component order on a rack?

another caveat re: component placement: if you are using a separate phono stage or a
preamp with a built-in phono stage, it should be placed in close proximity to the source
and as far away from the amp as possible. in my experience, it is ALWAYS better to place
your amp(s) as close to your speakers as you can get them and as far away from your
source(s) and preamp as your environment and budget for wire permits. -cfb

I place the CD player directly below the TT (which is on the top shelf). The reason being that it is easier then to place software in/on either and this reduces the risk of damaging precious CD/LP's. The preamp controls require less finesse and the 3rd (from the top) shelf is not a problem. I also have to relevel the "source" shelves from time to time (as the building settles) and having them towards the top makes this an easier task. My tube power amp is currently on the bottom shelf, but I plan on relocating it to a separate wall shelf (above the equipment rack) in order to reduce ambient heat effecting the other components. Off to the side would work as well, but this is not practical in my setup.

Your order makes good sense. The only other caveat I would add is that you may require a fairly long phono cable that passes potentially RF-noisy components. When I did this, I cut the noise with a pair of Audioquest RF Noise Stoppers (sold by Audio Advisor and others). They worked well.

Turntable on top, next is the preamp cuz ya fiddle with it quite often (and you don't want to get on all fours to adjust the gain or change input selection), next is the CD player (for the same reasons as the preamp), then tuner, and finally the amp on the bottom shelf.

The only things I would add are I don't think you'll mind the CD player over the preamp, but I suggest turning it and the tuner off when listening to your turntable to minimize the digital noise, and watch out with the preamp being right over the transformer in the power amp, that could cause you some hum problems in the phono stage, depending on how sensitive it is and how much gain it has (for example, I once had a Vendetta phono stage that I had to move away from the shelf above my JPL line stage because of the transformer in the line stage causing very noticable hum).

I agree with Marakanetz but would take it one step further. A "high bias" amp needs a LOT of room to breath. A 4" space above it is not enough and this can create problems. Not only are you trapping heat in and around the amp, you would also be "heating" the shelf above it. This in turn can transfer more heat into the component resting on that shelf, causing drifting or stability problems. This primarily holds true for digital based circuits, but others may also be effected.

Other than that, i'm sure that there is some "logical" way to arrange components in terms of "best performance". I have seen things written about placement of digital tuners ( probably also applies to transports / dac's / players ) due to the RF that they emit. I typically just lay them out for greatest convenience. Then again, most of my gear is spaced further apart on shelves than what most people have. I do not like having components or cables all bunched up. Sean
>

Depends on the distance between your components. I wouldn't place the power amp on the one stand with small signal components because there is a possibility of induction of parasite currents if the power transformers aren't shielded well. It may cause hum. Simply saying power amp should stay away from other components and certainly have much more room for heat dissipation. If your stand has large enough space(so that preamp is above at least by 4" from power amp)it maybe OK.