A/V Racks/Entertainment Cabinets
smglbrth
Posts: 1,495
This type of discussion didn't fit anywhere else on the forum so I figured it'd be better off here.
Ok, the wife and I want to get a different A/V cabinet. Right now we have a, pretty much, two bay rack with three shelves, all glass and open all the way around (no sides or back). Top for the TV, the bottom two shelves are for the audio (equipment side by side, hence the "two bay"). We are looking for a three bay wide model and do not want glass. I also want the doors to be able to close when using the equipment, mainly because the side doors will be in the way as far as the sound bouncing off of them when open in order to use the remotes (plus we now have grandkids that like to touch, anything).
So..., I looked at BDI cabinets since the remote signal is supposed to go through the doors, plus they have wheels for rolling it around. Wow, for anywhere from $2500 to 4000, even if I had that kind of money I'd have a really hard time spending that much. I looked at Salamander cabinets, the wife doesn't like any of them. I expanded the search and looked at stuff from Wayfair and the like. While some looked decent, especially the ones where the doors slide out of the way (my wife likes the mid-century designs), the weight ratings are dismal. They'd probably buckle under the equipment.
I've looked at several different websites for A/V furniture only to come up with nothing. Does the collective here have any ideas on specific manufacturers other than the ones mentioned? I'm starting to think I'm going to have to come up with my own plans and make something myself.
Thanks in advance!
Ok, the wife and I want to get a different A/V cabinet. Right now we have a, pretty much, two bay rack with three shelves, all glass and open all the way around (no sides or back). Top for the TV, the bottom two shelves are for the audio (equipment side by side, hence the "two bay"). We are looking for a three bay wide model and do not want glass. I also want the doors to be able to close when using the equipment, mainly because the side doors will be in the way as far as the sound bouncing off of them when open in order to use the remotes (plus we now have grandkids that like to touch, anything).
So..., I looked at BDI cabinets since the remote signal is supposed to go through the doors, plus they have wheels for rolling it around. Wow, for anywhere from $2500 to 4000, even if I had that kind of money I'd have a really hard time spending that much. I looked at Salamander cabinets, the wife doesn't like any of them. I expanded the search and looked at stuff from Wayfair and the like. While some looked decent, especially the ones where the doors slide out of the way (my wife likes the mid-century designs), the weight ratings are dismal. They'd probably buckle under the equipment.
I've looked at several different websites for A/V furniture only to come up with nothing. Does the collective here have any ideas on specific manufacturers other than the ones mentioned? I'm starting to think I'm going to have to come up with my own plans and make something myself.
Thanks in advance!
Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
Comments
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I don't have any recommended brands, but have you looked on Facebook marketplace for used media consoles? You might find a BDI 3-bay low console in the $500-$1000 range within a short drive. There were several in my area when I searched. Not sure if you'll find the exact one you want, but it's worth a search.
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Nevermind, I had one all typed out until I read "the wife doesn't like any of them" I suggest the wife break open the purse strings or get less picky....
Your best bet IS Salamander, they are built to last and can get screen door inserts for the remote. -
Are you interested in "Flexi-racks"?
The ones made with all-thread and MDF or plywood?
'Cause I can tell you what you need to do to make one not flexible and sonically dead.
Doesn't have to be that big either. That's just what fit my needs.Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you! -
To build off of what @Jstas commented:
I built my 2ch rack using threaded rod and maple slabs.
Prior to finish:
I built mine with threaded rod from these guys:
https://www.fastenersplus.com/collections/threaded-rod
And sourced maple slabs from a friend that does a lot of woodworking.
Friend had seasoned slabs planed to a 2” thickness (and to get them flat). The bottom 2 shelves had the live edge removed from the rear of the slabs and the top shelf we left both live edges (just a personal preference for me), but you could have all live edges removed if you preferred.
I think the total cost was under $500. -
That is fantastically done. I'm officially inspired.Upstatemax wrote: »I built my 2ch rack using threaded rod and maple slabs.
I recently picked up a Salamander Rack Synergy Series S40 from marketplace. Now that it's set-up in the living room, I'm not entirely satisfied by the look of it.
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I like the looks of the open racks. If I had a man-cave, with a locking door, that's exactly what I'd have. However, I don't and this is a combined system as we don't have that kind of room, especially with visits from our adult kids. Our glass rack now is all open with covers on all the equipment. The covers keep little fingers off everything, except the glass which seems to always need cleaned. My wife has tolerated it to this point as that's what we have. She still doesn't like seeing wires everywhere behind it though. The wiring is as neat as it's gonna get but she can still see 'em.
I did find one BDI but it's about 2.5 hours away and partially damaged, still $1000 asking and has the middle pull out drawer instead of another bay.
Thanks for the input. I can be patient as it's been, heck, around 14 years we've had the current rack. Maybe something will pop up a little closer...Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me -
Let the wife pick out the most amazing one she wants!
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You mentioned the wife doesn't like the Salamander, but does she know you can remove the side panels?
You can add doors to the lower L and R side of this.
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That's why I went with the Salamander Synergy. I have mine set-up with the back and sides removed for airflow and the mesh-screen door in the front. You can also get a rear-panel extender to better contain the cables. And it helps disguise them against a dark backdrop. The stock rear panel doesn't leave much room for overhanging cables. The unit is really nice for what's it is. Of course it's expensive. I got mine for $350 on marketplace. But I'm also trying to make my living-room less of a 'listening room' and more of a 'living room'. I think my SDA 2b's help achieve that- but I took a step back with the Salamander rack so I'm still weighing my options currently.
