Gear Placement (good or bad)

tophatjohnny

Changing where I am putting my pre and the Stream Magic 6 (stacked and in the middle) and planning on placing the amp on top. Is this okay?? I just though the pre and SM6 on top looked too busy and in the middle it looks clean, (not so cluttered). Anyone???

Mystery

I have an equalizer over my pre but amp is all by itself to give cooling room.
Equalizer, pre and other components hardly ever heat so it's okay to stack them.

mhardy6647

heat rises -- so better to have the power amplifier on top of a stack (as opposed to underneath other stuff). As much ventilation as possible around it (all sides), "for best results". Usually the minimum clearances around the heat-generating components are given in the owners' manuals.

soundfreak1

As mentioned above stacking is not the best idea. NEVER AMPS! I stack a power conditioner on on cdp ( figure the weight might be an advantage to any vibrations ???) DAC on pre (just for convenience ), but thats it. Also I use isolaters ( 1 inch tall) between the stacked equipment just for space and air flow, even though no heat issues. But never amps!!!

tonyb

Any piece that vents threw the top is a no-no to stack on top of. Any class A piece will need more than normal room to vent also. Not rocket science here guys, if it produces heat, give it room to breath.

cnh

I would worry about the amp as it will produce the most heat.

Second, I would not stack a 50lbs+ amp (a heavy piece, that is) on a weakly braced item below it like a 10-20lbs CDP, etc.

I've also caused CDPs to malfunction by stacking them on an amp! Not a good idea. But I've NEVER had any problems with a real Pre-amp over a power amp with some clearance (even minimal).

cnh

Mystery

Looks fine. Where was the pre before?

tophatjohnny

Mystery wrote: »

Looks fine. Where was the pre before?

I just got the pre last week. The Onkyo I used as a pre (May she RIP) was sitting over on my dresser next to the tv and the SM6 was on the top of that little stand and the amp was in the middle enclosure. Now I plan to have my amp on the top of the stand. Just making double sure this is okay as I am putting this together Friday! Thanks

tophatjohnny

mhardy6647 wrote: »

heat rises -- so better to have the power amplifier on top of a stack (as opposed to underneath other stuff). As much ventilation as possible around it (all sides), "for best results". Usually the minimum clearances around the heat-generating components are given in the owners' manuals.

thanks and that's what I was asking. Peter (PBN Audio) never did send a owners manual?? not that I'd understand it anyway!! lol

gudnoyez

I don't stack anything that produces heat on top of another but that's just me and my ocd.

mhardy6647

cnh wrote: »

...
Second, I would not stack a 50lbs+ amp (a heavy piece, that is) on a weakly braced item below it like a 10-20lbs CDP, etc.

I've also caused CDPs to malfunction by stacking them on an amp! Not a good idea. But I've NEVER had any problems with a real Pre-amp over a power amp with some clearance (even minimal).

cnh

That's a good point! (and I, too, have had CDPs go wonky if any weight was applied to the top; the rather flimsy top panel sags and - methinks - interferes with the transport from above...)

tophatjohnny

The picture posted is of how I have the pre amp with the steam magic stacked on top. The top is not vented and I now know that those 2 pieces are A okay where they are. I was thinking that the area where the pre and SM6 are may be too tight, so after reading a few answers I am feeling comfortable placing the amp on top of the table and letting it really breathe. I have been playing the pre and stream M6 with headphones and neither crack a sweat..not even warm?? Thanks for the reply's!