Stereo equipment generates heat in an audio cabinet, mainly from the amplifier or receiver, and especially when played at loud volumes because more power is required to drive the speakers. Good ventilation and proper placement of stereo components are the keys to keeping a system from overheating. When cranking music for a prolonged period, such as for a party, setting up a cross-breeze with a portable electric fan can also help keep stereo equipment cool in a cabinet.
Instructions
1. Disconnect and remove all equipment from the audio cabinet.
2. Check the rear of the audio cabinet to determine the type of backing. Some audio cabinets are open-air and have no backing material. Others contain relatively small openings for routing audio/video and power cables. To use high-powered systems or to play music at loud volumes for long periods, you'll need adequate venting in back of the cabinet. Fiberboard is the typical material used to enclose the back of audio cabinets and can be cut easily to create additional airflow.
3. Use the hand saw to enlarge the cord openings in the back of the cabinet to at least five by seven inches, which is roughly the size of a postcard. This will improve air circulation behind the stereo equipment, but is not so large as to be visible from the front of the audio cabinet. The equipment hides the enlarged holes.
4. Arrange the components in the audio cabinet so that the receiver or amplifier has at least 3 inches of unobstructed air space above. Do not place any components directly on top of the amp or receiver.
5. Place CD, DVD and Blu-Ray players, and VCRs on shelves that have at least two inches of clearance above each component.
6. Open the front door or doors of the cabinet while using the equipment to allow air circulation throughout the cabinet.
7. Place a portable electric fan in front of or behind the cabinet and leave the fan running when playing the stereo equipment at loud volumes for more than half an hour.
8. Check the top of the amplifier or receiver about once an hour by placing a hand on the component to ensure it is not uncomfortably hot to touch.
Tags: audio cabinet, loud volumes, stereo equipment, amplifier receiver, audio cabinets, back cabinet, least inches