TOPIC:

Hello

I want to place the PWR-ICE 125WD into the Subwoofer box.

1. Is it an airtight device and would it be ok to do this without an extra enclosure for the amp, also regarding the sound pressure and vibrations from the driver?
2. If not, what are the minimum dimensions of a wooden sealed extra enclosure for it to avoid overheating?

The Product Brief-PWR-ICE125WD.pdf gives no information about that question.
The icepower125asx2_datasheet_1_3_20151203.pdf says on page 28:
"Important! A minimum clearance of 12 mm. around the module is required for safety and ventilation reasons."

-> What exactly does this mean for the complete dimensions?
When there's such a little sealed box around without airflow I think it has to become very hot.

THX in advance
Schnipel

It is not airtight. I believe the product page and manual say so.

Personally, I would always make a sub-enclosure and provide venting for heat dissipation. I would do this for any amp regardless of whether the amp claimed to be airtight. Maybe I'm over-cautious, but that's what I would do.

You can see in this image vents above and below the amp itself:

Hi

Thank you for your answer.

But neither the product page nor the product brief of the PWR-ICE 125WD say anything about airtight or not.
The only thing you can find about this is the manual of the PWR-ICE 125 (without WD ), where they state the following:

Page 4:
Safety Instructions
• Do not cover the heat sink. Install in accordance with the user manual.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

... and on the next page ...
Ventilation and heat sink
The heat sink is provided to ensure reliable operation of the Amplifier Unit and to protect it from overheating. The heat sink must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be installed unless proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

Page 9:
2.3.3 Enclosure fitting
The PWR-ICE125 is not completely sealed for the XLR connectors + Reset. Some of these connectors not having a way to be 100% sealed.
For that reason, it may require a separate “sealed” enclosure for high power/low frequency applications such as a sub.

The PWR-ICE 125WD has no XLR Connectors + Reset, but it's amp plate is a lot smaller than the one of it's "big brother".
Where can I find the manual you mentioned?

THX in advance
Schnipel

Seriously? Page 50:

"2. The plate is not sealed or airtight. Mounting directly into a sealed loudspeaker enclosure is therefore not recommended. Instead, a sub-enclosure should be used."

Where can I find the document you are talking about?

You just said about 30 minutes ago that you are looking at the manual for the PWR-ICE125 ("without WD"). That's the one I quoted from.

Yes, I said that I was only able to find information about my questions in the manual of the PWR-ICE 125 (without WD)

"The only thing you can find about this is the manual of the PWR-ICE 125 (without WD ), where they state the following:
..."

As stated I know that the PWR-ICE 125 (without WD) is not sealed but I'm looking for information about the PWR-ICE 125 (with WD), thats why I ask here.

Regards

Oh. Well, I've never seen the WD version but I think it's a reasonable assumption it's not sealed either.

If you need a definitive answer then maybe a support ticket? -> support.minidsp.com.

Schnipel,

No need for a support ticket to devteam. Just hold your unit up to the light and you will have your answer. The RCA jacks have holes right through.
This unit is definitely not air tight. However you could goop any cracks/holes on the inside and seal it. It's up to you.

Dave.

Hi

thanks for the answer.
I still have the unit not here otherwise I would have made the light test for myself .

But if sealed after all do you think it's ok to give it the sound pressure of the woofer?
-> I think this would result in the best airflow around the unit, better than a little box in the box.

Regards

I don't know what Dave thinks, but personally, I would always make a sub-enclosure and provide venting for heat dissipation.

Well, I don't think amplifiers should be mounted to speaker boxes at all. In years past I repaired a number of sub-woofer amps that were shaken to failure with just normal usage.

In this case though, you'd probably be okay. The unit itself is modular and well built, and heat generation is minimal. I suspect it will be just fine.

Dave.

Hi Dave

thank you for the given infos.

I will have a look at the heat generation of this module at high loads.
If quite uncritical I think I will float-mount it in a separate enclosure on an additional sheet to have a better feeling regarding vibrations and heat.

Regards Schnipel