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Amplifier Orientation?

I've got a pair of ARC VT100 MkIIIs and some space issues. One thing I thought about was welding up a rack to hold them vertically, and stashing them behind my front end equipment, which is sitting on a couple Solidsteel racks. Its not like there is any reason to actually see them... I can't intuitively believe there would be an issue with operating an amp in a different orientation--it might even improve airflow around the amp. Just thought I'd see if anyone had any wisdom on this grand plan before I embark on this scheme...
edesilva
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
I would strongly recommend agfainst it. The VT 100's run hot and need some room to breathe. Stacking them vertically will just heat them up even more. Keep as much room between the bottom of the VT 100 and the shelf as well as keeping them clear on top.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,863 posts
 
Stacking shouldn't be a problem but I would remove the top and (if possible) bottom covers to improve air flow. You could probably disconnect the tiny (and noisy) stock fans and put a bigger (and slower) mother under them -even try locating the fan elsewhere and channeling the air through some 5-inch dryer venting hose(s). Come to think of it, with the covers removed, they might not even need forced air cooling. Give Len' a call and see what he has to say...
newbee
4,817 posts
 
two issues to deal with if you are saying that you want to stand your amps on their ends assumiong that they do not have cooling fans: `1, standing them on their ends could diminish the flow of cool air, i.e. the hot air flow off the lower tubes would be used to "cool" the upper tubes. 2, is the framework of the amp sufficiently strong to support the weight of the downward shearing pull of the transformers? i'd give arc a call before i tried this.
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