[Doublej]

There's a 25° drop with the fan on low when compared to no fan.

What is the temperature of the preamp with the fan blowing when the unit is not sitting on top of the amplifier?

[JMW73]

I commented once but feel compelled to again…. This is much ado about nothing. It’s fine. It’s fine with the fan and it’s fine without the fan. 

Edit to add: I’d probably run the fan just because cooler lasts longer (as long as the tubes are heating up; and they are, and you’re not blowing a bunch of dust through it). Although I’d probably pick up a nice component sized one that blows up but vents out the back. They are pretty inexpensive and would clean up the look dramatically.

[avahifi_lj]

You don't need to worry about the fan making your preamp too cool inside. However, we agree with the people who have suggested that it would be better to increase the spacing between units so additional cooling isn't needed.  Generally keeping things cool helps extend their service life.

Larry

[TSHRED56]

You don't need to worry about the fan making your preamp too cool inside. However, we agree with the people who have suggested that it would be better to increase the spacing between units so additional cooling isn't needed.  Generally keeping things cool helps extend their service life.

Larry

Thanks Larry.
I raised it.
I still like the fan idea though.

[avahifi_lj]

Hi,

I'm not opposed to fans to keep things cool.  One thing to keep in mind is that fans can suck/push in dust, so an occasional internal dust removal is a good idea.  Just make sure you unplug the equipment and let it sit for a considerable amount of time before the internal cleaning!

I have a fan under some devices that pulls air in from the top to keep the device cool.  You would be amazed at how much dust accumulates under the fan after a couple of weeks

Larry

[TSHRED56]

Hi,

I'm not opposed to fans to keep things cool.  One thing to keep in mind is that fans can suck/push in dust, so an occasional internal dust removal is a good idea.  Just make sure you unplug the equipment and let it sit for a considerable amount of time before the internal cleaning!

I have a fan under some devices that pulls air in from the top to keep the device cool.  You would be amazed at how much dust accumulates under the fan after a couple of weeks

Larry

Even though I have a tile floor I don't like the idea of dust.
I'm going to take your advice.

Fan gone

[avahifi_lj]

If you find things run warmer than you like you can always add the fan again.  In my home we recently changed from carpet to hard flooring and I noticed a significant reduction of accumulated dust under the fans keeping my entertainment electronics cool.

Larry

[Jeff_From_Michigan]

This thread has me intrigued, since I own equipment from both AVA and Odyssey and I'm a big fan of both companies.

To the OP: I know - shouldn't assume anything, so please correct me if I am mistaken in thinking that you have both the preamp and integrated amp because the Cyclops only has one input.

Have you had the chance to A/B compare one source component - first into the single Cyclops input (without the preamp in the chain) and then through one of the Van Alstine's inputs with both amps connected?  Curious as to what differences in sound you experienced if you were able to do that test.

[TSHRED56]

This thread has me intrigued, since I own equipment from both AVA and Odyssey and I'm a big fan of both companies.

To the OP: I know - shouldn't assume anything, so please correct me if I am mistaken in thinking that you have both the preamp and integrated amp because the Cyclops only has one input.

Have you had the chance to A/B compare one source component - first into the single Cyclops input (without the preamp in the chain) and then through one of the Van Alstine's inputs with both amps connected?  Curious as to what differences in sound you experienced if you were able to do that test.

Thank you for asking that question.

I did have just the WiiM Pro Plus feeding the Cyclops directly until I added the preamp and didn't know what I was missing.

The overall tone from bass response to mids to highs are so much better now with the preamp. The bass is tighter and the mids and highs are so much smoother and less fatiguing. The soundstage is much more separated with much better detail and clarity.

Again, I didn't realize what I was missing until I added this preamp. I highly recommend it.

[toocool4]

So many people underestimate what a pre-amp does.

[FullRangeMan]

If a pre-amp does not embellish the music I prefer not use it at all.
This is the only thing I wish in a pre-amp, impedance matching not necessary with many modern amps. I have found very few pre-amps that have improved the music.