In an equipment rack that's totally exposed on all 4 sides (Quadraspire Q4, see link below), is having 2" of free space above a Firstwatt clone adequate? The amp would go on the bottom shelf
Q4 Evo – Quadraspire
Q4 Evo – Quadraspire
I would use at least 2U (2.5") for this kind, and preferable more to let the heat dispensate. And that rack in the link does not have closed shelfs, so the heat will heat up the devices above it so i would not put a class A amp in it.
greg7:
While it naturally varies depending on the feet you use, a 4U chassis will be roughly 7.5" / 190mm tall and a 5U chassis is likely to be about 9.25" / 235mm tall. If you haven't purchased your equipment rack yet and are using a 4U chassis, consider getting the longest column that Quadraspire offers for the lowest shelf; if you put the amp on that shelf, their 326 mm column would leave a decent amount of space above it. It's certainly tighter if your amp is in a 5U chassis, and if you went with the same arrangement you might consider dialing down the bias on that amp a little.
Regards,
Scott
While it naturally varies depending on the feet you use, a 4U chassis will be roughly 7.5" / 190mm tall and a 5U chassis is likely to be about 9.25" / 235mm tall. If you haven't purchased your equipment rack yet and are using a 4U chassis, consider getting the longest column that Quadraspire offers for the lowest shelf; if you put the amp on that shelf, their 326 mm column would leave a decent amount of space above it. It's certainly tighter if your amp is in a 5U chassis, and if you went with the same arrangement you might consider dialing down the bias on that amp a little.
Regards,
Scott
As long as the amplifier is on feet, so there is some airspace at the base of the heatsinks, 2” clear above the heatsinks should be fine.
You can either buy a rack case with vents or buy one then buy a vented panel.
I would then add a fan (or two.)
I would then add a fan (or two.)