2. amps-preamps
  3. 177290-3652

How much air does my preamp need?

I have a MAC C2300 preamp that I want to move to the living room. However, in the rack below the television it would only have an inch clearance on the top. Is that enough for a tube preamp? The sides are all open but the shelf above is only an inch above the unit.

wemfan
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,734 posts
 

According to the user manual:

"Allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm)
on each side of the Tube Preamplifier, so that airflow
is not obstructed. Allow 19-1/2 inches (49.53cm) depth
behind the front panel.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

It's hard not to go with the manufacturers recommendation but a preamp doesn't make a lot of heat so I would be OK with an inch on top and open everywhere else. Way more clearance if the back is on the shelf. 

ebm
9,311 posts
 

Not enough room your looking for trouble with that setup.

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