiver. If I understand correctly, the signal is converted to digital, sent to the sub, then reverted to analog. That will cause a slight delay in the signal. Probably not enough to "slap you in the face", but enough that delaying the rest of the speakers to match will sound tighter.

 

[jp_over]

And make sure you're sucking, not blowing.

To be precise, I will emplace the fan for optimal air flow and cooling performance such that it will not "suck" or "blow"

 

[jp_over]

installed!

1st attempt:

Eventual solution (will some day require a cabinet expert to "clean up a bit" and make a similar cut on the other side:

I'll post my impressions and subjective review later today or this evening.

 

[jp_over]

Of note, previous system amps and Belkin PF60:

 

[Irvrobinson]

Nice work.