audionet Posted July 20, 2021 Posted July 20, 2021 I was just about to buy a Rotel Michi X3 Amplifier until I read the manual. The manual states that the required installation clearances are 50cm (20 inches) clear at each side, same at the top and same at the rear. That means half a metre clearance both sides, half a metre above the unit and half a metre behind the rear of the amp. This sounds ridiculous to me and the agent was unable to clarify. The dealer laughed out loud when I showed him. Has anyone else noticed this or had any experience in getting to the bottom of it. 5cm (2 inches) clearance seems too little but half a metre seems crazy. Anyone?
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 20, 2021 Volunteer Posted July 20, 2021 This review says Besides the size, the manual also suggests a minimum of 20″ clearance around the unit for good ventilation. During my evaluation, however, I never found the unit to become extremely warm, even when it was pushed hard, so this clearance suggestion for ventilation might be more on the cautious side. In my opinion, a good 5″ clearance with good air flow all around should be sufficient. But still, for a component with a rather unusual size and weight like this, potential buyers should consider the potential placement for the unit carefully before the purchase.
RoHo Posted July 20, 2021 Posted July 20, 2021 14 minutes ago, audionet said: I was just about to buy a Rotel Michi X3 Amplifier until I read the manual. The manual states that the required installation clearances are 50cm (20 inches) clear at each side, same at the top and same at the rear. That means half a metre clearance both sides, half a metre above the unit and half a metre behind the rear of the amp. This sounds ridiculous to me and the agent was unable to clarify. The dealer laughed out loud when I showed him. Has anyone else noticed this or had any experience in getting to the bottom of it. 5cm (2 inches) clearance seems too little but half a metre seems crazy. Anyone? Sounds like a case where the specifications of the component have been written by the legal department. Engineer - "the amp gets warm if used hard and needs reasonable ventilation" Lawyer - "if someone puts it on a normal shelf can you guarantee it won't overheat and then blame us?' E: "No, if they run it real hard for a real long time. But it's HIGHLY unlikely" L: "So what clearance will absolutely guarantee it wont overheat under any conditions?" E: "A large distance but no conventional shelf would give such conditions. We recommend our customers allow adequate ventilation according to their use." L: "Would 20" inches all around keep the stupid thing cool enough ALL THE TIME" E: Sigh..."yes" L: "Put minimum 20 inches clearance in the manual" 1
cafe67 Posted July 20, 2021 Posted July 20, 2021 I have a x5 and confirm it does not get overly warm , I don’t drive my hard but have had it on for long periods of time. I do have it in a open rack with good clearance ( but not 50cm) to the next shelf up
GregWormald Posted July 20, 2021 Posted July 20, 2021 I think that @RoHo has the basics right. 50 cm is likely hugely excessive. If I found mine running hot I think I'd just find a USB powered computer fan and set it up behind the amp. My ME 850 had such a fan built in. Of course you could always just put it on the top shelf of your component rack.
audionet Posted July 21, 2021 Author Posted July 21, 2021 Thanks for your replies. I agree with them but I'm concerned that if clearances were less than 20 inches, and there was a warranty claim, is this likely to be a reason to refuse the claim? I emailed the agents who I understand have contacted Rotel. I'm hoping for a definitive answer from Rotel through their agent. I will post the reply.
audionet Posted July 21, 2021 Author Posted July 21, 2021 This is the official response from Rotel via the distributor: "Rotel have responded that the unobstructed clearance recommendations in the X3 Owner's Manual are accurate to allow effective heat dissipation from the side panel heat sinks without added active ventilation. Effective heat ventilation will allow the amplifier to operate properly for best sound performance and to extend the life of the product." My concern here is that it is a clear way out to avoid warranty claims if Rotel chose to go that way. There is almost no chance that anyone will, or could, comply with these 'recommendations" in a normal home environment. If the heat build up is so significant, then I believe that Rotel should have included active ventilation (a fan) in the design and manufacture. Rather disappointing.
cafe67 Posted July 22, 2021 Posted July 22, 2021 (edited) I think if you were to place it close fitting enclosed cabinet there would be an issue. The X5 doesn't run that hot , plenty of room. Common sense? Edited July 22, 2021 by cafe67
Guest Posted July 22, 2021 Posted July 22, 2021 4 hours ago, audionet said: This is the official response from Rotel via the distributor: "Rotel have responded that the unobstructed clearance recommendations in the X3 Owner's Manual are accurate to allow effective heat dissipation from the side panel heat sinks without added active ventilation. Effective heat ventilation will allow the amplifier to operate properly for best sound performance and to extend the life of the product." My concern here is that it is a clear way out to avoid warranty claims if Rotel chose to go that way. There is almost no chance that anyone will, or could, comply with these 'recommendations" in a normal home environment. If the heat build up is so significant, then I believe that Rotel should have included active ventilation (a fan) in the design and manufacture. Rather disappointing. It wouldnt be the first time a manufacture has put unreasonable usage disclaimers out there (Panasonic projectors from a few years ago spring to mind), however I understand its their way of "covering themselves". Likewise, I doubt they could prove that anyone only had 49cm of clearance and thus voids the warranty...;-)
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