Equipment Racks

marvda1

kharp1 wrote: »

Looking at this one with, a special order with an added shelf. I like the ability to put pieces side by side. Three shelves might be enough, but, I'd rather pay for an extra shelf now and not need it then need it and not have the ability to add one.

I looked at the VTI pieces as well. They make a wide unit labeled a TV stand, but, it's not tall enough. There is an 1/8 inch difference between the audio rack poles and the TV racks, which really sux. Was going to buy one of each and blend them together. I even emailed VTI and they were quick to get back with me letting me know they definitely wouldn't match.

If all I needed was a good basic audio rack I'd hit Doug up for one of the VTI's.

here's one that's on sale for you.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/stands-double-width-6-shelf-isolation-rack-2018-01-16-accessories

Tony M

Here you go Drew:

http://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseriesaudiovideorack-bl404sb.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA&scid=scbplp1013&sc_intid=1013

Clipdat

Aside from the spikes on each shelf/section looking cool, what is the real world and/or functional difference between having them or not?

kharp1

They have pretty good prices, but, if you decide to go with VTI I would still reach out to Doug and see what he can do for you.

Tony M

Go for the VTI shelves. Make payments if you have to. i think you'll be happier seeing how you've gone tubular and mono blocks.

1st class affordable shelving for 1st class audio components.

You can't quickly change shelving without the spikes.

You have 12 quick ways to configure the spiked one I think.

vmaxer

Clipdat wrote: »

Paypal address?

vmaxer wrote: »

I’ll sell you a full set of 4 for $9.99, well worth it.

Sorry, cash and carry.......plus shipping of course.

Clipdat

I dont't foresee having to change the shelving configuration very often. But if there is another reason for spikes on each section such as better isolation/vibration reduction, then I'd be attracted to that.

Even with an additional shelf, the VTI is still cheaper than the SolidSteel, so there's that.

Tony M wrote: »

Go for the VTI shelves. Make payments if you have to. i think you'll be happier seeing how you've gone tubular and mono blocks.

1st class affordable shelving for 1st class audio components.

You can't quickly change shelving without the spikes.

You have 12 quick ways to configure the spiked one I think.

Tony M

I think the spikes do support the theory of isolation of vibrations getting transferred.

halo

VTI racks are very solid. You can fill them with lead shot to further dampen the rack as long as you use silicone sealant on the small holes. You have more color options and combinations with the VTI racks as well. Winner winner chicken dinner!

SCompRacer

My last VTI rack I used pipe insulation in the tubes. One time I had a cap pop off and had lead shot everywhere on the hardwood floor. With the insulation method, you can also take some plastic pipe cut to correct length, cap one end, fill them with oil or shot and cap the other end to further deaden/add weight. You can apply some strips of sound deadener to the cross braces.

Clipdat

With the VTI racks, what is each shelf sitting on? It's not clear to me how the individual shelves are supported.

F1nut

Clipdat wrote: »

Aside from the spikes on each shelf/section looking cool, what is the real world and/or functional difference between having them or not?

The spikes are for isolation/vibration control.

Clipdat

Thanks Jesse. I'm leaning toward the VTI, just want to make sure I'm making a wise choice.

F1nut wrote: »

The spikes are for isolation/vibration control.

F1nut

One of the best, http://www.adonacorporation.com/products.html

Clipdat

Very nice, but very expensive!

F1nut wrote: »

One of the best, http://www.adonacorporation.com/products.html

F1nut

Indeed. Just thought you'd like a look to see what features they have verses what you are looking at to give me a better idea of what is what.

F1nut

Here's another, over engineered to the Nth degree.

http://www.audiofast.com/main.asp?idm=73&ids=397&r=0&wersja=1

BlueFox

I love my solid maple rack from Mapleshade. It weighs 500 lbs empty, and is vibration free regardless of the SPL. You can create your own custom design to fit your need.

http://www.mapleshadestore.com/samsonracks.php

Clipdat

Nice. Their stuff is gorgeous and relatively reasonably priced.

Clipdat

It's interesting how each company seems to have their own approach for what they think is the best way to support the shelf. For example, Adona seems to like this way:





I wonder if any one particular way is dramatically better than another, in terms of stability.

soundfreak1

The only issue (it seems) none of the manufacturers deal with is standing waves. Don't really know if anything can be done about those. But the points do seem to isolate the Shelf completely as opposed to having the Shelf attached to the supports.

Clipdat

I wonder at which point vibrations from the speakers even come into play. BlueFox mentioned high SPLs. Even when I listen at what I perceive as louder volumes, I can't feel any resonance of vibration leaving my 703s at all, the cabinets themselves and what they are sitting on isn't resonating at all.

My current rack is just physically wobbly from side to side, so I think most of the vibrations it's dealing with would be from me or my wife walking past it or her dancing to a song that she likes when in close proximity to it.

soundfreak1 wrote: »

The only issue (it seems) none of the manufacturers deal with is standing waves. Don't really know if anything can be done about those. But the points do seem to isolate the Shelf completely as opposed to having the Shelf attached to the supports.

Tony M

I had a TT on a wobbly table and had rumble feedback BAD. Some guys and or gal told me to get a solid table asap. The new solid table eliminated the rumble. I think the SDA-SRS2's were vibrating that table with low soundwaves.

Clipdat

Oh yeah I see the advantage for TT for sure. My current rack is nowhere near up to the task of supporting a TT.

So that's one benefit of getting a new one, a TT in the bedroom. Win-Win.

Tony M wrote: »

I had a TT on a wobbly table and had rumble feedback BAD. Some guys and or gal told me to get a solid table asap. The new solid table eliminated the rumble. I think the SDA-SRS2's were vibrating that table with low soundwaves.

halo

Drew, for your turntable:

GINGKO Audio 'Semi-Cloud' 11.9"x10.5" component Vibration-Control platform/balls

Clipdat

Looks cool!

BlueFox

Clipdat wrote: »

I wonder at which point vibrations from the speakers even come into play.

The vibrations on the equipment rack, and on the equipment, come from the speaker sound waves hitting them. Gear is susceptible to the tiniest vibrations, and those vibrations alter the sound. That is why in addition to having a solid, vibration resistant rack, the gear should also be on some type of vibration draining footer. I use Mapleshade Micropoint Brass footers, but there are other vendors and types.

Clipdat

Thanks for the insight. You might have better ears than I do. I don't know if I'd be able to discern/detect a sound wave's vibration/impact on the equipment and the associated negative sound quality.

BlueFox wrote: »

The vibrations on the equipment rack, and on the equipment, come from the speaker sound waves hitting them. Gear is susceptible to the tiniest vibrations, and those vibrations alter the sound. That is why in addition to having a solid, vibration resistant rack, the gear should also be on some type of vibration draining footer. I use Mapleshade Micropoint Brass footers, but there are other vendors and types.

F1nut

It's all about lowering the noise floor, which is something one doesn't notice until it is lowered.

Clipdat

Ah, interesting. Well I'm afraid I don't have experience with the noise floor as it's being described.

When I think "Noise Floor" I think of background/ambient noise, and how listening late at night is better in that regard because there's less "white" noise coming from outside, cars going down the street, etc.

F1nut wrote: »

It's all about lowering the noise floor, which is something one doesn't notice until it is lowered.

It's possible Bud's system is just really THAT much more revealing, and thus the little things like isolation feet start to add up and make a difference.

It's mentally difficult to wrap my head around THAT nice of a system.

DSkip wrote: »

Don't ever say that again please. You can hear a difference... everyone can. If your system was at his level those details can greatly alter the sound. You would be intimately familiar with the sound and pick up on it quickly.

I'm not being mean but that type of thinking is deadly to growth in this hobby. It represents a closed mind in a way.