GK RB head in two-space rack?

I own a Gallien Krueger 700RB-II amp head, which I keep in a three-space SKB shallow rack. Why three spaces, you ask? Well since the RB heads are vented at the top of the amp - not at the sides or the front/back like most amp heads - I thought the extra space might be needed, to make sure the head receives adequate ventilation while in use (I'll be gigging it soon, but haven't used it just yet).

Now I'm beginning to think that was unnecessary, and that a regular two-space shallow rack would work for the RB just fine, without any danger of the amp overheating. For those of you RB players - any of the RB models - who have been using it with a two-space rack, have you ever experienced any overheating as a result of constricted airflow to the amp? Any such problems at all with using two spaces?

MM

 

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I've just sold off my three-space SKB Shallow X-rack. The new model - the Roto-Molded Shallow Rack - appears to be superior in every way. I'm looking specifically at the two-space model:

Roto-Molded 2U Shallow Rack | SKB Music / ProAV



Here's what I really need to know: For those who are using a GK 400RB-IV, 700RB-II or 1001RB-II amp head (3.5 inches tall) with a two-space SKB rack (any SKB rack with 3.5 inches of interior height), do you find that there is, in actual usage, at least a half-inch of clearance between the top surface of the amp and the interior top surface of the rack?

In my experience, official measurements are not always equivalent to actual measurements, so this is a valid question. Although I have the amp head, I don't own the two-space rack. So I can't actually see for myself how much clearance exists.

Any RB-series head that uses a heat sink on the rear panel instead of fan vent on the top panel isn't applicable to this question. I need only to gather more user experiences regarding two-space rack clearance for the top fan vent.

Thanks,

MM

 

OK, I've researched this enough. A two-space rack it is.

MM

 

My new SKB Roto-Molded two-space Shallow Rack arrived last night. It is indeed a great fit for a GK 700RB-II.

Only downside (for me) was that the mounting slots on the GK's rack ears didn't quite sync up with the screw holes on the SKB rails. Most of the screws were a very tight fit, with one that I could ratchet down only about halfway. It's the best I could do.

No matter. The amp is in there very snugly - I even had to take off its rubber feet. Yet to my relief, there is in fact some clearance between the top surface of the GK and the inside top surface of the SKB - at least the better part of an inch, I'd say.

MM