Drill holes in rack shelf to keep amp cool?

There are several low-noise DC fans which are even quieter when run on less voltage, at the expense of less airflow.

I've experimented with an old CPU fan running off and 9v battery and it works. Don't know for how long, but it spins it fine and produces a very quiet airflow.

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

The amp is an early 90's Sony TA-N80ES. It is open underneath the heat sink. If you want to see a picture of it's insides go to:

http://www.thevintageknob.org/SONY/sonyes/TAN80ES/TAN80ES-MK1.html

I have a picture of my setup on my system page if you want to see it. It is a simple rack that is open on all sides and the back.

I like the idea of a fan but I am not sure where I would put it. There isn't much room on top of the amp or under it. How deep are these fans?

Mark

Looking at the picture of your rack, I'm doubting drilling holes below would make a significant difference. As has been noted, heat rises, and you've already got a lot of breathing room around the amp. Do you have reason to think it is running *too* warm, as opposed to just warm? John

John-

You make a good point. I haven't really cranked the amp yet so I don't know how hot it could get, but for average listening volumes it is only slightly warmer than my surround reciever.

I am probably being a little paranoid. Its just that I have read that these amps do sometimes overheat and I want it to last a long time.

Mark

I replaced my solid wood back panel with an open plastic mesh screen. Even "cool running" stuff builds up heat in the summer.