P500 heating issues / shutting down

Power Components
1

What can be done to help eliminate/evacuate the heat generated.

Thinking about cutting in louvers on top and setting a fan

Thanks for any ideas

Greg

2

Welcome!

3

Tongue in cheek: Do both. But also drill a hole through to the next-door room; place the P500 there with a room fan (like a Honeywell - $15 at Target). Run all cabling through the hole and seal it so you won’t hear the noise.

Seriously now: Back in the day when I started out with the P300, I found it impossible to use due to the heat. And my paranoia, I suppose. Heat cannot be good for the components inside. So, I moved it next-door, drilled a hole and ran all my cabling through it. Of course I did not cut louvres; but I did use a fan and it made a HUGE difference in useability. Though back in the day I was not aware of python-sized power cables that needed a lifetime to run in.

On the one hand I do agree that you have to do something to reduce the heat. Especially considering the P500’s age, something is bound to pop sooner rather that later. At a minimum, consider reducing the load (less components).

4

Thanks for your input

My plan is to power sources (McIntosh MCD 550/Levinson 39/Niam server), outboard Xover, and BagEnd control.
My Decware SV83 monos will have to wait.

I saw a great piece on this very subject in AV forums
https://www.avforums.co.za/threads/ps-audio-repair-therapy.106087/

This one is worth the read, he did everything but cut a hole He built 5 new boards, replaced caps with bigger ones, new fan…and more

I will do the fan and cut a hole because I just don’t care. This thing is all but a paper weight and hasn’t stayed running in 10 years. Sounds like my ideas have some merit and will make a difference. It’s all about load and lots of air flow.

The other fear is like you said popping a board. The article has pics of the board and its cooked, really cool is the thermal imaging he did OMG that board is RED HOT!

Thanks again
Greg

5

Thanks

6

My goodness, Greg! That thread brings back memories. Since I was the distributor in SA back then, I must’ve sold them! Though as I recall I only brought in a few P500’s.

Good luck with your journey; hoping it turns out well for you.