Longevity of AVR with an external amp.

[Geertidow]

Hi all,

I bought my Denon X3800h about six months ago. Together with DIRAC art and my KEF R3Ms with two SVS2000 pro subs I am no longer in need of upgrades.

If I were to preserve my x3800h (and license) for as long as possible, would an external amp make a difference?
There would be no more amp activity on the Demon because I have no other speakers.

I often listen on ECO mode (volume below 50%) but not always.

Could a simple hypex amp severely increase device longevity?

Happy to hear some thoughts!

 

[staticV3]

Heat cycles kill most solid state electronics eventually.

Shutting off the internal Amps, should reduce the internal temperature difference between standby and in use, thereby reducing thermal stress.

If you want to check, just put a power meter on the Denon and compare power draw during use with the Denon driving your KEFs and with the Amps disabled and output set to Pre/Line only.

For the second test, there's no need to plug anything into the RCA outs.

 

[Chr1]

No harm in running a couple of silent USB fans on top of the AVR too if it gets warm.
Never heard of too much cooling being an when it comes to AVRs personally.

 

[Marc v E]

As a precaution I would make sure there is enough free space around the amp and a way for the hot air to escape.

Not sure if the expense of buying 2 monos or 1 stereo amp would save you in cost. Say for example, you'd buy an iom stereo amp. It would cost about 500 euros. The x3800h is about 1100 iirc. If the 3800 lasts 5 years then with external amps on, the combination of avr plus stereo amp gets break even at around 8 years.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I operate a Pioneer '505' AVR strictly as preamplifier. It feels lukewarm to the touch and draws about 40 watts per my Kill-A-Watt meter.

I hope using it as a preamplifier will severely lengthen its life, but do not know.

I do know much of the oldest used gear for sale at a local audio store typically has few moving parts and generates little heat - like a standalone digital tuner or preamplifier,

 

[Geertidow]

As a precaution I would make sure there is enough free space around the amp and a way for the hot air to escape.

Not sure if the expense of buying 2 monos or 1 stereo amp would save you in cost. Say for example, you'd buy an iom stereo amp. It would cost about 500 euros. The x3800h is about 1100 iirc. If the 3800 lasts 5 years then with external amps on, the combination of avr plus stereo amp gets break even at around 8 years.

Perhaps after 5 years Wiim has caught up.

There is around 15 cm on both sides and 10 above. More is not to be achieved.
I can always place my hand on top.

I've toyed around with fans but they make too much noise.

 

[Ruediger]

I can say that the 3800h stays pretty cool with external amps. OTOH I think it is a hot box with amps on. Def. an AVR that profits from external amps in terms of temperature.

Personally I chose external amps because I also want the Denon out of the chain for 2.0 music listening. A nice amp with balanced in as 2nd option gives that possibilty.

The 3800h is a relatively inexpensive AVR. So I don't think too much into this. If it dies I hope the 3900h has arrived at the same low prices.