There is exactly 1 centimeter between the top of the empeg sled (the player also has some space from the top of the sled internally due to the spring detents) This space however is irrelevant because I should not have to treat this head unit any differently than any other car stereo out there. (I would not have these issues with a Kenwood, Sony Etc.)
Not to dismiss that the Empeg is a different animal that requires different specs, I realize it is different and therefore in "my opinion" requires more cooling. And I did look at the manual for installation instructions. The manual only references mounting angle, Orientation and measurements...... Nothing about any clearances for temperature considerations. a scary quote from the manual....

"The unit has a solid-state internal fuse. if this is tripped, disconnect the unit from the power supply and leave for a few minutes to allow the unit to reset, and check the unit works with the mains adaptor before trying it again in the car. If the solid state fuse trips, a faint "hot electrical" smell may be detected - this is Normal."

What??? Normal??? a few minutes to reset? or is it cool?
As I said before - this unit needs a fan installed from the factory, as "some" installations will prevent adequate ventilation as specified in the manual.
Specs in the manual state 55 deg. C (or 131 Deg F) for maximum operating temperature. A car in the sun on any 90 deg F day will get hotter than that inside before you even get in and turn the empeg on and generate even more heat regardless of ventilation. There is also no mention of MTBF (mean time between failure) in the manual. I am sure a cooler unit is a happier unit and will last longer.
Plus it no longer locks up, crashes or reboots.
Soooooo…. the empeg needs a fan.
Not hostile..... it is just my opinion.


12Gb MKII 080000516 Blue