@daveyf The amount of heat generated by a particular amplifier is predictable to a close approximation based on its current draw. All of the current drawn by an amplifier is either converted to sound, which is subsequently converted to heat, or else it is lost immediately to radiant heat. This is a consequence of the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics. There is a small amount of energy (either as sound or as heat) that escapes the room, so the amount of heat retained in a room is somewhat less than the amount of current the amplifier draws.
This holds regardless of whether you are talking about tube or solid state. It is just the laws of physics. Any energy introduced into the room that is not lost through the walls will be retained in that room and sooner or later be converted to heat.
If you want to solve the problem without relying on AC to remove heat, the best bet (especially if you want class A amps) is to build a system around high efficiency speakers. These usually can be driven by amplifiers that draw relatively little current even though they are class A. The other alternative is to use a Class AB amp, which will draw less current when the music doesn't require it.
As for me, I just put in a really nice quiet two stage AC system in my listening room, which had formerly been so hot I couldn't use my favorite amps during the summer months. My new AC cost 6K, which was a pittance compared to my investment in audio. It is a high efficiency system that will pay for itself easily over its lifetime.
This holds regardless of whether you are talking about tube or solid state. It is just the laws of physics. Any energy introduced into the room that is not lost through the walls will be retained in that room and sooner or later be converted to heat.
If you want to solve the problem without relying on AC to remove heat, the best bet (especially if you want class A amps) is to build a system around high efficiency speakers. These usually can be driven by amplifiers that draw relatively little current even though they are class A. The other alternative is to use a Class AB amp, which will draw less current when the music doesn't require it.
As for me, I just put in a really nice quiet two stage AC system in my listening room, which had formerly been so hot I couldn't use my favorite amps during the summer months. My new AC cost 6K, which was a pittance compared to my investment in audio. It is a high efficiency system that will pay for itself easily over its lifetime.
