Mounting Amps Vertically

Can monoblock amps, particularly the Outlaw 2200 and NHT A1 (which seem very similar), be mounted vertically (e.g., like how desktop computers are sometimes mounted vertically)? If so, does anyone suggest a stable stand that they can sit on to hold them up vertically? Vertically mounting my 2200s and A1s presents a better space and cooling alternative for me.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Edward P. Christian.

I've not seen this mounting arrangement used before. I'd be slightly concerned about how the internal supports for the transformer would behave when the load shifts in this manner. Based on these pictures , I'd definitely recommend orienting the unit with the left side down so that the heaviest portion of the amp is at the bottom. That's a mightly big bolt through the middle of the toroid, so the transformer ought to not be going anywhere.

As for a stand, I don't know of anything. It's too thin a package for a typical PC stand to work. Can you build a frame of some sort that would mimic a rack-mount at the top and bottom of the space in question? If so, some rack mount ears would seem likely to do the trick.

Gonk, based on the pictures, it does not look to me like there is anything in the manner in which the amp is constructed that would cause a problem with mounting my 2200 (and NHT A1) amps vertically. HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE GREAT IF ONE OF THE OUTLAWS COULD WEIGH IN ON THE ISSUE!

As for building a stand, I could easily do that if and when I decide to actually vertically mount.

Edward P. Christian

Since Outlaw folks only occasionally make posts in the forum, I'd recommend contacting them directly for their take on the matter (either by phone or online using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page). They monitor the forum but generally remain a silent presence.

Gonk, thanks for the information (as usual). You really should be on the Outlaw payroll! In any event, I will now contact the Outlaws directly.

Edward P. Christian

FWIW, I'd also anticipate possible issues related to cooling with the amps in a vertical position. If you do mount them like this (which I've never seen either), you might want to consider adding a fan to blow between the amps. (You most certainly aren't considering vertically stacking them without any air space between them, are you? I'd think that is an automatic recipe for an overheating disaster.)

That's an excellent point, since the natural ventilation that they are designed for would assume a horizontal placement and the stack effect is going to be less efficient when you lose that. If it's one amp in an open space, I doubt it will cause problems, but when you start creating airflow restictions with cabinetry or other equipment the equation will change...

I am currently have limited additional space in my entertainment center cabinets to do more verticle stacking--my wife does not want to see the equipment as it does not match the decore (I already received hell because my 4 NHT L5 surrounds are relatively huge compared to the Bose mini cubes my wife pictured in her head when I planned the system!). In any event, my limited vertical space is now becoming "slightly" problematic considering that I am in the process of (i) adding a second NHT A1 amp so each of my NHT U2 subs can have a dedicated amp, (ii) switching my 7125 to a 7200/7700 (which is significantly taller), and (iii) adding amps to run my planned outdoor speakers and subs (which were the subject of a previous post).

Given this expansion and the fact that I have about 9 inches on each side of both of my NHT U2 subs, I was thinking that I could put each of my 2200 monoblock amps (each running my NHT M6 mains)vertically on either side of one NHT U2 sub, and each of my NHT monblock amps vertically on either side of the other NHT U2 sub. This would allow--in theory--more than sufficient space for coolong each monblock (about 3 1/2 inches on top and bottom) and also free up a lot of additional vertical space (about 12 inches) to stack my new amps to power my outdoor speakers and subs).

Unfortunately, the Outlaws do not recommend it given it was designed to sit horizontally and thus they have cooling. and external support concerns. Although I agree with Gonk that vertical placement of a monoblock in issolation is probably not a big deal. I do not think I will do it given what the Outlaws counsel against.

You might consider going with the monoblocks, positioned as Outlaw recommends, while getting a wife that cools more easily. And I've found that often happens when you keep them in a horizontal position.

Just kidding

Good luck with the WAF and the system, Ed.

Bob