Enclosed cabinet and cooling options

[Rickster71]

So you do mean I should install a fan directly above the receiver? On the top panel facing down?

Yes, pulling the hot air up and out.
I put felt pads on the fan's four corners and set it above the receiver's warmest spot.

I don't know if this is normal, but I just opened the box of my Marantz 6008 and I don't notice any fans on the receiver. There are vents on both sides and top. Do AVR's not normally have fans?

I had a B&K that had a fan pulling air out through the back. That's the only one I remember.
Most pro amps have fans.

 

[Goliath]

Yes, pulling the hot air up and out.

A question. If the main vent is on the top of the receiver and the fan is blowing downwards directly above the amp, wouldn't I just be recirculating the hot air somewhat?

Just another design I had a look at which is probably safer on the equipment :

With my cabinet design I'll have at least 3-4 cm of space all round the receiver. The middle panel will be off as shown in the pic with the other two doors closed, but can be opened manually. I'll remove those horrible feet and put in casters, so it's seems as if it's floating.

I could keep the back panel, but ensure ventilation and ensure ventilation on the bottom floor of the cabinet as per my original idea. Just another idea in case my enclosed cabinet idea is a bit unrealistic.

I guess I'm getting nervous. The amp isn't cheap and I don't want to shorten its lifespan because I made a stupid decision.

 

[fuzz092888]

A question. If the main vent is on the top of the receiver and the fan is blowing downwards directly above the amp, wouldn't I just be recirculating the hot air somewhat?

No, the fan sits on top of the receiver and pulls the hot air up and away from the components.

With my cabinet design I'll have at least 3-4 cm of space all round the receiver. The middle panel will be off as shown in the pic with the other two doors closed, but can be opened manually. I'll remove those horrible feet and put in casters, so it's seems as if it's floating.

3-4cm isn't enough space. If you read the manual of nearly any receiver it will usually call for a minimum of 1-3 inches on the sides and 3-8 inches on the top in terms of clearance. You can get away with less if you have the fan sitting on top of the component. It's even better if you have a fan on the rear of the stand which then pulls the hot air out the back as well.