Considering the Model 975 is so thin ... I was wondering ... would it be safe to stack anything on top or under it? I've got a COX Motorola STB and a Samsung BluRay that are nice and thin and would stack nicely with the 975. I was wondering which would be a better stacking option and whether it would be better below or on top of the 975?

The reason I thought of this is that I have a large, component sized AC Power Conditioner left over from the former dedicated Home Theater and was thinking I could move it upstairs to the 975's rack, but I know I wouldn't want to stack the 975 on top of or below a power conditioner.

Thanks for not laughing too loud.

Put the boxes that generate the most heat on top, especially if there are vents in the top cover.

I would keep the power conditioned as far away from your sensitive stuff due to RF interference concerns too.

Only caveat: (in general) the component giving off the most heat is the heaviest, and the one giving off the least amount has the most-easily-crushed case. So while it would be nice (in the extreme situation / example) to place that multi-channel amp on top of that itsy-bitsy blu-ray player for heat reasons, the blu-ray manufacturer might not be too sympathetic when you try to return it under warranty when it comes out looking like it had too close a seat at a monster truck event!

I use IKEA's GORM shelving system in my main HT because i) it's way inexpensive; ii) it's super strong; iii) it's very versatile in terms of layout; iv) you can drill holes in it, hang stuff from it, etc.; v)its wood structure provides some passive vibration damping; vi) it's non conductive; AND most of all vii) its slatted shelves and open back / sides allow for great air movement. Only lighter / cooler components get stacked together on any given shelf; power amps and other such beasts get shelves to themselves with good spacing in between.

Thanks for the feedback. The COX STB has cooling vents on the top. The Model 975 and the BluRay don't. I'm leaning towards stacking the BluRay over the Model 975. But if I do so, I'll find some wooden blocks to raise the player higher over the 975 than just the BluRay's feet would.

I have an Oak entertainment center which all my equipment is installed. I have my 7125 at the bottom of the stack with my Onkyo on the next shelf up followed by the OPPO and my Directv box on a shelf above that. All the shelves above the amp have been modified by cutting 1.5 inch holes on the sides of them to allow air flow. I also have a very quiet cooling fan mounted at the top of the rack to exhaust heat. The back of the 7125 is open for cabling as is the back of the Onkyo. The cooling fan draws air past them and removes the heat. The equipment does not get very warm with this arrangement. My infrared thermometer shows the amps temperature to be around 101F.

As you can see, my rack is wide open on all sides. The COX STB (top right) has vents in the top, so I'm hesitant to stack with it. I'm leaning towards stacking the Model 975 (bottom right) under the BluRay player and Sage HD300 (top left). Then I'll move the old, big power conditioner to the bottom right spot.

I would say your plan is fine. I don't see a challenge at all. If Outlaw thought the 975 needed more ventilation they would have installed vents. Let us know how warm it runs when in use just for a reference.

Thank you for your feedback ZenonMan! I'll definitely get some temps and post 'em.

Okay ... here we go. The Model 975 is on the middle shelf on the left ... with the Samsung BluRay and the Sage HD300 on top of it. I need to get a decent IR thermometer, but so far I've seen no issues.