Receiver Ventilation

[anamorphic96]

Wanted to get some input on receiver ventilation. I helped my friend install his Marantz SR4400 recveiver tonight and wanted to know whether a 1/4" of room above the receiver will be enough space to ventilate heat properly. All other sides are open with no obstructions. The unit does have side ventilation and some ventilation underneath the unit. The unit will probably never get pushed super hard and the speakers are efficient that its driving. The unit never seems to get real hot just slightly warm.

I personally think he will be ok. But just wanted to get your guys opinion.

Thanks,
Glenn

 

[Unregistered]

Generally, no 1/4" is not sufficient, but if you have no choice then just don't run it very hard or get a small external fan to blow air over the top.

 

[Az B]

It's not really a yes or no type of question. Heat buildup will shorten the life of your receiver. Is 1/4" enough? Maybe. But 2" would be better.

I think the fan idea would be worth looking into.

 

[Votrax]

A 1/4" is just too little for sufficient cooling. I think most manufacturers suggest a couple of inches or more in their owners manual for proper ventilation.

 

[nm2285]

The space should be fine since all other sides are open. If he's still worried, get a fan, that's a good idea. As long as the receiver never gets more than a bit warm, it should be ok.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I see this all the time and the bigger issue is air flow around the receiver. If you have it 'open' all around the other sides, but then put it inside a cabinet with a closed door or something then you really don't have anything open and are definitely at risk for blowing the unit out.

But, maybe it is on a very open rack with a good ventilated room and then you could probably lay something across the top of it and it wouldn't hurt the receiver.

Solution: Use it, check it, then decide. It shouldn't be an issue or affect the receiver to run a little warm for a few days if it is an issue. But, after a particularly good movie, check all the openings for heat and see how it is doing.

I don't think a fan blowing through equipment is ever a bad idea really as long as there isn't to much dust with it.

 

[anamorphic96]

Well the receiver definitely became warmer than we would have liked and we have modified the rack and brought the shelf up 4" to give it more breathing room. Now there are no ventilation issues to speak of. Took ten minutes and the use of a drill.

Thanks Fellas,
Glenn

 

[Votrax]

Well the receiver definitely became warmer than we would have liked and we have modified the rack and brought the shelf up 4" to give it more breathing room. Now there are no ventilation issues to speak of. Took ten minutes and the use of a drill.

Thanks Fellas,
Glenn

Good choice.