any harm in stacking rotel amps?

[BlazeMaster]

Is there any harm in stacking 2 rotel amps on top of each other? I'm thinking about getting the 1080 and already have the 1075. Due to rack space limits I will be forced to stack them on top of each other. They are both the same weight, with the 1075 a little taller of a chasis, is there any potential harm in doing this besides the obvious heat dissapation problem? The chasis of the 1075 seem sturdy enough to handle the weight of 1080 on top, but what if I stack the 1075 on top of the 1080?

[mjb]

I had a 1080 on top of a 1075 for a long time, with no metal bending or overheating issues at all. The combination is heavy though, make sure your shelf can support the weight!

[bigburner]

This is a quote from my RB-1080 Owner's Manual:

The RB-1080 generates heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks and ventilation openings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this heat. The ventilation slots in the top cover must be open. There should be 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.

I've just checked the RMB-1075 Owner's Manual and it says exactly the same thing.

I suppose it's less of an issue for people who always listen at low to moderate volume.

[sarsi]

I have been stacking all my components for a long long time, so far nothing have been toasted touch wood. I listen to my set with moderate volume nothing loud so I guess it is okay. The manual definitely want you to put your set with the ideal clearance which most of today rack don't even give you the 4 inches each side and top.

[soundhound]

Is there any harm in stacking 2 rotel amps on top of each other?

For most this is a question of etiquette. The only stacking many will do is old obsolete pieces in the closet.
Nice gear with scratches sux.

[triumph]

Hey ditto with that last thread. Nice gear you don't stack. In time you will mark the tops of most amps from the heat.


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[Bostonears]

This is a quote from my RB-1080 Owner's Manual:

There should be 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.

The recommendation of four inches all around is mostly the manufacturer covering its a**. For most components, overheating would only be a concern if you're planning to use an enclosed cabinet. In an open air rack, solid state components aren't going to overheat unless you've got something abnormal going on.

Of course, you might choose not to stack your gear for aesthetic reasons, such as avoiding scratches, but in my opinion, this stuff ain't jewelry. Stack away.

[soundhound]

Of course, you might choose not to stack your gear for aesthetic reasons, such as avoiding scratches, but in my opinion, this stuff ain't jewelry. Stack away.

My wife could only wish I would have spent 1/2 as much on her wedding set as whats wrapped up in the living room.................................

[Glen B]

The easy solution to prevent scratches from stacking is to buy felt disks (available up to about 3/4 inch diameter) at Home Depot and attach them to the bottom of the component feet. You can also find felt sheets at HD that can be cut to size for applying to larger size feet. I use the felt disks under the rubber feet of my components to prevent them from sticking to and marring the shelves of my equipment rack.