keepin your receiver cool

slowpolky
slowpolky Posts: 714
edited June 2009 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
i would like some info on the various types and costs of cooling fans for a receiver, what fans are better than others and why? also why does a receiver sutch as the onkyo's run hot in the first place, are they so powerfull? or do they use cheap components whilst manufactored. your input is deeply valued friends
Post edited by slowpolky on
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  • ahardy17
    ahardy17 Posts: 84
    edited May 2009
    i JUST placed a basic computer fan on top of my yamaha to keep it cool while playing loud. but it's a loud fan and it might have to go. you can probbably find a good quiest computer fan and find a 12V power supply for it
    In-Car:
    Head Unit: Sony MEX-1GP
    Door speakers: Infinity Kappa 680.9cs
    Rear speakers: Polk db690
    Subwoofers: Memphis Audio 15-M3124
    Amps: Pioneer GM5300T, Kenwood KAC 6020, Memphis Audio MCD1.1100

    In-Home:
    Harmon/Kardon AVR 230
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    Yamaha RX-V995
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  • ahardy17
    ahardy17 Posts: 84
    edited May 2009
    try newegg.com
    In-Car:
    Head Unit: Sony MEX-1GP
    Door speakers: Infinity Kappa 680.9cs
    Rear speakers: Polk db690
    Subwoofers: Memphis Audio 15-M3124
    Amps: Pioneer GM5300T, Kenwood KAC 6020, Memphis Audio MCD1.1100

    In-Home:
    Harmon/Kardon AVR 230
    Harmon/Kardon DVD 101
    Yamaha RX-V995
    Bose 161
    Bose 901
    Polk FXi30
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  • seeclear
    seeclear Posts: 1,242
    edited May 2009
    slowpolky wrote: »
    also why does a receiver sutch as the onkyo's run hot in the first place,

    I think the onkyo's run hot because of the chip that does the audio processing. When I run mine in just stereo mode, it is cool as a cucumber. I can't say if the chip is cheap and would be cooler if it was better quality, but I think the chip is the culprit, unless you are really running at reference levels. FWIW
    "Don't forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason."
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited May 2009
    Be aware that newer silver-faced HK receivers are prone to failure because of this exact thing - they require extra cooling on the main processor. Some guys I know are using dual-fans on their receivers.
    By the way, use the rheostat (variable resistor) to slow down your fan and make it more quiet, or use a quiet fan like Panaflo Lo.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
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    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2009
    They make small mag-lev fans if you are really worried about the sound, or just run a variable PC fan at a lower voltage to help keep the noise down; that has worked well for me in the past. Another option is, I installed a thermostat on my Carver amp so that the fan only turns on when the unit gets warm enough. In normal use, the fan kicks on about every ten minutes for about a minute or two.
    Jake
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  • ward91
    ward91 Posts: 338
    edited May 2009
    i installed a mains fan into an old sherwood amp i use for house partys :-) , it does the trick but its mega loud.
    before that i just placed a large pc fan with low rpm's on top , that was still a little loud, i can remember reading a manual for something once, it said that if the unit got hot you should point a fan at it :-) , seems logical for the short run.
    ELECTRONICS
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  • slowpolky
    slowpolky Posts: 714
    edited May 2009
    short run is cool ,lol, but i only use it for movies hooked up to my pj, so its gota be super quiet ,my 607 is black ,even though the wife wanted a shiney silver 1 lol, imagine how that would work for darkroom movie going right under the screen so thank goodness i never got silver. It baffles me why only the silver would overheat? but i do know that after 2 hours sandwiched in the marantz 7001 cab that this things ready for eggs and bacon
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    The 600s, in particular, make good space heaters! Best have them in an A/C room in the summer. I don't use a fan on mine I just keep it on the top shelf WITH NOTHING but 6-7 feet of air above it and NOTHING on either side. It still heats up but It's never failed or shut-down..and it's been running for almost 2 years!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • slowpolky
    slowpolky Posts: 714
    edited May 2009
    i left it powerd on last night and it was way hot today when i got home, even though there was nothing gettin passed through it, it makes me anxious that i may be shortening the life span
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    I know people who've had Onkyos for several years...all of them heat up like mine, yours...I wouldn't worry too much but a fan can't hurt. That heat builds up mostly over the video section...why? I'm not sure....there are some comments above....but I find my 605 can heat up in even 2 channel so I doubt it's the processing.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2009
    Make an adapter for a variable(thermistor)120mm puter fan to run off the 12v trigger? Just make sure the fan doesn't exceed the amp rating on the trigger.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    That's a very good idea Ben! But I don't think the newer units have the 12v...you have to be in the 700 series or higher. Some older 600s had a switch/electrical input that could be used to about 100 watts or so! But I don't think the 607 slowpolky has does. Every year Onkyo gives you something more and TAKES something AWAY in their mid-line. Who wouldn't want electrical outlets in the back of their receiver...my Denon has 2 and a 12v Trigger, and 8 pre-outs?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2009
    I think this was talked about before, but is it better to pull hot air out of the unit or blow cool air into the unit?:confused:
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • slowpolky
    slowpolky Posts: 714
    edited May 2009
    intresting concept knucklhead, how would one suck it out ?
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  • GreggC
    GreggC Posts: 23
    edited May 2009
    slowpolky wrote: »
    intresting concept knucklhead, how would one suck it out ?

    I think he was asking if is is better to blow cooler air into/around the unit or set it up as an exhaust for the area or the unit.
    I think this is a fair question.
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  • slowpolky
    slowpolky Posts: 714
    edited June 2009
    guys my brand new marantz equip cab has started melting and i just bought it, the vynil on the front face is bubbling up from the parti board
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited June 2009
    slowpolky wrote: »
    intresting concept knucklhead, how would one suck it out ?

    Dont burn your lips my friend!:p
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2009
    I just put sunglasses on mine.
    Sharp Elite 70
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    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
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    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited June 2009
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I just put sunglasses on mine.

    it appears from your sig, your equip is already pretty cool!;)
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited June 2009
    I run mine in the fridge next to the milk.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2009
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    it appears from your sig, your equip is already pretty cool!;)

    Thanks! :D
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,789
    edited June 2009
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I just put sunglasses on mine.

    Nailed it!
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  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited June 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I run mine in the fridge next to the milk.

    lol.....you too ;)
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
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    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
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  • rallyshark
    rallyshark Posts: 417
    edited June 2009
    Knucklehead wrote: »
    I think this was talked about before, but is it better to pull hot air out of the unit or blow cool air into the unit?:confused:

    I'm definitely no expert, but here's my 2cents. It would seem to me that the fan would work best mounted on top pulling air instead of blowing air on the receiver. All of the heat rises, so if it is on top wouldn't it be pulling the hot air out while pulling cooler air from the sides and back? Makes sense to me, but so do crazy people:D
    Sony 40" LCD
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    edited June 2009
    I bought a comp. fan to remove hot air from the cabinet where I have my Pioneer receiver and PS3. What do I need to make it work with the 12v trigger?
    I try rigging it up, but the receiver gave me a 12v trigger error message. Do I need some kind of resistor?
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited June 2009
    Why not attach a more efficient heatsink with some artic silver? That would do better than any fan, or much better with a fan.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,059
    edited June 2009
    rallyshark wrote: »
    I'm definitely no expert, but here's my 2cents. It would seem to me that the fan would work best mounted on top pulling air instead of blowing air on the receiver. All of the heat rises, so if it is on top wouldn't it be pulling the hot air out while pulling cooler air from the sides and back? Makes sense to me, but so do crazy people:D


    I thought the same thing, but tested both ways with a simple blower type fan. I think you will only see a benefit by drawing the hot air out of the cabinet is if the cabinet is completely enclosed. My cabinet has the back mostly open and a glass door (which since I have taken off) and trying to pull the hot air out did nothing. I then reversed the fan to blow the hot air off / out of the front of the cabinset, and that worked better. Here is a good site with information and products on several ways to do it:

    http://www.coolcomponents.com/
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    edited June 2009
    Thais for the link.... I opened the back of the cabinet, but I want to move the air in it, mainly blow it out.
    HT:
    Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.

    Living Room:
    Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7
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  • jojomgee
    jojomgee Posts: 198
    edited June 2009
    Great thread, I'm always scared the soddering is gonna melt in my avr
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