So I got my first receiver in my life a Denon S530BT from recommendations here on Audioholics. I squeezed it in my shorty entertainment center and realized this thing might need to breathe. Sides and rear are completely open, but I'm thinking 1/2 above might not be enough. It's not gonna work is it.....? I might just have to build shelves in my media room. I know manufacturers recommend at least 4 inches above.
Thoughts?
As others have already posted, leaving your AVR with no breathing room is a situation to be avoided.
You are also correct in that the manufacturers want 4 to 6 inches. They aren't kidding, the thing needs to breathe.
The AC Infinity fans or fan units are a great solution, but, you still have to have more than 1/2 inch.
In the short term, it probably won't hurt you, but in my life, short term turns to long term in a heartbeat.
I'd solve the issue so I could forget about it.
I put mine out where it can breath AND put in a nice AC Infinity fan control unit with fans. Works like a charm. Set it and forget it. Then you can you what you set out to do : enjoy the music !