The amp manual recommends 2'-3" of clearance. I'll allow for more for both components. And even though these shelves will be closed in the back and on the ends there will be lots of space around each component. The LS-16 pre amp does have grill on top and bottom so it can draw air up and through. As mentioned, the shelf below both of them will have vent holes.
Cabinet clearance for Audio Acoustics LS16 tube pre-amp?
I am in the process of designing a built in cabinet for my stereo system. The owner's manual for the Proceed HPA2 amp is very clear about clearances for air flow. And even in the summer it almost never feels very hot as it has enormous aluminum heat sinks with completely open airflow from top to bottom.
The owner's manual for the LS-16 does not give any specifics. It says things like "adequate airflow" and that with a closed back cabinet, which mine will be, an exhaust fan is "desirable". That's about all they say. And it runs noticeably hotter than the amp. The top is never too hot to touch by any means but it is warm to the touch. Currently it sits on top of basic component stand and is up on some raised blocks so it gets all the airflow it could possibly need.
I could put it on top of the built-in shelves but I'd prefer not to. I'd also prefer not to have an exhaust fan humming along all the time. But, I don't want to shorten tube life or hurt the unit either.
Any recommendations? Precautions? Prior experience with your set-ups with tube pre-amps?
Thanks,
George
The owner's manual for the LS-16 does not give any specifics. It says things like "adequate airflow" and that with a closed back cabinet, which mine will be, an exhaust fan is "desirable". That's about all they say. And it runs noticeably hotter than the amp. The top is never too hot to touch by any means but it is warm to the touch. Currently it sits on top of basic component stand and is up on some raised blocks so it gets all the airflow it could possibly need.
I could put it on top of the built-in shelves but I'd prefer not to. I'd also prefer not to have an exhaust fan humming along all the time. But, I don't want to shorten tube life or hurt the unit either.
Any recommendations? Precautions? Prior experience with your set-ups with tube pre-amps?
Thanks,
George
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- 25 posts total
All these consoles from the 50’s and 60’s that your granddaddy owned were all tube. Many are still working today with no problem! I doubt an enclosed preamp with its small tubes would be something to worry about! https://www.pinterest.com/retromodradio/vintage-stereo-consoles/ |
donvito All these consoles from the 50’s and 60’s that your granddaddy owned were all tube. Many are still working today with no problem! I doubt an enclosed preamp with its small tubes would be something to worry about!Enclosing a vacuum tube component is not a good idea - even a preamp. Three or four inch clearance above the component is not sufficient, imo. Those old consoles - if you examine them carefully - typically have good accommodation for ventilation. They are not as "enclosed" as they appear at first glance. |
- 25 posts total