Suggestion for 2 channel stereo racks

Norm Apter

I'd like to know if any folks have suggestions for sturdy 2 channel stereo racks (brands and model suggestions both o.k.). My two top concerns are durability and an ability to allow my system to "breathe." A tertiary consideration would be style (with the principle of simplicity highly valued).

When all is said and done, I'll be looking to support 4 components: the Halo line of amp, pre and tuner plus a black Marantz CD player. I am thinking that black and metallic would be nice as this would help "neutralize" the contrast between the Halo components' silver color scheme and the black CD player. It seems that many Home Theater racks are horizontally orientated and close to the ground. I'd like something vertically oriented, though, so that I don't need to bend down every time I want to change a CD.

Each of the Halo components are of the following dimensions: 17-1/4" w x 4-1/8" h x 13-1/4" d. The CD player has the same width, but is shorter and has less physical depth.

Thanks for any leads.

Face

http://www.vtimanufacturing.com/Audio%20racks%20&%20AV%20stands.htm

IMO, their 4 leg systems offer more flexibility.

Gaara

TNT Flexy. Not for everyone, but easy to make, low cost, and you can tailor it to your needs. I have made 4 now.

Norm Apter

Face wrote: »

http://www.vtimanufacturing.com/Audio%20racks%20&%20AV%20stands.htm

IMO, their 4 leg systems offer more flexibility.

Face, have you bought stuff from them before? I just visited the website and found some nice looking racks, but couldn't find any info on pricing or sales. Do you know if they take on-line orders or if their merchandise can only be bought at retail shores?

Norm Apter

Gaara wrote: »

TNT Flexy. Not for everyone, but easy to make, low cost, and you can tailor it to your needs. I have made 4 now.

James, I'm also possibly interested in this route, especially in the light of the flexibility that comes with building one's own rack. Can you tell me more about where I could find such materials? And I don't suppose you have a pic of one of your racks available?

Face

http://www.standsandmounts.com/

I've dealt with them a few times, all positive experiences.

Face

Norm Apter wrote: »

James, I'm also possibly interested in this route, especially in the light of the flexibility that comes with building one's own rack. Can you tell me more about where I could find such materials? And I don't suppose you have a pic of one of your racks available?

Here's a example.
http://www.jetcom.org/~jsb/flexirack.php

I believe the supplies are available at most Home Depots or Lowes.

Gaara

Norm, click my bedroom ht link in my sig 3rd pic is a decent one. That rack cost me <$100 in materials and took about 3 hours. It fits all my needs, isn't to deep, and allowed me to segregate all my components and is the exact width of my TV so no wasted space. When I watch a movie I put the covers on and I am gtg...no distracting LEDs.

I have another pic of a rack I made in my previous rigs section. It was more then capable of holding all my gear, even my 140lb cinenova on top. Another still can be found in my current system, pic #25, it is my storage flexy for all my media (pic is bad, I gotta retake that one).

As for materials I just use cheap MDF from home depot, flat black paint, and threaded rods. Your local lowes/HD should have everything you needs, and they can even cut the wood. The only tools required are pliers and a drill.

You can make yours look much nicer, I know some that will use a cherry or ebony veneer, others still have used exotic materials like marble or acrylic. You can also paint the rods or cover them with something, but I like the look.

steveinaz

Salamander triple twenty---but it's pricey at approx $1400. The wood is mucho thick and gorgeous; the stand extremely sturdy. I have one in Cherry, it's a work of art.

Neskahi

For simplicity and durability we chose the Omni G-304. It makes it easy to
spin a component around for access to wiring and it's built for about 50# per shelf. It also shows off your equipment while the rack[stand] almost
disappears except for the front. Mine is black and came with clear glass but the newer models have black glass that I prefer. This post should have a couple of pictures attached.
You did say simplicity, durability and vertical. Right?


http://www.omnimount.com/consumer/product.aspx?ProductId=95504efd-cbef-4d92-a4d3-2ee59c26ef13

Gaara

steveinaz wrote: »

Salamander triple twenty---but it's pricey at approx $1400. The wood is mucho thick and gorgeous; the stand extremely sturdy. I have one in Cherry, it's a work of art.

Completely forgot, if you aren't into DIY Salamander Archetype is really customizable.

SlowcarIX

elfa shelf systems from the container store - comes in 2 types of shelves, wire and solid

Norm Apter

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Lots of good ideas, here. Looks like I'll need a little time to consider budget and that sort of thing. Off the top of my head, I do like that Omnimount G304 that Neskahi suggested as its directs more attention to the components than the rack itself, and these Parasound Halos are practically screaming for attention, "Hey, check me out"....ha, ha

janmike

I purchased the BL404 from VTI and really like it. It is modular, looks good (you can select the tube, shelf and cap colours) and you can fill the tubes. I filled the tubes with lead shot and it is solid as a rock. Looks good too.

marvda1

http://www.racksandstands.com/prods/VTI/BL404/All/0C1/0PVI1001.htm

Face

Racks and stands sometimes has very poor communication.

AndyGwis

Lovan Classic. Can't remember what site I got it from, but got it for $199 shipped (free shipping) and they allowed paypal payment. Great stand, great price, great company.

Gadabout

Studio Tech has great customer service and offers online ordering and free shipping. The are also available at Racks and stands (mentioned above)

http://www.studiotech.com/products/component_cabinets/index.html

http://www.studiotech.com/products/component_racks/index.html

I have the HF-3 with a an extra shelf for the HT. I'm saving up for the U-48 for 2 Ch. I saw it in a local audio store and was impressed by the construction, versatility and looks. Also, no complaints from me about the HF-3. Glad I bought it.

Shizelbs

Face wrote: »

http://www.vtimanufacturing.com/Audio%20racks%20&%20AV%20stands.htm

IMO, their 4 leg systems offer more flexibility.

I bought a stand of their 3-legged stuff. Its very nice.

unbridled_id

I own this one- http://www.racksandstands.com/Bello-AT-484-BB0018.html -and am quite fond of it. One potential issue is the 50 lb limit per shelf but if that is not an issue then you should consider it. Four adjustable shelves with the ability to add more shelves if needed. I really like the way the components are staggered when you fill the rack.

sucks2beme

4 post flexi rack here. I did the version with 5/8 rod and covered the
threaded portions with painted lengths of pvc pipe. I used a jig
on a miter box to cut the pvc to equal lengths, making the rack
setup easier. It isn't easy to change shelf spacing, but it works
for me.