Heat

Ambient temperature will effect how much heat you amplifier can dissipate. The warmer the ambient temperature the less it will be able to. Airflow will greatly enhance an amplifiers ability to dissipate heat.

I use 12" computer cooling fans on my preamp - on both the power supply unit and the line level unit. I've mounted them in butcher blocks which I have laid flat on top of both the chassis'. The blocks are cut to the same dimensions as the pre-amp chassis' and the fans are orientated to extract air from the pre amp units. Both units are now cool to the touch no matter what the ambient temperature is, where before they were noticeably warm.

I cannot say if it will extend the life of the amp or the tubes, but I'm sure it doesn't hurt. It helps to dampen any chassis vibration and I definitely think the noise floor is a little lower. 

So a fan doesn't hurt anything, this is probably common sense. And this is basically what I told my friend. My thought would be that if the amp had an internal power supply, that this would increase heat inside the unit. My friend has a Rega amp so it doesn't have visible heat sinks. The heat sinks on my amp however probably weigh 40 pounds on each side and my power supply is external. However, my amp is in my attic so I don't play it much in during summer. 

Just remember your removing the heat, not cooling the unit. By cooling the "WAY" it transfers heat, (the heat sink fins) it PULLS the heat out of the enclosure quicker, just like MC said.. By using internal fans and conduction. One is drawing heat out and the other is replacing the air inside the case.. Neither will work when the ambient is HIGH. It can actually work the other way with the heat sinks. They exchange heat, which ever is the lower, outside or inside..

A block of ICE. Fix you right up.. Maybe set the amp on the ice, not the ice on the amp.. :-)

Must be an ugly one to hide in the attic? ay?  I had a girlfriend like that.. I just used a bag when I got drunk, then double bag when I'd sober up..

Boy could she..... Dance.. :-)

Regards

oldhvymec, yeah, the difference between a dog and a fox is about two beers.