Audio Research Ref 3 : heat and top space needed?

There isnt alot of heat from top, its warm but not hot on my dad's Ref3.

That's too much money invested to even mess around or to cut corners. Make sure you've got at least 3 inches clearance on the top as recommended. It heats up pretty good.

The REF 3 generates a lot of heat of its top.
Space to the upper shelf depends on the temperature level you have regularly in the room, shelf material and kind of equipment ( tubes or SS ) you have on the upper shelf . 2" space to the upper shelf may not be good enough.

Thanks again for all the help.

you can buy a little fan to cool it off for about 30 dollars. Cheaper than a new rack...