AudioNervosa

Systemic Development => Bipolar System Disorders => Topic started by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 12:01:13 PM

Title: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 12:01:13 PM
I am trying to decide on what new audio racks to buy. I need (want) to get 2 identical 4 shelf racks to use side by side. There are a couple of "musts" that have to be met.

 • One shelf on each rack needs to have 12" of height (space) between shelves.
 • One 12" height section needs to hold a 50 lb. amp.
 • Top shelf needs to accommodate an 18 x 24" butcher-block that my VPI Prime sits on. (approximately 50-55 lbs. total)

Lastly, I'd like to keep the budget to $300.00 maximum for each rack.

Thanks,
SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on February 07, 2021, 12:14:24 PM
I’ve got a Pangea (which I like a lot), but just measured and only 8-9” in between. I’ll keep looking ....
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 12:35:20 PM
Thanks, Nick. I'd like to know what everyone else is using (pix would be great) to see if it would work out for me.

 SN
(Bill)
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on February 07, 2021, 01:26:56 PM
Bill,
I found the extended height pillars for the Pangea, but still only 10”... am getting closer :)
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: James Edward on February 07, 2021, 02:43:11 PM
I will offer a caveat- I use a Salamander rack- but one big drawback to me is the ‘infinitely adjustable shelves’- this means all four points of the shelf have to be level- which means a LOT of adjusting- at least on the model I have. If I ever buy another shelf, I’d go for one that uses a pin system of some sort for the four corners.
Good luck in your quest.
Welcome back- https://youtu.be/0VkrUG3OrPc
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 03:36:39 PM
Nick - Thanks for the research.

James - I agree with you on the adjustable style rack. I'd never have the patience for that. Lastly, thanks for the welcome back. Especially the link!  :lol:

Even though it puts me way over budget, I'm thinking of 2 of these...
http://www.vtimanufacturing.com/vti_product/bl404-13-audio-rack/ (http://www.vtimanufacturing.com/vti_product/bl404-13-audio-rack/)
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: malloy on February 07, 2021, 04:48:30 PM
I'd also like to know what is out there for the same money.

I'm using a Pangea Vulcan but I removed one tier so I only have 2 instead of 3. Until I get something better, these will have to do. I did not notice any improvement in sound with the cd player and amp on it.

The VTI you linked to looks like a Lovan. I used to have Lovan racks with spikes and some other damping material. Those racks really improved the sound.
They looked like these VTIs: https://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseriesaudiovideorackbl304ssilvercaps.aspx (https://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseriesaudiovideorackbl304ssilvercaps.aspx)

Lovan's site is inaccessible now, I think they are out of business.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 05:38:54 PM
Hi Malloy

I actually have a 4 shelf Lovan rack now. (Have had it for many years.) Great self-balancing 3-legged design. It's just that I now need more rack space. Thus my quest here.

SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: malloy on February 07, 2021, 06:10:15 PM
Hi Malloy

I actually have a 4 shelf Lovan rack now. (Have had it for many years.) Great self-balancing 3-legged design. It's just that I now need more rack space. Thus my quest here.

SN

Ah. Great! There seems to be a hole in the price tiers of audio racks. All I see are those that are budget, such as Monoprice, then those in the few hundred dollar range then prices jump up to a few thousand dollars. Aside from Salamander, VTI, and Pangea, the next tier up seems to be Solidsteel, but their 2 shelf rack is already $399  :cry: Atacama is already in the $1k range, :cry: Walker Audio goes up to mid 5 figures.  :shock:

Actually, I have a similar question, but for speaker stands. I'll create another thread. I'm looking for a good set of stands for around $300.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 07, 2021, 06:43:50 PM
May need to think outside of the box to meet all requirements and your price point.

With the advertised "winter" discount this one is only $14 over budget, with free shipping:

https://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseriesaudiovideorackbl304sssilverframe.aspx

Remove the bottom shelf......
Replace it with 3 stacks of hockey pucks, 3 pucks in each stack....
Assemble the rack (sans bottom shelf) on top of the hockey puck stacks.

Each puck is one inch thick, so stacking them gives 3 inches.  Glue them together if stability is needed.  Distance from floor to the first shelf (the one with 9 inch support) is now 12 inches.  Floor is effectively the first shelf, with 3 shelves above it = 4 shelf rack.

Meets all your requirements, with 2 more shelves in the closet should your needs grow in the future.

If not for the 12 inch requirement, this rack would work great:

https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=Monolith+by+Monoprice+4+Tier+Audio+Stand+XL

I love the solid brawny looks, and the price can't be beat.  I've seen it on sale for $125.  Much nicer than the Panagea...IMO of course.

Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 07, 2021, 07:14:13 PM
Hey toobluvr!

It's been a long, long while. Thanks for your ingenuity on this. I have a lot to think about with this, but that's good. Choices are good.

Stay well,
SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 07, 2021, 07:17:18 PM
Yep, it's been awhile Bill.  I now live in SC.  Hope you are well.    :thumb:

~ John
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 07:59:30 AM
This one meets all requirements and is well within budget:

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGKVTTX2

(https://cdn-yotpo-images-production.yotpo.com/Review/225467903/158244519/original.jpg?1610936480)
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 09, 2021, 08:50:52 AM
Nice work, John. This may be a great choice. It's funny, because I looked on AA but didn't see this particular stand.

Edit.... Now I see it. It's in the clearance section!

SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on February 09, 2021, 09:36:47 AM
Good price, very stable and easy to assemble  :thumb:
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 09:41:17 AM

Edit.... Now I see it. It's in the clearance section!

SN

I'm guessing they may be phasing it out?  It used to be available in several finish options and now they only offer one.
Better jump!     :thumb:

Another option.....

If you don't want two shelves with 12 inches clearance above each, get this one:

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGVULRK

And replace the bottom shelf with this:

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGVTTXRS

Only $10 more than the TT stand w/ Record storage, but with some additional benefits:

*  several finish / color options are available
*  greater flexibility -- either a 4 or 5 shelf rack is possible
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Emil on February 09, 2021, 09:56:46 AM
This guy is in Manhattan

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649705567-maple-and-walnut-equipment-racks-for-sale/
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 10:01:27 AM
Beautiful racks, but doesn't meet several of his requirements.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 10:04:39 AM
Another option......

Get this:

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGVTTX

And add this to the top:

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGVUXES

Comes in at the same $240.  Visually, this is my fave.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 09, 2021, 10:18:21 AM
Wow, John. Pretty soon, I'm going to have to put you on the payroll!  :rofl:

Emil, really beautiful racks but not going to work for me. Thanks none-the-less.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 10:23:55 AM
Reasonable rates!      :thumb:
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: rollo on February 09, 2021, 11:01:55 AM
  These racks are well just racks to hold ones gear. If that is all you desire then go for it. If you want a rack that isolates resonance and is affective at reducing noise choose otherwise. Would love to get you into SGR racks from Austrailia as they are engineered for reducing vibration and noise. Just lots more money. Look great as well. My 2 cents.
charles
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 09, 2021, 11:14:23 AM
Charles,

I totally understand where you are coming from regarding isolation etc... but the SGR racks are way, way, way over my budget. Even with the Aussie to US dollar exchange, they're a ton of $$$.

As always, I appreciate your offer to help.

SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 09, 2021, 11:33:15 AM
There are a vast array of devices you can use between gear and shelving to deal with vibrations, moon phases,  atmospheric changes, solar eclipses, spousal moods, etc.  Couple or decouple,  tweak away to your hearts content.     :lol:

I'm not a huge believer in spending huge bux on an audiophile approved rack.  Just something solid and sturdy.  That's me, I know others disagree.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on February 09, 2021, 11:37:02 AM
  These racks are well just racks to hold ones gear. If that is all you desire then go for it. If you want a rack that isolates resonance and is affective at reducing noise choose otherwise. Would love to get you into SGR racks from Austrailia as they are engineered for reducing vibration and noise. Just lots more money. Look great as well. My 2 cents.
charles

https://www.sgraudio.com/hifiracks

Charles,
What are the retail on these? Due to budgetary constraints, isolation racks would likely be the final item I would purchase. Have never really owned a good one....
Nick
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 09, 2021, 03:22:55 PM
Prices are Australian $$$, so exchange rate will bring them down about 23% (Every dollar Australian = 0.77˘ US) - BUT if I read the list correctly, the prices are per LEVEL!!!

https://www.sgraudio.com/hifiracks/pricing (https://www.sgraudio.com/hifiracks/pricing)

Way too expensive for me. - YMMV (Your Money May Vary!)

SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on February 09, 2021, 04:15:39 PM
Prices are Australian $$$, so exchange rate will bring them down about 23% (Every dollar Australian = 0.77˘ US) - BUT if I read the list correctly, the prices are per LEVEL!!!

https://www.sgraudio.com/hifiracks/pricing (https://www.sgraudio.com/hifiracks/pricing)

Way to expensive for me. - YMMV (Your Money May Vary!)

SN

Yikes....sorry I asked  :shock:
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: rollo on February 10, 2021, 11:07:18 AM
  Correct each level. When does anyone here pay retail to me . Never.


charles
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Hugh on February 10, 2021, 06:25:52 PM
Still have some Onix racks in stock.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: tmazz on February 10, 2021, 06:38:29 PM
  Correct each level. When does anyone here pay retail to me . Never.


charles

That may be true, but the retail on their cheapest 4 level rack is just shy of $3100 US. That’s more than more than 10x what he said his target budget was for this project.

I think that much of a discount is a wee bit too much to hope for.  :D

It would probably cost close to $300 to ship it here from that land down under.  :roll:
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 10, 2021, 09:43:40 PM
Here's another one that meets all requirements, except for price.   It's about $120 over budget.

https://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseriesaudiorackbl404-13variousfinishes7913spacing.aspx
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: StereoNut on February 11, 2021, 08:52:23 AM
Thanks, John. That's the rack that I posted earlier in the thread. I'm really leaning towards it vs. the others (even though it's more $$$ than I originally wanted to spend) because each tier is isolated from the next and the shelves look like there's space between them and the supports like my Lovan rack.

Stay tuned!

SN
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Brap on February 11, 2021, 08:55:21 AM
Check out avatar
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: toobluvr on February 11, 2021, 11:26:44 AM
Thanks, John. That's the rack that I posted earlier in the thread. I'm really leaning towards it vs. the others (even though it's more $$$ than I originally wanted to spend) because each tier is isolated from the next and the shelves look like there's space between them and the supports like my Lovan rack.

Stay tuned!

SN

And since it's modular it offers good flexibility. 

As a vertical rack, shelves (and therefore the spacing) can be arranged however you desire.   And if your room or system changes, the pieces can also be spread out and arranged horizontally as a triple or quadruple wide rack with less height.
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on March 20, 2021, 11:39:02 PM
Bill,

Did you ever buy anything or are you still pondering? If I were to switch from my Pangea, I’d likely go to the four post VTI.

Nick
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on March 20, 2021, 11:44:33 PM
Check out avatar

Brad,
I was on the Avatar site. Saw some isolation devices, but not a rack. Have you used any of their products?
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Barry (NJ) on March 29, 2021, 11:58:45 AM
DIY Bill ;)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080665002_042bd92fbb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kPPL5J)
2021-03-28_11-12-38 (https://flic.kr/p/2kPPL5J) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr

Single width from way back when. Note the rack above incorporates those single width shelves...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/2559/4046958915_071552516d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/7aBHTH)
IMG_2886 (https://flic.kr/p/7aBHTH) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on March 29, 2021, 12:10:25 PM
DIY Bill ;)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080665002_042bd92fbb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kPPL5J)
2021-03-28_11-12-38 (https://flic.kr/p/2kPPL5J) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr

Single width from way back when. Note the rack above incorporates those single width shelves...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/2559/4046958915_071552516d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/7aBHTH)
IMG_2886 (https://flic.kr/p/7aBHTH) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr

Barry,
These are your diy racks, right?? Your Audio Alchemy stuff must go way back? Is that a Gallo?
Nick
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Barry (NJ) on March 29, 2021, 02:02:52 PM
These are your diy racks, right?? Your Audio Alchemy stuff must go way back? Is that a Gallo?
Nick

Yes Nick, my (partially) DIY racks. I had a cabinet maker cut the 1" furniture grade birch plywood to size, and they also sprayed it with clear polyurethane. I drilled the holes for the threaded rod, which I purchased at HD along with the nuts and washers.

And yes, my first Gallo speaker, purchased from Anthony at his little apartment in Brooklyn back in '94(?) still have them and broke them out a few weeks ago to show my son, who's recently taken an interest in audio.
The AA gear is still my primary, in use since the mid to late '90s. Here's a pic I took today...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51082379021_67a1af37a0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kPYxAM)
2021-03-29_04-56-27 (https://flic.kr/p/2kPYxAM) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: AUDIO RACK SUGGESTIONS?
Post by: Nick B on March 29, 2021, 03:17:49 PM
These are your diy racks, right?? Your Audio Alchemy stuff must go way back? Is that a Gallo?
Nick

Yes Nick, my (partially) DIY racks. I had a cabinet maker cut the 1" furniture grade birch plywood to size, and they also sprayed it with clear polyurethane. I drilled the holes for the threaded rod, which I purchased at HD along with the nuts and washers.

And yes, my first Gallo speaker, purchased from Anthony at his little apartment in Brooklyn back in '94(?) still have them and broke them out a few weeks ago to show my son, who's recently taken an interest in audio.
The AA gear is still my primary, in use since the mid to late '90s. Here's a pic I took today...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51082379021_67a1af37a0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kPYxAM)
2021-03-29_04-56-27 (https://flic.kr/p/2kPYxAM) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr

Thanks, Barry. A great setup imo  :thumb: It’s a great hobby to share with your son