Air Vents on Receivers

[hershon]

Right now, for space and aesthetic reasons, I have my DVD player on top of my Denon Receiver and thus its on top & blocking most of the Denon's air vents. Will this cause any harm to either system in the long run and/or affect performance?

[Eric Z]

I asked my local electronics store technician this same question- he said that there should be at last a 2-3 inch clearance on top of the receiver and a couple inches on each side. He also recommended an open back on the entertainment center- I had to cut the back out of my entertainment center anyway because my Yamaha is so darn big.

He also said one of the biggest things he takes care of repair wise is overheating of audio components.

I've heard of some people even installing small computer fans to help cool their receivers- especially if you run them very hard.

[shokhead]

Never put anything on top of your reciever. Z is right about at least 3 inches. The new denons run abit cooler then the older ones but i've never needed a fan.

[kexodusc]

The more space the better, I wouldn't go any less than 2 inches. You risk damaging both your receiver AND your DVD player...your receiver is essentially cooking the DVD player.

[hershon]

Thanks, I'm somehow going to see if I can get a top TV stand or something that I know Brookstone sells. Problem is all this stuff is on top of my 48" projector TV and there is no space to put it next to the receiver.

The more space the better, I wouldn't go any less than 2 inches. You risk damaging both your receiver AND your DVD player...your receiver is essentially cooking the DVD player.

[paul_pci]

Thanks, I'm somehow going to see if I can get a top TV stand or something that I know Brookstone sells. Problem is all this stuff is on top of my 48" projector TV and there is no space to put it next to the receiver.

Everybody now: "Get an audio rack."

[s dog]

Right now, for space and aesthetic reasons, I have my DVD player on top of my Denon Receiver and thus its on top & blocking most of the Denon's air vents. Will this cause any harm to either system in the long run and/or affect performance?

Audio Advisor has a nice audio rack for $150.00 it has 4 shelves ,this might work for you. www.audioadvisor.com, good luck

[N. Abstentia]

Nah, the heat vents are just there for looks. Cover them up. While you're at it, plug the exaust pipe on your car..it's just for looks also. Plus it will make your car run better!

NO I'm just kidding! Dang...he's already run outside with a rag and a stick. Oh well

I'm just giving you a hard time man, definitely don't put anything on top of your receiver. Definitely get an audio rack!

[hershon]

I'm not disagreeing that airvents aren't there for a purpose & I'm probably going to follow advice here, but has anyone ever really experienced their receiver or DVD player destroyed because the vents were partially blocked?

[shokhead]

Play your reciever for a couple of hours and then put your hand on top of it. That should answer your question. Heat isnt good for most electronic's longer lifespan. Some have builtin fans.

[kfalls]

You didn't say what model receiver you have, but several Denons have fans for disipating the heat, some variable speed. Also most audio equipment, players and receivers, have feet allowing some clearance and air to flow underneath. Unless you're really cranking the receiver producing a lot of heat, or there's no space between the player and the receiver, I don't see a problem for general listening. Any good engineer would design a little extra into the designs to allow for non-ideal situations. I would however, keep the door to the cabinet open. A little common sense would go a long way here. If you can touch the top of the receiver and it's hot, most definitely allow for better air flow, if only warm chances are you can get by in your current configuration.

[newbsterv2]

All I have to say is DON'T set your system up like I have it set up. See picture

Right now, for space and aesthetic reasons, I have my DVD player on top of my Denon Receiver and thus its on top & blocking most of the Denon's air vents. Will this cause any harm to either system in the long run and/or affect performance?

[hershon]

All I have to say is DON'T set your system up like I have it set up. See picture

I have the DVD player exactly above the receiver where you have yours only my receiver is on the top of my 48" TV. The HD DVR is to the left of it and there simply isn't any more room to put everything side by side. What is the object to your left (to the right of your left speaker), Robby the Robot or some Easter Island artifact?

[anamorphic96]

Could you put your DVD player under the DVR ?

[hershon]

Could you put your DVD player under the DVR ?

I don't know if you're being sarcastic but the DVR (which also has vents) weighs a ton and I think the weight would damagew the DVD player.

[anamorphic96]

Sorry it was just a suggestion. I was not aware DVR's weighed that much. Bad idea then.

[MomurdA]

my marantz was running hot, so i went on ebay and some guy was selling fans that he made himself. I probably could have made them, but i ordered them from him. I would have to guess it is at least a 30 degree difference with the fans on there than without.