Just how hot should power amps run?

[moody]

I know that class H runs cooler etc.

 

I play bass using a PA power amp to run a single 15" speaker at 8ohms.

 

I have a yamaha p3200 which never breaks a sweat (feels cool to the touch even after a hard 4 hour set).

 

I've used a couple of old (80's) power amps in the same situation that got pretty hot at the heat sinks but not to an incredible level.

 

Then I have a Peavey PV2000 that in the same situation again is incredibly hot to the touch. Even if it is barely ticking over. It works fine and does the 4 hour set without a problem (and the fan works) but I'm wondering if it supposed to be quite that hot.

[OMNIFEX]

I can't answer for your Peavey PV 2000,

but the CS 800X runs very warm on idle.

 

I asked Peavey about that years ago,

and, they said it was fine, and, its was

supposed to be warm on idle.

 

Your Peavey is more than likely Class AB, like mine.

 

Bastards run hot as hell, but, don't shutdown.

[agedhorse]

Each amp style (Class H, AB, D etc) will operate at a different temperature depending on it's design parameters.