Poll: Enclosed vs Open Component cabinets

[alpina]

hi guys,

quick poll - which do you prefer?

[RobP]

I myself prefer an open rack, for two reasons, one, the open design allows for heat to be dissipated faster than a closed design, excessive heat is the arch enemy of electronic components. And the second reason is that I am able to keep the units cleaner.

[aud19]

I myself prefer an open rack, for two reasons, one, the open design allows for heat to be dissipated faster than a closed design, excessive heat is the arch enemy of electronic components. And the second reason is that I am able to keep the units cleaner.

Ditto. I also like to see all that expensive gear I payed for :lol:

[riceaterslc]

And the second reason is that I am able to keep the units cleaner.

wouldn't a closed design prevent dust and dirt from getting on your components better than an open design?

[dyazdani]

I like keeping them open, first because of heat, but also because it's easier to get to the cables, etc.

[Arneson]

My stuff is open and somewhat accessable, I can keep everything very clean and dust free this way.
My wife would prefer an enclosure but it's cooler and easier leaving them open.
The only dust in there is from drilling new access holes.

[RobP]

wouldn't a closed design prevent dust and dirt from getting on your components better than an open design?

Not in my house.

Electronic equipment attracts dust, moreso than other household items, so you will still get dust unless the cabinet is tightly sealed, and if it is, then that presents a major heat retention problem which is worse than dust. Plus in a cabinet you cant keep the backs clean, and that is where most of the dust will enter your components

[Briz vegas]

Brisbane and no air-con. Open with a capital O. Say no more !!!!

[gd]

Open.

Keeps the gear cool, accessible.

Plus, I don't care what my home looks like. :twisted:

[Chris D]

Gotta be open for airflow.

[wkhanna]

Open.... I need to see where all my money went.

[Race Car Driver]

Mine is enclosed, with a glass door. I like mine out of view. I leave the door open when im using it, and close it when not in use. But the amps are placed next to speakers on stands.

[David Meek]

I like a cabinet. Deep-tinted glass on the front door so that you can barely see the lights at night. Cabling accessible via a back door. Forced-air ventilation for cooling.

Having said that, in our home currently I have an open rack. (Haven't had the time to add on a dedicated room.)

[alpina]

anyone got pics of open cabinets that dont look too obtrusive in the room?

cheers,

julie

[Martyn]

I prefer closed. Like all the arts, music should stir one's emotions, but it's the sound that does this, not the visual appearance of the reproductive equipment. A well-designed cabinet will not cause the equipment to overheat, but it will keep out most of the dust and detritus of life as well as prying eyes and fingers. A cabinet may make changing the cables more inconvenient, but this might be more important to those who are more interested in tinkering than listening.

[alebonau]

open back, but glass fronted and enclosed for anythign that with buttons - to keep the little fingers away. all amps and anything that gets hot/warm is open racked though and genrally they dont have much in the way of buttons !

[Briz vegas]

I prefer closed. Like all the arts, music should stir one's emotions, but it's the sound that does this, not the visual appearance of the reproductive equipment. A well-designed cabinet will not cause the equipment to overheat, but it will keep out most of the dust and detritus of life as well as prying eyes and fingers. A cabinet may make changing the cables more inconvenient, but this might be more important to those who are more interested in tinkering than listening.

"the visual appearance of reproductive equipment" yes I agree totally!!!! Definitely no way that could stir any emotional reaction what so ever :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: ............................. ops:

hmmm flashback of nerdy teenage sense of humour. How appropriate for a nerdy technical forum.

[Chris D]

yes, yes, welcome to the club!

[David Meek]

. . . must resist . . . . :B