Stacking Amp Question

[Vermont99]

Is it OK to stack two XPA-1’s directly on top of one another? If it’s OK, how much open space should there be on sides and how much clearance above the top of amp’s? I am thinking of purchasing or possibly building an amp rack to match my entertainment center. I will need to do this prior to ordering the XPA-1’s

[roadrunner]

Emotiva amps run "cool" compared to most other amplifiers. Lonnie has said that it is alright to stack up to four amps on top of each other. Before blocking all avenues to air circulation I would contact Lonnie and get more specific input. I have noted that Emotiva stacks their amps in their demo rooms, but they have open spaces behind and to the sides.

Many users using rack systems have reported that their amps feel cool to the touch or warm to the touch after long, hard usage of their HT systems. Photographs of the rack systems do not show any special spacing being used with their Emo amps. Thus, any "normal" component spacing should be sufficient, but if it were me I would see what Lonnie has to say.

[srhamlin]

Even though they run cool all the manuals that come with the amps say to allow for 6 inches of freee space above their amps, or a good fan/ventilation setup if not.

[Vermont99]

Thanks for the help. I think what I have planned will work out OK, but I will contact Lonnie.

[Topend]

Oct 19, 2010 7:13:47 GMT -5 Vermont99 said:

Thanks for the help. I think what I have planned will work out OK, but I will contact Lonnie.

What did Lonnie say?

Dave.

[Vermont99]

I have not yet heard back from Lonnie. I also asked how much air space is needed around two stacked XPA-1’s.

[ryan08]

I have both my UMC and ERC stacked on top of my XPA-5 and have no heat problems from the amp at all.

[RichGuy]

It has been discussed here before and Emotiva's response was that it is fine to stack the amps. If I remember right they said that because of the weight that the limit should be 4 amps stacked ( I believe it was 4 it may have been less).

I would also use common sense and be sure that the amps receive ventilation, but Emotiva amps run very cool so ventilation should not be too much of a problem.

[rixtergonzo]

I have two XPA-1s driving B&W N802s. I like it loud and the XPA-1s get quite hot after a while.

[Vermont99]

Emotiva got back to me and said, there are no issues with stacking two XPA-1s on top of each other. As long as the back is open and there is at least an inch of space on top, there will be plenty of air to cool them.