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Component racks

I am putting together a tube system and need a racking system for two turntables, and 5 tube components (pramp, 2 monoblocks, phono preamp, and cd player)and surge prtector. The only thing I know about racks is they come in a lot of flavors and can be very expensive. With tubes, they will more than likely have to be adjustable. I have two svelte shelves and two amp stands, 3 X 3 still points, 1 X 3 roller blocks and 1 X 3 roller block jr. that I am using with my current system on a wood entertainment system. Reading forums and threads has left me confused. I am open for comments and suggestions. Thank you.
bgmyers
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Another important consideration for your rack, especially with tubes involved, is that there is plenty of air circulation, so you should go with an open rack. I really like the Sanus Natural Foundations rack I bought, but it is not adjustable, if that is a requirement for you.
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Check out AuidiAV, I have their Crystal rack and the thing is sick strong and solid as hell. I looked for a rack for a long time and these guys really outdo themselves! The customer support is off the charts and the product is to die for.

http://www.audiav.com/
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Best to keep the racks completely open. Also, make plans to use some laptop coolers to keep the tubes 'cool'. Laptops coolers are a very inexpensive way to do the cooling. Their fans are very quite. There are many UBS free standing hubs that can be used to power them, no actual laptop needed as they work on a wall wart. I use two Atlantis racks, with the TT's on the top shelve which is spiked. The tops are 46 inches off the floor, with three shelves in addition to the top shelve. The stands are on the side wall.
cio52
121 posts
 
You want an open air rack, solid shelves, infinite adjustability, and good looks too. Look at Mapleshade before making a decision.

The only test on rack/sound is a comparison to the gear you are using now. I had a Sanus rack with adjustable MFD shelves in an enclosed structure with a door I didn't use. My Krell KSA 200S (about 112lbs) I had at the time broke the strongest bottom shelf pins. I'm sure the Natural Foundations rack is a good one. I bought the Mapleshade, installed the rack and gear and the sound was better. I feel like I received good value and a great product.
notec
407 posts
 
Find something that works for you that's really cheap! Then as time and money allow (if this is not an issue then disregard); spend the outrageous money on a "hi-fi" rack. Droppin' 1K-3K for a rack is redonkulous IMO.

Racks are the final touch(es)/tweak(s) for me. Wait until you're at that point in you system building process. I've had a few over the years I've put my gear on that made no difference to sound quality to my ears in my room etc....
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