I'm currently using a Sony STR-DE835 receiver and am having some heat issues. The receiver sits in a home theater rack with glass doors on the front. I'm trying to keep the receiver cool in the tight confines of the rack. I've already ripped off the backing from the rack, and lowered the shelf down about as far as my other equipment will allow. Aside from keeping the doors open(the right one swings in front of the TV) do any of you have other options to keep operating temps down?

Hmm, "hot" receivers can be a real problem. I'd actually suggest removing the glass doors from the equipment section -- that would provide the most cooling for your equipment. Unless you want to go installing noise cooling fans...

Place your refrigirator in your Hometheater you can use it as you equipment rack, Then purchase another fridge for your kitchen.

I have exactly the same receiver, and have not noticed any heat issues with it. However, I designed and built the rack it sits in and made sure there was at least 1/2" clearance on ALL SIDES, and no front or back on my rack.

As for adding a fan, I've seen and used some VERY QUIET DC fans in electronics cabinets before. They only work if you can establish good airflow around your equipment though.

As much as KJ seems to be kidding, he's probably close to having the best idea so far. Find the "hot spot" on your amp and put a finned heat sink/fan over it, just like they mount on Computer Processors.

Good luck,

Dave

Hi. I own a Sony STR-DE935 and it runs fairly hot. The dealer said this was normal. I have my tape deck sitting on top (1/2 in. clearance) and no glass doors. Also, about 2 inches clearance on the sides. The receiver gets to the same temperature whether in the cabinet or not. It's the hottest receiver I've ever had, but have had no problems whatsoever.

Yes, most "lower end" receivers run quite warm. My old old Technics practically bubbled the varnish on the bottom of the shelf above it. My current Sony STR-GA8ES doesn't even get warm to the touch after hours of "active" use. I'm looking at the new receiver, and whatever I get's going to have massive heat sinks on it. :-)

Here's a suggestion. I had the same problem with the receiver in my rack. The receiver, if you think of it, is your most heat intensive device because the Amp section is a mini furnace. What I did was buy a small quiet 120VAC fan from Radio Shack. Then I wired it into the switched AC outlet of the receiver. Whenever the receiver is turned on, the fan comes on. The fan generates enough airflow that the temperature in the cabinet is reduced nicely. Give it a try. Total cost $20.

Here is an idea..I had this receiver and never had heat issues. I also did a little custom engineering to my rack. You can go to radio shack and pick up a 5 1/2" dc fan. It will run you about $15. Then find an ac adapter you aren't using. It will have to be about 9-12v/.400amps. attach the fan directly to the ac/dc power adapter, then plug the adapter into the ac outputs on the back of the receiver. Finally, find a place to mount the fan in your rack and mount directionally so that it is removing air from your rack. It's kind of a cool idea, fan kicks right on when the power to the receiver is turned on!!

My Pioneer VSX-07TX gets hot as well. I also got a Radio Shack AC fan (5.5") and plugs right at the back of the receiver. However, the fan is really noisy.

Actually I need to clearify this, the fan itself doesn't produce noise at all (it's extremely quiet). What generates the noise is the air flow. Does it happen to you guys?

I made a circle hole just big enough to put the fan through, it blows air out of the cabinet. I normally close the glass door but the noise level is the same whether I close/open the glass door.

Thanks

For what it is worth I have a Sony EP9ES Dolby Digital Pre-Amp. This thing has NO vents on it and gets so hot you cannot hold your hand on it. It doesn't have any amplification in it at all. The only thing the manual says is that if it starts to act up due to heat move to a more ventilated area. I have 3 Carver Proffessional PM-600 amps hooked up to it and they don't even get warm.

In response to Simon, I mounted my fan so that it removes the air out the back side..The only time I notice any noise is when my glass door is open..Other than that it's pretty quiet.

The February 2000 issue of Home Theater magazine mentions a company called Active Thermal Management in their Coming Attractions section. They make a cooler that you put on top of your receiver. Kind of expensive though. Prices range from $80-120. Company phone number is 858-780-9841