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ARC VT-200 Cooling Fan Noisy, nit picking?

I would be the last person to claim that I have the most sensitive hearing but in my well-damped dedicated listening room, the sound of the cooling fan in my amp is noticeable (and distracting at times). I've even set the adjustable speed to the slowest setting and I can still hear it. The amp sits on an amp stand between my speakers about 10' from my listening chair and has plenty of ventilation but anyone familiar with the VT-200 knows that it can put out some serious btu's. Would it significantly affect tube life if I disconnected the cooling fan? Anyone else try replacing the fan with one that runs more quietly? Is this an "Ask Leonard" question?
jc4659
scousepasty
106 posts
 
I suffered the same problem of noisy fans with my ARC 120's & 150's and cured the problem by replacing the Taiwan made original fans with those made by Pabst, Germany. They are widely available in Europe.
I just bought fans covers for my ARC 610T's because I have inquisitive grandchildren and would not like them to touch the hot valves and I noticed the fans fitted are made in China but are very quiet - so far!
mantis007's avatar
mantis007
113 posts
 
Dev & JC - I got the fans from specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=5876&cat=0&page=1- they were about $50 shipped to the USA - I just cut the existing fan wires and soldered the new fan in - they fit perfectly with the existing screws & spacers. I can only hear the fans when I'm about 1 foot away or closer.

Dev: I like the 210's so far but they don't control the bass as good as the Lamm M1.2's BUT they sound more natural. It's tough to compare since the Lamm's are gone...
jc4659 OP
550 posts
 
Thanks Mantis. Mine is on its way.
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