[robinje]

I have my Ultra 550 power amp installed in a Sanus rack that is open on all four sides.  The shelves are held together by corner "pillars".  Right now, I have the "large" size pillars separating the shelves between which my amp resides.  There is about a 5-6 inch gap above the amp.  Due to more components being added to the system (Minimax phono stage), I am going to need to use the "medium" size pillars for the amp shelf, which will leave about 1-2 inches between the top of the power amp chassis and the shelf above it.  Is this okay, given that the power amp tends to generate a fair amount of heat?  My initial thought is that it will be fine, being that the rack is so open and that the bulk of the heat seems to migrate effectively to the rear heat sinks.  I just thought some reassuring (or otherwise) feedback would help in my decision.  Thanks!

By the way, my Ultra 550 and Ultra SL preamp are superb!  Very well done, Frank...

[MarkM]

If you don't mind, what did the Ultra 550 replace?

[robinje]

The Ultra 550 and Ultra SL replaced (most recently) a Simaudio Moon i-5 integrated amp driving Vandersteen 2Ce Signature speakers.  Before that, I had some older Audio Research tube separates.  Needless to say, the improvement is dramatic and is by far the best I have heard with both vinyl and CD sources in my system.  As far as preamp and amp are concerned, I am staying put with the AVA gear for the forseeable future. 

[TomW16]

I have a 350 EXR and it sits in a cabinet with approximately 1-2 inches above and approximately 3 inches to the sides with no overheating issues.  You should be fine with a completely open shelf.

Tom

[rockadanny]

I've asked Frank about heat and my Ultra 550 in a cabinet, open only at the front and back. He stated they've never had an issue with heat causing a problem and didn't think I would either. Still, for caution I've ordered a few things from this company and have had great success in keeping gear (all tubes) cooler (relatively) in my cabinet. This is an item you may wish to consider:

http://www.activethermal.com/Cool-It_II.htm 

Seems expensive, but the fans are extremely quiet and efficient. I tried to DIY a few alternatives but could not get the same quality of fans as used in these products. I say expensive, but not when you consider how much your gear costs. Good luck! 

[zybar]

I've asked Frank about heat and my Ultra 550 in a cabinet, open only at the front and back. He stated they've never had an issue with heat causing a problem and didn't think I would either. Still, for caution I've ordered a few things from this company and have had great success in keeping gear (all tubes) cooler (relatively) in my cabinet. This is an item you may wish to consider:

http://www.activethermal.com/Cool-It_II.htm 

Seems expensive, but the fans are extremely quiet and efficient. I tried to DIY a few alternatives but could not get the same quality of fans as used in these products. I say expensive, but not when you consider how much your gear costs. Good luck! 

What does it actually cost?  The website doesn't have any prices.

George

[avahifi]

Prices first:   http://www.avahifi.com/root/ordering_info/price.htm

Heat:  I am using an identical Sonus rack system in my main AV home system and the Ultra 550 amp is in the "medium" size shelf height there (shelf about 1-2 inches above it) with no problems at all.

Enjoy.

Frank Van Alstine

[zybar]

Prices first:   http://www.avahifi.com/root/ordering_info/price.htm

Heat:  I am using an identical Sonus rack system in my main AV home system and the Ultra 550 amp is in the "medium" size shelf height there (shelf about 1-2 inches above it) with no problems at all.

Enjoy.

Frank Van Alstine

Frank,

I was asking for prices on this:

http://www.activethermal.com/Cool-It_II.htm 

Not on your products.

George

[rockadanny]

Oh, yeah. Prices. I e-mailed them for a list, but have misplaced it. Sorry. I think this item was around $125?? Maybe?

[ryno]

Looks like parts express has a few cooling units now. I don't know how quiet the fans are.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=305-210
Ryan