Like the title states, I want to talk about external amp cooling. During a recent post about "Snobby unhelpful Dikheads" a conversation about amp cooling was sparked and I feel it was left unfinished. So I'm going to try and re-light the candle. Maybe some one can share their wealth of knowledge on how they keep their amps cool for long runs. Maybe some pictures of their amp racks with cooling, or ideas would be nice.
Quick back story about a recent trip to Vegas from LA. Took the fam on our summer getaway to Vegas for the 4th. 4 hours there, 6 hours back. I have 4 amps in my setup behind the rear seats of my Accord on an amp wall. Trunk is filled with luggage and a sealed sub. Packed, and over 100° the whole way there with no ventilation back there. Blasting music non stop just kidding Maybe like 75% before my "full tilt" mark. On the way there I lost my front sub amp (Salt 400.2) about 3 hours in. On the way back lost the salt around the same time, 3 hours in. What sux is that the car has to be shut off for it to reset itself. I'm not stopping I want to get home. Around 4-5 hours in I lost my M6, that drives my centre 2 way and bridged to my midbasses. After it cooled down it turned it self back on. M4dsp was hot when I got home but didn't give any issues only tweeters n mids on that amp and the MMATS LSX4000.1 didnt even feel warm (not surprised). So, now I'm looking for external amp cooling. Maybe that wasn't a Quick back story.
Amp rack ⬇
Goal is to have an array of cooling fans and not make it look ghetto, or like this ⬇. Apologies if that's yours. 😉
I have an itchy Amazon finger and have purchased a few things already. "I have issues".
Noctua NF-F12 iPPC-2000 PWM, Heavy Duty Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 2000 RPM (120mm, Black)
Amazon.com: Noctua NF-F12 iPPC-2000 PWM, Heavy Duty Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 2000 RPM (120mm, Black) : Electronics
Motherboard PWM Fan Hub Splitter, 4 Pin Black Sleeved 5 Way PC CPU Cooling Case Fan Extension Splitter Adapter Cable 40cm/15.7inch for Computer Cooler Case Fans
Amazon.com: Motherboard PWM Fan Hub Splitter, 4 Pin Black Sleeved 5 Way PC CPU Cooling Case Fan Extension Splitter Adapter Cable 40cm/15.7inch for Computer Cooler Case Fans : Electronics
Coolerguys Fan Mount/Stand Bracket Kit (Black Metal)
Amazon.com: Coolerguys Fan Mount/Stand Bracket Kit (Black Metal) : Electronics
ThreeBulls 5 Pack 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable, Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin/3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (10.6")
Amazon.com: ThreeBulls 5 Pack 4-Pin PWM Fan Splitter Cable, Sleeved Braided Adapter Computer PC Fan Power Extension Cable Converter for Computer ATX Case 4-Pin/3-Pin Cooling Fan Cable (10.6") : Electronics
The fan is really big though, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to proceed yet. I've only bought 1 Fan so far I think I'm going to get some smaller ones too just to compare and contrast. Then I'll proceed with the champion. I want to be able to piggy back off of an amp ground and remote wire. Even though I got high level inputs into my M4DSP (it has a high level sensing turn on) I still had a remote wire ran and just in case I want to run optical in, even have an optical wire ran to my centre console. I'm guessing black on the 4 pin is ground and the other 3 wires are different speeds. 🤔 maybe. I don't know yet I'll experiment. Also got a relay to run multiple fans hopefully it works.
I will be spacing all the amps off the rack a little bit (some one suggested that in that snobby post). I was on the Gatley Audio site and found this ⬇.
1/8 inch Frosted Acrylic Sundown Audio SALT 400.2 Amplifier Back Plate with Gately Shield Pattern.
www.gatelyaudio.com
Now I'm thinking of mounting the Salt upside down, heat sink spaced off of the rack with the bigger fan attacked to the amp, maybe pushing air in or pulling hot air out. 🤔 like this⬇
But that will only work for the salt amp. I got those mounting brakets to mount fans on the sides of the amps and try to push air throght the internal components of the amps. Maybe I'm over thinking this and there's an easier solution. But that's why I'm here trying to spark some conversation and maybe get some ideas from other builds. Hopefully I can even get some snobby remarks from some very knowledgeable individuals. Im in no rush to get this done as im not planning on any long desert runs any time soon but I would like to be prepared for the next one. Thanx in advance if you partake in this journey of mine to keep things cool 😎. Much love ✌🤘🤟🤪
