Need to vent tube heat?

Magfan, just remember that you should not be blowing air AT the component, especially tubes (for exactly the reasons you pointed out -- creating hot spots, unequal coverage, etc.) **Unless of course there's just no other way (but there usually is ;-)

The best use of component cooling fan(s) is to use them to assist/reinforce the natural convection created by the component without fans. I probably should have mentioned that with regard to the picture I linked above.

Similarly, in a room, or cabinet full of components, it's best to have an exhaust fan/or ducted fan at the top or ceiling, with filtered inlet grills at the bottom, or near the floor. In this situation (whole room/cabinet cooling), there are a number of companies that make purpose-built hardware such as http://www.middleatlantic.com

** The one exception I know is Audio Research, which still mounts fans on the bottom of their amps, which then blow air UP over the tubes. A sort of "forced convection".
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i ran across this kit. I am buying two of these fans and then this kit with thermostat accessory and wall wart. It will keep temp between 81-87.

http://www.noctua.at/pdf/infosheets/noctua_nf_s12b_flx_en.pdf

http://www.coolerguys.com/840556082200.html

Instead of a custom rack, you could use a Salamander Design Archtype rack that is open all around, to let your entire system breath, also making it eaiser to dust. A 5.0 is about 39'' tall 23'' w 16'' d. Has 5 shelves, an can have a stacking kit to add more to it. I keep my tube preamp in it and my tube amp on the side on top of a 2.0 I would not put the amp on the bottom, or all of your components would get heat. On top may work if it is not too heavy, or you don't have a turntable on top. I had a Cary V12R in a 15 x 12 room that ran very hot and used it as a heater in the winter, so it would make a difference on your AC bill. I now have a much cooler running Cary CAD 120s and it'll raise the temp. in the room, but not as much. Keep all of your components cool and as dust free as possible, and enjoy your system. Another thing cool about these racks is that they completely adjustable, so you can have the right amount of clearance for taller components.

Bot -- thanks for the links. It looks like manufacturers are starting to catch up with the needs of the market ;-)

- Neil
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