Amplifier Case Ventilation

[Newmcdaddy]

I recently acquired a MC2155 amp and I was reading some threads related to meter lamps and plastic lenses and how when these amps are installed in a wood case the heat can build up and distort the plastic meter lenses.
Earlier I had purchased a MC 2105 amp and a C 29 preamp and built wood cases for them as it was much less expensive to build than to buy.
When the MC 2155 arrived I was surprised to find it was smaller than the MC 2105 so I ended up cutting down the case to fit the MC 2155. After reading the thread I referred to earlier I added additional ventilation holes that align with the ventilation holes in the cassis.
I’m quite sure most everyone here has more experience with these things than do I. Should this provide enough ventilation?

 

[62caddy]

Unfortunately the MC2155 has little to no meter lamp ventilation to speak of---even when used with no cabinet so those extra holes won't help.

Only two options are either replace the fuse lamps with LEDs or some have suggested drilling holes into the tops of the meter boxes which will help for heat to escape. However extreme caution should be used when drilling because the plastic may be extremely brittle and crack apart under pressure.

 

[MACKIE1975]

The OEM is already having vent holes.
The only option is upgrading to LED or buying the remake meter box.

 

[MACKIE1975]

 

[twiiii]

If I were you I would remove it totally from the case. 2155's un less out in the open with adequate ventilation will have meter issues eventually. You will love the sound of the 2155, but you will want a MC 152 some day so enjoy the 2155 for a while, then sell it as it appreciates and the buy a 152 when the prices quit dropping. Of course they may not with this inflationary period were are in. I was going to replace my 2505 with a 2155 , but it doesn't have a front headphone jack so I will keep my 50 + year old 2505 for another decade or two. I guess I am on my 3rd set of panel and VU meter lamps.

 

[MACKIE1975]

There is headphone jack but it sounds terrible.

 

[Newmcdaddy]

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

 

[Bill Ferris]

No wooden cases for all my audio equipment installed, even removed the one that came with my 1987 purchased used Mc. MC-2205 power amp, as while the equipment cabinets can look nice, in my mindset I don`t desire the elevated equipment`s internal temperature from doing so, and causing premature failures, especially since some of my stereo systems remain powered up 24/7/365 for many, many yrs and operate playing my ripped music all day from wake up to BR/DVD Video viewing switchover after dinner.

I choose to listen to my music reliably not look at and admire what equipment that produces it.

Seems to keep all my A/V equipment off my service benches, for decades, and that suits me to a tee..

Thermal and surge/spike protection considerations been working for me for over 40 yrs.

To each their own.

 

[audiobliss]

Never liked the wood cases. Removed it from my 7270 the day I got it. Looks much better without, like a real amp, not furniture. I love looking at my equipment, that's why I couldn't buy a ugly piece no matter how good it sounds.

 

[62caddy]

Cabinets are still a necessity if need to stack when shelf space is limited.

As McIntosh cabinets are a genuine factory accessory I have no compunction about using them.

 

[sberger]

Cases on SS gear no problem. Tube gear like my MX110Z definitely without. Both for ventilation and easy access for tube rolling, or if there's an issue related to tube that I want to check.

 

[Hofvox]

I can unequivocally tell you that stacking some older units can produce heat problems in some units. The C32 in a wooden case on top of a MA2205 in a wooden case will prematurely decay the Lamp Board Ribbon Cable on the MC2205 and for sure the C32 Ribbon Cables. How do I know.................... I have sold over 250 Ribbon kits for this mistake. Convert to LEDs if you must stack units in those nice looking McIntosh cabinets and definitely install LEDs in the MC2155 as it is a tightly packed. You can already see discoloring/yellowing of the white plastic meter surrounds from the incandescent lamp heat.

 

[Newmcdaddy]

I appreciate all the feedback. Have another question. How do you access the meter bulbs to replace? I made it to the point in the attached photo. Thanks