I would bet that a lot of the new High power AVR’S run Warm/Hot.

 

I have the TX-SR805 and @ 130 WPC all 7 channels driven it does get quite warm.

 

I found that the cooling vents at the top got up to 130 degrees playing at 0db relative for extended periods of time, which is loud.

 

I thought this was excessive, so I installed two 92 mm computer case fans running at ½ voltage and at similar volume the temp dropped to 95 degrees. This is acceptable and you can not hear the fans even at low volume levels.

 

I believe that if your equipment can maintain at a moderate temperature, it will last longer.

 

What are your opinions? Onkyo, Denon, Marantz, HK, and Pioneer.

 

Jack

Hello Jack,

 I've been reading up constantly on the new Onkyo series of receivers, specifically the 905 and 875.  I'm inclined to say that "the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree", as it relates to the heat issues you are experiencing.  There are users of the 905 on avsforum.com that are experiencing dramatic temperatures as well.  As a matter of fact, this user from Taiwan has a picture gallery here. The temps you are reporting on your 805 still trump anything I've seen reported on AVS.  I have a 905 on back-order that I have yet to receive.  I've most recently owned Pioneer (74,84) and HK receivers.  I had no heat issues with the Pioneer.  The HKs got pretty warm, but they never were too hot to leave my hand on if that is any indication of how much heat the unit was producing.  I would like to think that the Onkyo's are effectively dissipating this heat. The fact that the top is that warm could be a good thing since its obvious the heat is rising.  However, I could be fooling myself into thinking it's no big deal when I should actually be worried.  Below is a post by DPlettner on avsforum.com concerning his heat issues.

BTW, what kind of cooling are you seeing with your cooling unit?

I purchased a 250mm 12V fan. It made too much noise at 12V, so I got a 1000ma adapter from Radio Shack that can output 3V-12V in 1.5V increments. The fan runs at all voltages. At 7.5V there is a slight hum if I position my ear close to the 905. At 6V, it is pretty silent.

With the grill off, I am seeing a drop in temperature of the air coming out of the case of 35F-40F. With the grill on, I see a drop of 25F-30F.

I originally posted that the top of my 905 was 122F. However, when I positioned the cabinet closer to the wall, and with higher room temperatures, I have seen the temp go as high as 132F.

Right now, I am running the fan at 6V and I have the grill on, and the temps range from 98F to 102F. With the grill off and running the fan at 7.5V, I saw temps around 88F to 92F.

Of course, one problem with running a fan is that it will suck dust into the 905. I need to keep an eye on that. My guess is that I will need to take the top off and blow the dust out every year or so.

 

Hi Jack, it is funny you ask this about the avr's. I can state from experience with my separates that my processor runs quite a bit hotter than my amp. I would think that in my situation it would be vice-versa, but with my amp that has built in fans and heatsinks it stays pretty cool. Now you combine the amp and processor into one unit such as an avr, then I would definitely say yes...they will run warm...just make sure you have plenty of ventalation for the avr. 

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Adam in Indy

My 805 never shut down, but I want it to last well past the 2-year warranty.

 

I am driving 8 Aperions with the 805.

 

I only have 1.5 inches clearance between the top of the 805 and the glass plate above, so air circulation is restricted.

 

With the (2) 12v 92mm fans running at 5VDC and watching TV the temp gets up to 86 degrees.

 

When I mute the system I can barely hear the fans with my ear within 6 inches of the AVR and this is what I was looking for.

 

I switched to CD and cranked it up to +5db relative where +18db is Max. I have cranked it to 18db, but I need to leave the room or wear earplugs.

 

Even at max volume the Aperion’s still sound clear and undistorted with the 805.

 

I turned on My Sony, which drives my other (2) Front Aperion L/R’s and after one hour of play with the Sony only running for the last half hour, the Sony was 105 degrees and the 805 was at 99 degrees.

 

It does not take a lot to cool the 805 as my tests have proven, but I think it is a good idea if you drive it hard and I do.

 

I have my fans placed so they exhaust air from the top of the AVR and not blow into the AVR.

 

Jack

Adam,

 

If your Processor is on top of the Amp, that would seem strange, but if under the Amp, it may have restricted air circulation. With the Processor on top the Amp, the Amp may run a bit warmer but the Processor should run cooler.

 

Jack