XPR amplifier temperature questions

[boomzilla]

My XPR-2 amp generates significant heat when idling. Is this normal? I have the amp on an open Sanus Euro rack with the next rack shelf at least two inches from the top plate of the R. The amp isn't too hot to touch or anything, but its top plate is noticeably warm, bordering on hot. The heat is not increasing - the temperature is stable as long as the amp remains on. Will I impact the longevity of the amplifier by leaving it on continuously? Is this amount of heat typical of the R series? Is the two-inch top clearance sufficient for proper ventilation?

Thanks - Boomzilla

[audiobill]

Boom, I quiver when I see the minimal clearances some forum members have, even stacking amps.

i think 4 to 6 inches is minimal.........

[boomzilla]

If the amp were in an enclosed cabinet, then I'd agree with the four to six inch suggestion. This amp, however, is on an open shelf with fresh air entry available front, rear, and both sides. There are no obstructions in the two-inch air space above the amp and convective cooling is unimpeded.

The shelf models I bought (Sanus Euro) are currently using the "extended height" 12-inch risers. Sanus does make an 18" riser, but I'm doubting that it will help if the convection isn't significantly restricted by the existing risers.

So my question is: For those of you who own XPR series amplifiers and leave them on, what temperatures do you see directly on top of the amp after an extended period of idling? If my temperature (which I'll measure) is the same as yours, then the amount of heat my amp generates is normal and I need not worry. If your amps run cooler than mine, though, then it's time to take audiobill's suggestion & add some more space above the amp.

Thanks - Boomzilla

[Deleted]

My XPR-1 mono blocks run a bit warmer than my former XPA-1 amps. I am running a dedicated 20 amp line to each of the XPRs. Like you I have them in an open set up (e.g., nothing on top of them with plenty of space and air)

[dally]

I don't own an XPR amp, but I have read most of the threads concerning them. The XPR-1 and 2 run significantly hotter than the 5. I believe Emotiva said both the one and two have around 10 watts class A bias. I've read other post's by members that say the XPR-2 runs pretty warm. I don't think you have anything to worry about, as long as you have adequate ventilation.

[tchaik]

lonnie told me at the emofest that they have the bias setting higher on the xpr-2 than they do on the xpa-2.

so some xtra heat is expected.

tchaik.........

[Deleted]

My xpr-2 runs wam enough that if one my children was to touch the top it might burn them, me however not so much. It seems to run at the same temp whether I'm pushing it or its idling. I took and put a laptop cooler on top to try and pull a little more air over the heat sinks and to my touch I think it cools a little better. In all my reading and questioning I've come to the conclusion that the xpr-2 is warmest running of the r series amplifiers, it seems to be consensus that they run at the temperature you've described.
And by the way I really enjoyed reading your review of the xpr-2.

[sagasa]

Mv Xpr-2 also run warm i stack a C-12 cooling fan on top which turns on on a certain temp.

[boomzilla]

Hi fattykidd, tchaik, dally, rather, & sagasa -

That's what I wanted to know. I'm still going to measure the temp, but I don't think it's dangerous. This does bring up the question of whether the XPR-2 should be left on all the time whether in use or not. Any recommendations?

[sagasa]

I dont leave mine on after use. Better check the Emotiva tech person.

[boomzilla]

Using a dial-type oven thermometer, the top of the amp shows 135 degrees F when at idle. Is this common?

[LCSeminole]

My XPR-2 is definitely runs a bit warmer than my XPR-5. I'm one of those that believes in drawing out the warm air with a fan system so now my XPR-2 is pretty much room temperature to the touch. The warmth may be normal, but this gives me peace of mind.

[boomzilla]

You just put a fan plate under or over the amp?

[novisnick]

Boom,now you see what I kept hammering on. XPR s need a lot of breathing room and air flow would not hurt.
This is why I started a thread about rebadging the C-12 Sherbourn fan. It's a great product conceived for the R series amps.

Without these on top you will need breathing room for the space heater.
Love my amps just have to keep them cool as the Jazz

Peace,

Nick

[boomzilla]

It would seem that if fan cooling were added, initially the temperatures would decrease, but over time, more (far more) dust would accumulate inside the amp. After that, even if the fans still blow, the "insulating jacket" of dust over the components would prevent adequate cooling. This process is exacerbated by households where cigarette smoke (with its attendant tar) and pet hair/dander are also present. Does anyone use FILTERS on their fans? If so, conventional or HEPA? Does anyone periodically disassemble and clean the inside of your amp? How often? Using what cleaners?

All the "cooling pads" that I see offered seem made for laptops. They are too small & too flimsy to handle the 100# weight of an XPR-2 amp. Does anyone make a 1/4" thick "air distribution grid" that can be placed under the amp & fed by a remote fan (think of a foosh-ball table with bigger holes)? Does anyone make an inlet filter box with HEPA filters for small fans?

And before I go to ANY of this trouble, is my 135 degrees Fahrenheit typical or not? If so, then I'm not too worried about it. If my XPR-2 is running hotter than average, then it's time to make some changes.

[novisnick]

Call Emo Monday to find propped operating temp and please post to the forum, also ask if they will bring back the C-12 cooling fan, and yes it has filters but not HEPA. I'm sure they could be made. Thanks for the idea!

Nick

[Andrew Robinson]

Dec 22, 2013 16:22:14 GMT -5 novisnick said:

"...also ask if they will bring back the C-12 cooling fan,..."

Nick

Internally we're all big fans of the C-12 cooling fan and I know it's a product that we'd like to see return. This doesn't mean that it will or that I have a date for its re-release, but the C-12 is a product that is still being discussed. 

[boomzilla]

Well, count me as a potential customer & thanks for the update.

By the bye, Andrew, you don't happen to know what the passive cooling temperature is at the top of YOUR amps, do you?

[boomzilla]

Dec 22, 2013 16:22:14 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Call Emo Monday to find propped operating temp and please post to the forum, also ask if they will bring back the C-12 cooling fan, and yes it has filters but not HEPA. I'm sure they could be made. Thanks for the idea! Nick

HEPA filters (high-efficiency particle accumulating) are typically used in industrial air-purifying respirators and in some vacuums intended for ultra-clean service. They trap >99.95% of all particles 3 microns or larger in size (HEPA class H13). They were first developed for use in the Manhattan Project.

They have become inexpensive and highly consistent. There's no reason NOT to have a HEPA filter on the supply air of any electronics equipment with a forced-air supply. If Emotiva does revive the Sherbourn C-12, then I hope they'll consider adding at least a HEPA filter option.

Boom

[boomzilla]

Dec 22, 2013 16:22:14 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Call Emo Monday to find propped operating temp and please post to the forum..Nick

I'll do exactly that, Nick - Thanks for the idea.