Hey all,

What do you guys think in relation to whether its better to mount a amp or av receiver at the top or bottom of a audio rack.
Does it make much difference?

I have heard people say bottom mounting is better for stability, but others say it should be on top due to heat etc?

Opinions?

Thanks

So long as it's well ventilated, bottom every time for me.

Thanks for reply.
Why bottom every time?

Stability is the main reason. For A/V receivers I put them on the top assuming of course the ventillation is good. It is the most used piece thats the reason I do it, but this is a personal preference and has nothing to do with right or wrong.

Bottom for sure. For heat and stability.

These days the rcvr/amp is not the hottest item. The cable/sat boxes and some dvd players create way more heat. I like the bottom for receivers as they're usually the largest so stacking creates a better foundation. Plus as a/v installers we have to insist ALL cabinets have some ventillation otherwise everything gets cooked!

i have no valid input except for this...... we only put gear in middle atlantic racks or seperate shelves in custom cabinets....

i put things in order of useage.......amps on bottom, things that customers use, dvd, vcr etc at chest level for customer...ease of use scaler always goes on top.....

we pull cool air in from bottom and vent hot out top....

i've seen 200k worth of very high end equipment melt the cords due to no ventilation..... by a hack in chicago...man was it ugly



ed

Stability might be a factor when you are dealing with a poorly designed rack or stand, but the well designed furniture that we integrate into our projects is specc'd out to allow top mounting of cable boxes, dvr's, amps AND a/v receivers. These devices are rarely touched - even the receivers - most control commands are IR/RF/ or RS232 issued- not via client's hands. Remember heat rises. When dealing with custom cabinetry, they are designed with bottom and top venting and 2 Elan z-fans are spec'd into each proposal. One at the bottom of the rack to pull air into the furniture, and one at the top to push the warm air out. The only reason to put amps on the bottom is stability ( and a bad back).

I am with ceied. Look at function mostly. THings people have to touch infront of there faces or near chest level. Amp or receiver... its all on the remotes and you don't stick media in it. TOp if the ventilation is poor. Bottom to keep the rack from faling on me hwen I am working in front of it in the shop.

Ditto ceied and Springs. If the customer need to touch it (CD, dvd cassette, VCR, turntable) it needs tobe at the most convenient height possible.
AARON BROWN, check out Active Thermal for your cooling needs. Much better stuff than Z fans.

Shoe, I thank you for the Active Thermal tip. I will look into their product line.

Aaron

Yes, like ceied and springs state, Equiptment that needs customer interfacing needs to be at a comfortable height.
ATM makes some great cooling products. Has anybody here tried the new cooling fan from Middle Atlantic?

Hi,
Thanks for replys.
This av receiver runs pretty hot, but will be mounted on an open rack. Customer wants it on bottom. The rack has thick glass shelves, with the closet shelf to the receiver about 2-3 inches away. The shelf gets pretty hot after receiver been on for while, but nothing is to be mounted on this shelf that could suffer damage. I am more concerned about the receiver getting to warm. This model is renowned for running hot, but don't want to cook it or shorten its life. Should I be putting in a fan to blow over the heat sinks in case, or will it be fine on a open rack. How noisey are the fans when used on open racks, as this customer HATES fan noise:)
Thanks

Yes. If it gets hot, you should help it out.


Active Thermal Management product are very quiet, and come with two resistors so you have your choice of speed and therefore noise level. Read on -- I wrote the following before seeing your last post.


It's great stuff. I used to carry surplus fans and rig something up, but with their product, you don't have to go roaming all over the country, compare one surplus fan with another, worry about whether there will be more when you go back: It's one specification, one purchase, one box, mostly clear instructions that are clear after you have done one, and a great, QUIET product! WITH A THERMOSTAT! So, unlike my surplus fans, the stuff doesn't just turn on and off with the receiver.

Hmm, I usually have the receiver at the bottom; most weight to move around, plus who needs ACCESS to a receiver??? The control system does all that.