Heater vent & Speaker

ruckus1027

Alright guys, I wasn't really sure where to put this question and to me this section seemed the closest, so I hope this is okay.


Anyway I recently moved into a new apt, and they still use the old radiator (I think that's what it's called) vent heaters. It's the type where, I believe, heated water is ran through the system to produce and radiate heat. Anyway, aesthetically speaking and space wise, I have one of my floor standers about 4-5 inches in front of one of these heater vents. With winter right around the corner so I was just wondering if this is okay. I'm in Minnesota so the heat will be going pretty good when winter comes. I did some reading through the archives but couldn't find any previous questions regarding this, so please help me out.

The old house that I lived in a few years ago had these similar vents and I had my bed right next to it. Many nights while I slept I'd have my hand, unconsciously, resting on the vents between the wall and my bed. My arm is/was fine so my gut says it'll be okay, but figured I'd ask you guys. Thanks.


Sorry for the crappy pics:

I know I'll have to take care of the wires running back there when the heat starts to go. Any ideas of possibly insulating them from the heat? For now, the rear speaker wires and the coaxial connection for cable is running under the entire length of the heat vent.

20hz

I dont think the heat is dangerous to your arm but it may be hot to the direct touch so I think the moisture and direct heat WILL damage the bottom of the speakers so I suggest a mini lift stand ( like a 4" table ) the I have seen at home depot precut pices of 3/4" plywood maybe a piece that 12x12" I think they sell "rounds" thats a unfinished round piece of plywood .
They used to sell metal plates for attaching legs to .
I dont think a ton of air hot air comes out but check the bottom of the wood periodically for heat if it gets way to warm make the legs taller .
I also suggest these directional plastic scoop things they use on ceiling vents putting one of those on that vent will direct the warm out towards you not just everywhere .
So be carefull make sure your new setup does not get to hot .
I would route those wires around the vent I think the constant heat flow cant do it any good .
I guess a piece of direct burial speaker wire would be the most resistant to heat moisture etc .
I am sure the forumn readers have plenty of good ideas its a great bunch of folks here !

rpf65

I would probably suggest moving your speakers, and any wood product at least a foot away from those radiators.
With that type of heat all heat transfer takes place in the general vicinity of the radiator, rises, and mixes with the cooler air. The biggest problem is almost no humidity in the immediate area of the radiator. A lot of variable will come into play, but throughout the course of the winter, this could not only start affecting the cabinatry of the speaker, but also the electrical/electronics inside the speaker. My biggest concern would be wire insulation.

cnh

I have a sub that is pretty close to a radiator like that. What I do, just to be safe, is use a pretty thick piece of foam insulation about 2" thick and taller than the radiator and wider than the sub or as wide which I have lodged in front of the radiator there. It effectively prevents heat from radiating to the sub and sends the rest upward where it belongs. Most heat will rise in any case, but those things do get pretty hot if they're hot water baseboard heating!

cnh

ruckus1027

I just wanted to say thank you for all the input guys. I definitely appreciate it. I am contemplating switching the fronts and rears. Basically flipping my set up around, since my rears are on 24" stands. It will be quite a lot of work though lol.

CNH
This idea is interesting. I might consider doing this for a more work-effective solution. Haha this is my laziness at its finest :cheesygrin:.