2. amps-preamps
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Cooling fans for tube amp

Just read a thread from 2005 about rack cooling fans. I'm having a custom built wood cabinet made with casters for my stack that includes an Audio Research D-90 that can get very warm after an hour or so.

Any new recommendations on what fan to use and how to set-up? Most computer fans don't have standard wall plug connectors.

I was thinking about a 4" diameter fan that will plug into my "Switched" power output off the SP-12 pre amp so it goes on auto whenever I power up. Should it "push" or "pull" the air? Mount on the back of the cabinet with a cut-out for airflow?

I may just run a power strip off the pre-amp's switched output to power one to two fans plus the subwoofer so they all only run when I power up the pre-amp and amp.

Also thinking of putting heat resistant tape/insulation on the underside of the wooden shelf directly above the amp.

Sound OK?

Or something better work w/o a major engineering project?
jamesk58
undertow
1,033 posts
 
Ahal1, has it right, thats exactly the one I am talking about.
slaw3
139 posts
 
Parasound makes an audio cooling unit called the Zbreeze you may want to check out, if you're non-DIY (like me).
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAZBREEZE
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Ahall, FWIW on a 110v fan you can probably add a rheostat and reduce the speed of the fan to a point where you will not hear it at all and you will also minimize any vibrations it would transmit (at full speed) into the cabinet. At least these were problems I experienced and that is how I solved them. FWIW.
jamesk58 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks guys. I did check out a RS fan that was recommended by other users and I should be able to install w/o too much effort.

My biggest question that Undertow answered was the push or pull issue and he obviously said to pull the air out of the cabinet instead of pushing it back over the amp.

I could get really involved and install a thermostat so it only comes on when it gets too hot and then shuts off after cooling down, but for now I think I'll just go with the pre-amp switch and let it run when the system is under power regardless.
bmcleod's avatar
bmcleod
57 posts
 
The best option is to get two fans, one pulls air in from the bottom, the second pushes air out through the top - or from side to side, across the equipment. If you are going to get the 110 fans I would consider the rheostat idea to slow them down (noise), or wire them in series which would cut their speed in half.
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