Even at idle, an amp will naturally produce heat when it is on. It is due to inherent inefficiencies in amplifier design, and is one reason that digital switching amps have generated so much interest - they are much more efficient, but they are still maturing and aside from use in subwoofers there are very few such amps in production today.

What sort of temperatures are you seeing above the 7100? You appear to have some good ventilation in place. Is the temperature in the 80's or low 90's? If so, I would consider it to be normal.

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