New rack for the electronics
BlueFox
Posts: 15,251
Over the last few years I have upgraded the components, cables, and power of my two channel system, but I have been using a TV/component rack that I bought at Macy’s in the late 80s. It had shelves on the left, a space for 27inch TV on the right, with drawers and a storage space on the bottom.
While it served its purpose, I did have to remove the back to allow better airflow, and to allow the power conditioner to use a shelf on the right. Another problem is that it is made of that fake wood stuff. While heavy, it really did not do a good job of absorbing vibration. Instead, it seemed to transmit vibrations into the gear. One reason I suspect is because it is closed on the sides. This serves no useful purpose, and is just more surface area exposed to sound waves, which results in more vibration. I think the vibration aspect of this rack is one reason why the brass footers under all my gear make such a big difference.
Anyway, I finally broke down and bought a Mapleshade Samson v3 four shelf rack with a rosewood finish. One shelf is four inches thick, and the other 3 are two inches thick. While I expected it to be heavy, this thing weighs almost 400 pounds! Believe me, it was a beast to assemble by myself. I was exhausted yesterday evening after finishing it.
I built it like a skyscraper, one floor at a time. I’m glad I planned on the 4 inch shelf being on the bottom because I could not lift it. I walked it inside from the garage, laid it on its side, inserted the 48 inch solid steel rods, and tilted it up. I had to get it into its final position before tilting it since once it is upright, it will not move due to the brass carpet piercing footers on the bottom. Adding the other shelves was easier, but really is a two person job. There is little tolerance in the holes for the rods so the shelf has to be level and come down equally on all 6 rods. I held the shelf on my extended arms on either side of the center holes, and lowered them onto the rack. Due to the little tolerance if it got just the slightest bit off from being level it would jam, and I would start cursing. I can’t print what I said since that would close this thread.
Finally, everything was together, and I have to say it looks great compared to the old rack. It is solid as a rock, and it is hard to detect any vibrations on the shelves. All I had to do on the previous rack was place my hand on it and I could feel vibrations. If there are vibrations now they are hard to detect. Also, now that the sides are open the sound appears more open and engaging with a much clearer focus of instruments in the sound stage. I really hoped this would occur, and it appears to be so. I don’t think I am doing a placebo effect here. It really is more open and precise.
While the overall height is lower than the previous rack, there is more room between shelves for the gear. This really helps the amps which get hotter than Hades. The drawback is it is harder to do cable management behind it since there is no moving the rack to get back there, but I did do a reasonable job of at least getting signal and speaker cables to cross the power cables at 90 degrees.
I only have two minor complaints, and both will soon be resolved. First is that four of the brass support/locking rings would not thread onto the rods. Replacements are on the way, and next week I need to remove the top shelf, and add the missing pieces. Second issue is there is a lingering odor from the rosewood stain. This is already diminishing and should soon be gone.
After one day I am really happy with this rack. It looks much better, and more important, it sounds great. I think I will order a 3 shelf version for the HT, but with only two inch shelves and 36 inch rods. I feel my entry level system just moved up a notch. Now it is time to do a pre-amp and amp upgrade to compliment the rack. It never ends.
Gear:
Amps (2) - Cambridge Audio 840W, 800w/ch at 4 ohm
Preamp - Cambridge Audio 840E
SACD - Sony XA-5400ES
Digital source - Bryston BDP1 digital file player
DAC - Bryston BDA1
Power conditioner - Shunyata Triton
Speakers:
Aerial Acoustic 7T - 4 ohm
Cables:
MIT S1.3 Shotgun XLR interconnects
Shunyata Anaconda Ztron speaker cables
Shunyata Python Ztron digital cable
Shunyata Python Ztron 20 amp power cable for AC input to the Triton
Shunyata Python CX 20 amp power cables (2) for amps
Shunyata Cobra Ztron power cables for pre, SACD, digital source, and DAC.
AC:
20 amp dedicated line
Shunyata SR71 AC duplex.
Miscellaneous:
Acoustic Revive RR77
Mapleshade speaker stands - 4", rosewood, brass carpet piercing footers.
Mapleshade Micropoint brass footers
Audio Advisor brass Sonic Saucers for footers
While it served its purpose, I did have to remove the back to allow better airflow, and to allow the power conditioner to use a shelf on the right. Another problem is that it is made of that fake wood stuff. While heavy, it really did not do a good job of absorbing vibration. Instead, it seemed to transmit vibrations into the gear. One reason I suspect is because it is closed on the sides. This serves no useful purpose, and is just more surface area exposed to sound waves, which results in more vibration. I think the vibration aspect of this rack is one reason why the brass footers under all my gear make such a big difference.
Anyway, I finally broke down and bought a Mapleshade Samson v3 four shelf rack with a rosewood finish. One shelf is four inches thick, and the other 3 are two inches thick. While I expected it to be heavy, this thing weighs almost 400 pounds! Believe me, it was a beast to assemble by myself. I was exhausted yesterday evening after finishing it.
I built it like a skyscraper, one floor at a time. I’m glad I planned on the 4 inch shelf being on the bottom because I could not lift it. I walked it inside from the garage, laid it on its side, inserted the 48 inch solid steel rods, and tilted it up. I had to get it into its final position before tilting it since once it is upright, it will not move due to the brass carpet piercing footers on the bottom. Adding the other shelves was easier, but really is a two person job. There is little tolerance in the holes for the rods so the shelf has to be level and come down equally on all 6 rods. I held the shelf on my extended arms on either side of the center holes, and lowered them onto the rack. Due to the little tolerance if it got just the slightest bit off from being level it would jam, and I would start cursing. I can’t print what I said since that would close this thread.
Finally, everything was together, and I have to say it looks great compared to the old rack. It is solid as a rock, and it is hard to detect any vibrations on the shelves. All I had to do on the previous rack was place my hand on it and I could feel vibrations. If there are vibrations now they are hard to detect. Also, now that the sides are open the sound appears more open and engaging with a much clearer focus of instruments in the sound stage. I really hoped this would occur, and it appears to be so. I don’t think I am doing a placebo effect here. It really is more open and precise.
While the overall height is lower than the previous rack, there is more room between shelves for the gear. This really helps the amps which get hotter than Hades. The drawback is it is harder to do cable management behind it since there is no moving the rack to get back there, but I did do a reasonable job of at least getting signal and speaker cables to cross the power cables at 90 degrees.
I only have two minor complaints, and both will soon be resolved. First is that four of the brass support/locking rings would not thread onto the rods. Replacements are on the way, and next week I need to remove the top shelf, and add the missing pieces. Second issue is there is a lingering odor from the rosewood stain. This is already diminishing and should soon be gone.
After one day I am really happy with this rack. It looks much better, and more important, it sounds great. I think I will order a 3 shelf version for the HT, but with only two inch shelves and 36 inch rods. I feel my entry level system just moved up a notch. Now it is time to do a pre-amp and amp upgrade to compliment the rack. It never ends.
Gear:
Amps (2) - Cambridge Audio 840W, 800w/ch at 4 ohm
Preamp - Cambridge Audio 840E
SACD - Sony XA-5400ES
Digital source - Bryston BDP1 digital file player
DAC - Bryston BDA1
Power conditioner - Shunyata Triton
Speakers:
Aerial Acoustic 7T - 4 ohm
Cables:
MIT S1.3 Shotgun XLR interconnects
Shunyata Anaconda Ztron speaker cables
Shunyata Python Ztron digital cable
Shunyata Python Ztron 20 amp power cable for AC input to the Triton
Shunyata Python CX 20 amp power cables (2) for amps
Shunyata Cobra Ztron power cables for pre, SACD, digital source, and DAC.
AC:
20 amp dedicated line
Shunyata SR71 AC duplex.
Miscellaneous:
Acoustic Revive RR77
Mapleshade speaker stands - 4", rosewood, brass carpet piercing footers.
Mapleshade Micropoint brass footers
Audio Advisor brass Sonic Saucers for footers
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Post edited by BlueFox on
Comments
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That is a thing of beauty! Congratulations!
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Looks like an upgrade for sure!
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Much better!
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I forgot to mention if anyone wants the old rack then show up with a 12 pack and it is yours. I'll throw in a pair of SDA 2 speakers also. I am running out of room.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Very nice setup,I like the rosewood color.
Enjoy -
I forgot to mention if anyone wants the old rack then show up with a 12 pack and it is yours. I'll throw in a pair of SDA 2 speakers also. I am running out of room.
Looks awesome nice stuff, I will be down in San Diego visiting my mom in a few months. I would head north and bring a case of your choice for those SDA 2's. I would have to pass on the old school entertainment center as I have one similiar to that one.Home Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+
Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin
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Second issue is there is a lingering odor from the rosewood stain.
It's not the stain, it's the clear coat gassing off.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Looks awesome nice stuff, I will be down in San Diego visiting my mom in a few months. I would head north and bring a case of your choice for those SDA 2's. I would have to pass on the old school entertainment center as I have one similiar to that one.
It's a package deal. The SDAs are a bonus for taking the rack. :biggrin:Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
It's not the stain, it's the clear coat gassing off.
Great. Between me gassing off and the rack gassing off I have my own WMDs here.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Beautilful rack !Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs -
Great. Between me gassing off and the rack gassing off I have my own WMDs here.
LOL...
Your new rack is a big improvement, congrats.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Nice rig and rack.
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Very nice looking, I like how it's all open and thick shelves..
Very coolATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables -
Nice one.. It sure does look pretty heavy. Enjoy.
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looks like you're trying to make mapleshade rich:biggrin: looks great.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
looks like you're trying to make mapleshade rich:biggrin: looks great.
LOL. So true, the same for Shunyata. That is what happens when a vendor offers a superior product at a lower price point than the competition.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Very nice.
Entry level? That's funny.Main
Parasound P5
Parasound A21
CA music streamer
marantz 6005
Clear Day dbl.shotgun
Morrow Xlr
1.7 Maggies
Bedroom
adcom Gfp750
Adcom 555
Rotel 1072
CA tuner
LsiM703
Clear day dbl shotgun -
Looks real nice.
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I like that rack design, lots of space. It looks clean and tidy too. Cool looking cat in the last pic.
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Very nice rack and nice set-up Blue! Enjoy._____________________________________________________________________________________________
Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
DAC: Bricasti M1SE
Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics -
Very nice, great setup! Enjoy.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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Whew! That's pretty.
A million times better than what you had.2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A -
Thanks everyone. There doesn't seem to be much love for the Macy's Home Entertainment rack. I guess I had it for so long I never really looked at it anymore. However, I can't stop looking at the new rack. I am really pleased with this purchase, plus it is easy to show off to guests. The break-in process is moving along, and soon I will have a few hundred hours on it.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I only have two minor complaints, and both will soon be resolved. First is that four of the brass support/locking rings would not thread onto the rods. Replacements are on the way, and next week I need to remove the top shelf, and add the missing pieces. Second issue is there is a lingering odor from the rosewood stain. This is already diminishing and should soon be gone.
Just a quick follow up on these items. I received the 4 new brass nuts yesterday, and installed them. Also, the odor has dissipated and is no longer noticeable. The drawback to it is I just ordered the latest Bryston BDA2 DAC to improve the sound from the new rack.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Now that's a nice rack.Main Family Room: Sony 46 LCD, Sony Blue Ray, Sony DVD/VCR combo,Onkyo TXNR 708, Parasound 5250,
Polk SDS-SRS with mods, CSI 5 center + Klipsch SC2, Polk RT2000P rears, Klipsch KG 1.5's sides, Polk Micro Pro 1000, Polk Micro Pro 2000, Polk SW505, Belkin PF60, Signal Cable Classics,Monster IC's, 2 15 amp circuits & 1 20 amp circuit.
Living Room: Belkin PF60, Parasound HCA2200, MIT ProlineEXP balanced IC's,Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/Pre,Emotiva ERC2 transport,MIT AVT2, Polk LSI 9's. -
Awesome piece of kit that. My wife fell in love with the flexi-style racks and has me planning and building one for a section of wall in the kitchen to go from floor to ceiling using maple/birch to match our cabinets."Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
Very nice, love the look and very functional, good choice. A new rack is also on my "to do list"
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Great rack there BlueFox!
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."![:\](https://forum.polkaudio.com/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
