How much are you willing to pay for an audio rack?

jaxwired
jaxwired Posts: 201
edited October 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
I was reading a review of a 2k+ audio rack and the reviewer commented that racks can set you back as much as $10k which I guess means the $2k+ rack is a pretty good deal. Not for me. Things that actually produce the sound, like speakers, amps, CDPs and turntables I accept the steep prices, but a rack is just...well, a rack.

I don't have any problem with these products being offered, I just would not buy a $10k rack ever and I think my absolute limit would be around $1k and I'd have to really, really love the rack to pay anywhere near that. My current rack I purchased for less than $150 at amazon with free shipping and I've had many people ask me where they can get one.

http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/audiav-zirconia-nice-rack.php
2 Channel
NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
Post edited by jaxwired on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«13

Comments

  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited April 2010
    1kish...but it has to be sexy.
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited April 2010
    Case in point...$10k rack: http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/stillpoints_ess_28-40-3.htm
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Huck344
    Huck344 Posts: 453
    edited April 2010
    My limit is in the 1 grand range. Maybe a bit more if it was awesome!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited April 2010
    I quickly skimmed the mentioned review. The guy is a typical audio writer. After I saw where he contradicts himself twice, I gave up. He's playing both sides of the argument to stay in good graces. Useless review.

    That being said, I have a BillyBags rack that ran about $3.5K. It serves my purpose, well built with the design and aesthetics an important part of the choice. For many, a rack is another piece of furniture in the room and if an inexpensive rack works for you, cool. But for me, the rack is a piece of art so to say, so they can get pricey once one starts going exotic.

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited April 2010
    I do like those billy bags racks. Very nice indeed. I'm suprised yours ran to 3.5k hawkeye. I thought they were a bit cheaper than that. Still, very nice and you make a good point about the aestetic value and the furniture aspect of the rack.
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    Case in point...$10k rack: http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/stillpoints_ess_28-40-3.htm


    I've seen those Stillpoints racks at Audioadvisor before...pretty crazy.

    Here's a smaller version of it for $2700...it's a pretty sweet looking rack. Very industrial looking.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SPESS4020


    They also have a smaller one for $2500.



    Very cool looking pieces, and if all of their claims are true, they should have some excellent anti-vibration characteristics. I'd love to check one out in person sometime.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • virtualdean
    virtualdean Posts: 286
    edited April 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    I was reading a review of a 2k+ audio rack and the reviewer commented that racks can set you back as much as $10k which I guess means the $2k+ rack is a pretty good deal. Not for me. Things that actually produce the sound, like speakers, amps, CDPs and turntables I accept the steep prices, but a rack is just...well, a rack.

    I don't have any problem with these products being offered, I just would not buy a $10k rack ever and I think my absolute limit would be around $1k and I'd have to really, really love the rack to pay anywhere near that. My current rack I purchased for less than $150 at amazon with free shipping and I've had many people ask me where they can get one.

    http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/audiav-zirconia-nice-rack.php

    I love his comments on BS alert orange and the power of suggestion..

    However, IMO After you do the engineering, why not go for the aesthetic?
    I mean you could use a well built rack made from 2x4's, screws and glue and it would absolutely do a good functional job..But, would you want to look at it?
    No, it has to look primo as a piece of decorative furniture too and thats what can make them expensive. And convince people to shell out dinero.
    I don't have any problem with people saying a stand changes the sound quality. IMO,Such a thing is not objectively provable, but hey, no one is sacrificing grocery money and letting the kids starve to buy the stuff.
    Whatever floats your boat and makes you happy.:D
    It makes the world go around and keeps people employed.
    I'm for it. I'm glad there is such variety in audio.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited April 2010
    I'd pay up to $1k for one. I paid $99 for mine right now. But that was due to a screw up on Fry's part. Was supposed to be $350. I'm not sure i would have paid $350 for it.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited April 2010
    you can't put a price on love, I use love and the joy of hearing children laugh to suspend my gear in the air...for me its priceless.

    for me the rack honestly is something that does matter to a point. I would be willing to spend 1K on something that is really really good, but I also want to be done and kinda set for gear before I would get it otherwise If I buy something and it doesn't fit then its 1K not wisely spent.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited April 2010
    Hawkeye wrote: »
    I quickly skimmed the mentioned review. The guy is a typical audio writer. After I saw where he contradicts himself twice, I gave up. He's playing both sides of the argument to stay in good graces. Useless review.

    That being said, I have a BillyBags rack that ran about $3.5K. It serves my purpose, well built with the design and aesthetics an important part of the choice. For many, a rack is another piece of furniture in the room and if an inexpensive rack works for you, cool. But for me, the rack is a piece of art so to say, so they can get pricey once one starts going exotic.

    Gordon

    IMHO it is another piece of gear. I own a four tier VTI rack with 350 lbs of #9 lead shot mass loading it. It keeps the resonance & vibration down to a minimum if not zero. The rack was not expensive at all but when all was said and done, $40 per 25 lb bag of shot, it ended up costing quite a bit more but worth every penny. I view rack as a component just as I view cables as another component.

    In all reality it is a tweek and as we all know tweeks are a cumulative effect towards better SQ.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited April 2010
    I use an IKEA bookshelf AV setup, and my Blindermann wall mount for my record player cost the same amount; I think each were about $600.

    I still have that VTI rack I need to get to someone since I don't use it anymore. They do the job and cost 300? new.

    DC
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited April 2010
    I'd do maybe 3-4K if I found the right one.
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited April 2010
    10K rack? I'm all for a nice quality rack but I wouldn't be willing to take a mortgage on it :o
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I will be buying a 4 shelf Mapleshade Samson v3 rack with 2" thick maple shelves and radius brass footers. Including the custom dark Rosewood stain for the shelves, it will cost around 3K. This will be for my HT.

    A rack influences the sound just as does any other component in the system.
    Sure would be nice but honestly I don't have that kind of money :(
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited April 2010
    I only like a select few companies for racks of any kind. I assume since this is in the 2ch area your wanting it for your 2 ch gear.
    Salanander , BDI and Bello are the top 3 for me.

    Now if you want to talk about home theater and or whole house then there is only one company , thats Mid Atlantic.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited April 2010
    mantis wrote: »
    I only like a select few companies for racks of any kind. I assume since this is in the 2ch area your wanting it for your 2 ch gear.
    Salanander , BDI and Bello are the top 3 for me.

    Now if you want to talk about home theater and or whole house then there is only one company , thats Mid Atlantic.

    +1

    _____________________________________
    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
    03) OPPO BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited April 2010
    I was considering building an isolation rack out of carbon fiber, but it would cost less than $1K... That's a little to much for me, but if you are supporting a $15K TT, a $10K stand doesn't seem unreasonable.
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2010
    I payed $1470 for my cherry Salamander triple-twenty, but it's functionality as a big screen/audio rack, build quality, and very nice appearance were worth it. I like the inter-changeable sides, fronts, doors, etc. It lets you build the rack for your purposes. I needed good ventilation for the Parasound amp, so all my sides and doors are perforated black metal. I also like the excellent cable management. Having adjustable feet allows you the clearance to route AC cables under the cabinet. I leave the center section back piece off, for better ventilation for the amp. The back pieces are easily removable if you need to switch components around.

    It's also a beautiful piece of furniture.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,047
    edited April 2010
    Maybe $300-$500 is what I'd spend. I have no WAF to consider nor can I really buy into the purported sonic benefits.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited April 2010
    Jetmaker737 wrote: »
    Maybe $300-$500 is what I'd spend. I have no WAF to consider nor can I really buy into the purported sonic benefits.

    You don't know what you're missing bub!;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited April 2010
    Jetmaker737 wrote: »
    Maybe $300-$500 is what I'd spend. I have no WAF to consider nor can I really buy into the purported sonic benefits.

    You don't think there are any sonic benefits to having a rack that dampens vibrations?
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Polkersince85
    Polkersince85 Posts: 2,883
    edited April 2010
    I've got an antique Johnson Furniture Co. storage cabinet I paid $15 for probably worth $1K with my $5 turntable sitting on it. ;)
    >
    >
    >This message has been scanned by the NSA and found to be free of harmful intent.<
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited April 2010
    Jetmaker737 wrote: »
    nor can I really buy into the purported sonic benefits.

    I used to feel this way until someone told me to try different materials such as plywood, mdf board, hard woods, glass, etc under amps, CD players, preamps and I heard differences for myself. Of course it doesn't require a second mortage, you can build your own once you find what sounds best.
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited April 2010
    my limit would be about 1200.00
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited April 2010
    Jetmaker737 wrote: »
    nor can I really buy into the purported sonic benefits.

    I'm with you. Turntables are another story, of course. No argument there regarding the need for a special foundation, but solid state amps and preamps? No moving parts... No to mention that I just don't play my system at concert levels, so at least speaker induced vibrations are relatively minimal.
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited April 2010
    madmax wrote: »
    I used to feel this way until someone told me to try different materials such as plywood, mdf board, hard woods, glass, etc under amps, CD players, preamps and I heard differences for myself.

    I'm not doubting that you did, but there are other possible explanations for those differences. Sure, one possibility is that the rack makes a sound quality difference, but seeing how that flies in the face of common sense, I'd be looking really hard at other possiblities. No offense. :)
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bsoko2
    bsoko2 Posts: 1,449
    edited April 2010
    Bought a Studio Tech 6 shelf rack (P6) two years ago for 150 with shipping from their web site. Once in awhile they will have a sale like this.

    Bill
    My 2012 HT Room - http://www.avsforum.com/t/1416077/bsoko2-new-ht-june-2012
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,151
    edited April 2010
    200.00 I guess but I like yard sale finds like this "Lovan" two weeks ago for 20.00 including the spikes and it's in great shape too. It was at the end of the morn and she had 30.00 on it and said make her an offer.So I did. I barely got it in the car with all the other stuff I had picked up earlier.Below is like it. A 5 shelf.

    http://www.audio-video-furniture.com/Lovan-Affiniti-PRO-Hi-Fi-5-Shelf-Audio-Rack.htm


    A few weeks ago yardsaling, I bought a glass rack for 20.00 and thought it was nice to. The exact model is also below:

    http://www.audio-video-furniture.com/Walker-Edison-Everest-Multi-Level-Clear-Component-Stand-V35CMP.htm


    Years ago, I found another Z-line rack on the side of the road!! that's in some photos I've posted before today and it was still in the box..partly.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited April 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    I'm not doubting that you did, but there are other possible explanations for those differences. Sure, one possibility is that the rack makes a sound quality difference, but seeing how that flies in the face of common sense, I'd be looking really hard at other possiblities. No offense. :)

    But it is nothing but common sense Bro. Airborne vibrations causes all kinds of nasty resonance in solid state gear too. Solid state components are not immune to resonance or vibrations. :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,047
    edited April 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    but solid state amps and preamps? No moving parts... .

    That's where I'm coming from... no moving parts to be influenced by vibration. Now if you're talking tube gear then you could imagine some benefit. I'm certainly not against trying some maple shelves, brass footers, etc in the future but my nearer term audio dollars need to go elsewhere!
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited April 2010
    Jetmaker737 wrote: »
    That's where I'm coming from... no moving parts to be influenced by vibration. Now if you're talking tube gear then you could imagine some benefit. I'm certainly not against trying some maple shelves, brass footers, etc in the future but my nearer term audio dollars need to go elsewhere!

    See post 32!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter