Component stacking:heat issues?

[Joe Schmoe]

I currently have my Carver integrated amp stacked on top of my Onkyo CD changer (on the floor, no rack.) I just won a Carver CD player on ebay. It is too shallow for the amp to fit above it, so it will have to go on top. Is this likely to create heat issues? If spacers are required, how thick do they have to be?

 

[Polygon]

No question, I wouldn't set anything directly on top of it. I'd give it at least 2-3 inches for ventilation.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I was afraid of that. I will have to find something to use as spacers.

 

[Johnd]

The only way it would cause a problem is if the cd player runs hot (because you are in no way decreasing the ventilation about the bottom of your receiver by simply placing it on top of a player). The only items that I've ever owned that run hot are amplifiers, receivers and subs. If your cd player runs hot, that's a new one to me.

 

[j_garcia]

The only way it would cause a problem is if the cd player runs hot (because you are in no way decreasing the ventilation about the bottom of your receiver by simply placing it on top of a player). The only items that I've ever owned that run hot are amplifiers, receivers and subs. If your cd player runs hot, that's a new one to me.

The problem isn't going to be with the CD player, it is going to be with the amp not having sufficient ventilation.

 

[Johnd]

The problem isn't going to be with the CD player, it is going to be with the amp not having sufficient ventilation.

Yeah. I understand that j...that's what I wrote in my post.

So how is there any less clearance under an amp when the feet are placed on top of a player vs. a shelf? Unless I'm misreading Schmoe's post, that's my interpretation. I did not read his post as the amp would be placed directly on a thick piled rug...I'm sure he knows better than that.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I was afraid of that. I will have to find something to use as spacers.

Joe, you must get yourself a nice glass audio rack!

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The problem isn't going to be with the CD player, it is going to be with the amp not having sufficient ventilation.

Correct. The new CD player will have to be on top of the amp (opposite how I have it set up now.) I have various metal feet and such in the closet (years of this hobby), so I am sure I can find something that will work.

 

[Johnd]

Correct. The new CD player will have to be on top of the amp (opposite how I have it set up now.) I have various metal feet and such in the closet (years of this hobby), so I am sure I can find something that will work.

Oh. Well that's not what I read in your op. I've always kept a minimum 4" clearance above my amps and receivers. That's where all the heat is dissipated from...the top.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Joe, you must get yourself a nice glass audio rack!

I used to have a (wood) rack and got rid of it. I like a minimal look. A rack exactly as big as I need and no more would be fine, but they are all bigger.

 

[B3Nut]

One quick & dirty way I've seen to put space between components when shelves aren't available is hockey pucks, stacked 1, 2, or 3 pucks deep at each corner depending. I've been thinking of doing this myself, I have my CD player atop my Luxman power amp and it's held at a decent height by stacked cassette tapes... (!)

(I really, really need new audio furniture...)

 

[Johnd]

One quick & dirty way I've seen to put space between components when shelves aren't available is hockey pucks, stacked 1, 2, or 3 pucks deep at each corner depending. I've been thinking of doing this myself, I have my CD player atop my Luxman power amp and it's held at a decent height by stacked cassette tapes... (!)

(I really, really need new audio furniture...)

Haaa! Let me guess B3Nut...you're from Canada!

 

[j_garcia]

I'm not from Canada and I have hockey pucks I don't use them to separate gear, but I've seen it done and it works

 

[Soundman]

I think it depends on the design of the amp. It's not just a heat issue, it's a stability and weight issue as well. I would not put my current amp on top of anything. I'm not sure how much your carver weighs, but most amps are pretty heavy (mine weighs 63lbs) and I wouldn't want something that weighs that much, placed on my CD player.

 

[CraigA]

Here is one possible solution. If this wouldn't work, you can check out other options from ATM.

Click here.

 

[TLS Guy]

A well installed neat installation pays dividends, in reliability, safety and equipment longevity. It also is more pleasurable to use and enjoy.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I think it depends on the design of the amp. It's not just a heat issue, it's a stability and weight issue as well. I would not put my current amp on top of anything. I'm not sure how much your carver weighs, but most amps are pretty heavy (mine weighs 63lbs) and I wouldn't want something that weighs that much, placed on my CD player.

As I said, when I get the new CDP, it will go on top. Meanwhile, my amp has been on top of my current CD changer for some time with no ill effects (weighs around 25 lb.) If anything, it improves the sound by making the CDP very stable.

 

[jsham]

component stacking

I was having the same problem while setting up my system. I went to Staples and bought a monitor stand. It give me 4" between the components and I will put the hotter one on the top. I don't know why there is not one available in the home theater departments.

 

[Alex2507]

I found a store selling 13/16 deep well sockets for $0.29 a piece and bought 6 of them to temporarily put my center channel on top of my receiver. I stuck some felt pads from Home Depot to both sides of the socket to avoid all possibilities of scratching. Nice shiny chrome. My friends laugh and then say it looks good. Gotta be cheaper than hockey pucks.

The worst part is getting the glue from the price tag off.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

As it turns out, I bought both a new CD player and a new integrated amp. As they are the same size, I was able to put the amp on top. This eliminates the heat issue and adds stability to the CDP in the bargain.