[jaylevine]

Hi fellow bryston owners...

I have a couple of challenges with a new furniture configuration we're about to adopt. My wife would like to repurpose a very nice custom made credenza and turn it into a media center. Challenges are as follows:

1. Cooling my SST2 4B which will be housed in a closed environment. I'm going to have a cabinet maker cut large holes in the back of the credenza for cable and power cord routing. But the front of the credenza has solid wood doors that we'd like to keep closed. The SST2 4B will be sitting on the left hand side of the credenza with at least 12 inches of space above the top panel, but not sure there will be enough air flow even with all of this headroom. Should I install an AV or computer fan in the back of the cabinet and if yes, do you have any recommendations?

2. My Bryston BP26 pre-amp, BDA-1 and MP2 power supply will be in the right hand side of the credenza. Any suggestions for substitute volume control since I'd rather not have to open the doors to allow for the infra-red sensor to work?

Thanks in advance!

Jay

[srb]

So that you don't have to fuss with a 12VDC computer fan and a separate 12VDC power supply, here is a quiet 120VAC fan with a standard plug ($37) and if you want you can add an optional thermostat ($23).  PQFan

If possible I would drill a few holes in the bottom of the cabinet where the 4BSST2's vertical heatsinks will be located.

The Bryston's don't have IR repeater jacks, but you could purchase an IR repeater system that would have a single small IR receiver sensor that could screw into the bottom of the credenza and be fairly stealthy, although you would have a visible IR transmitter sensor and wire attached to each of the front panels to look at when the doors were open.

The other alternative would be to have a small remote controlled passive volume control sitting on top of the credenza, but a high quality one would likely cost $500 +.

Steve

[drummermitchell]

I have two of these and they are DEAD SILENT,also they have  lots of different styles on their site .

[skunark]

If the gear doesn't have RS-232 support, it's very challenging to make things work behind a close door IMO. --Jim

[mcgsxr]

Not sure it will work for you, but I have seen folks cut out pieces of the door front, and replace with framed in speaker grill cloth.

Gives plenty of breathing, and could be make to look good.

[jaylevine]

We're going to try to cut two 6 inch openings on the upper level and a oblong opening for cables on the lower half of the cabinet (where the SST2 4B will be sitting). Going to install two of the whisper fans recommended above into the upper level (120v). I feel pretty confident that this will produce more than enough air flow to allow the amp to cool properly. There will be well over 12 inches of headroom above the amp and air being drawn in from behind the unit in an upward flow.......

have been looking at cheapo infrared repeaters....anyone have experience with these low-end units from places like Radio Shack, eBay, etc..? I really hate to spend anything more than 50 bucks on this issue since I can always walk across the family room, open the door and simply turn the knob...

[jaylevine]

So that you don't have to fuss with a 12VDC computer fan and a separate 12VDC power supply, here is a quiet 120VAC fan with a standard plug ($37) and if you want you can add an optional thermostat ($23).  PQFan

If possible I would drill a few holes in the bottom of the cabinet where the 4BSST2's vertical heatsinks will be located.

The Bryston's don't have IR repeater jacks, but you could purchase an IR repeater system that would have a single small IR receiver sensor that could screw into the bottom of the credenza and be fairly stealthy, although you would have a visible IR transmitter sensor and wire attached to each of the front panels to look at when the doors were open.

The other alternative would be to have a small remote controlled passive volume control sitting on top of the credenza, but a high quality one would likely cost $500 +.

Steve

This is the unit I'm going to go with...looks solid and the templates will make it easy to install. Not going to bother about the thermostat function--overkill for what I'm looking to accomplish--thanks.

[Elizabeth]

I second the cutting large holes into the bottom of the cabinet for airflow. (Unless the bottom is pretty well sealed all around. (if it is open in the back at the floor , the bottom holes will still help. (A bunch of 2" holes would be great..)
If you  have the right sort of ventilation, you may not need a fan.
The BP-26 and power supply really will be pretty good with minimal ventilation (holes under shelf,  and above back should do OK..
The amp however will need some serious thinking to make it cool fan free, Maybe no shelf under amp chassis.. just rails.. feet fit on. Then big opening to rear behind. So air freely flows from below fins up and the out above amp back...
Computer parts (like 'New Egg') has a device to control fans via temps.. Used for computer cases.. could be used for your amp fan.. i would use one to minimize fan noise..
Even if you use a 120VAC fan, a motor type dimmer could be used to slow it down for that perfect noise/ performance point.

As for remote? some companies make a repeater.. a discrete box sits on top. wire to repeater at infrared eye of equipment

[Laundrew]

Do you have any pictures that you could post? One item I have considered while toying around with enclosed cabinets would be the addition of air filters, it is amazing how much dust can be deposited in cabinets when you are using fans.

Be well...

[jaylevine]

I will post later this week after the cabinet guy does his thing. The credenza is 80" wide, so will form the base for a brand new 60 flat panel tv.