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Granite vs Wood DIY Audio Racks?

I recently upgraded my CDP which requires a bit more room than my current rack has to offer. While there are quite a few new racks I like, I find them to be a bit pricey so I figured I'd give DIY a shot.

The materials I'd like to use are either John Boos maple cutting boards (stained black) or granite slabs (black) which I can aquire at a local marble shop. While I prefer the granite looks wise, I rather choose the material which would sound better. Supports would be 1" threaded rod. Does anyone know where I can get 1" female threaded cones for the rods?

My listening room is on the 2nd floor and has an oak wood floor.

I appreciate any thoughts or recommendations.

Regards,
Steve
steves71
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
On the top shelf I did not use washers. I drilled about 1/2" down with a one inch drill bit, then the rest of the way with a 5/8" bit. Rather than use the standard 5/8" #11 plain old nuts on the top, I used the locking type (with a nylon insert). I tightened them til they locked, then used the nut underneath the top shelf (that does have a washer) to crank it and pull the locking nut into the 1" recessed hole. Hope this explanation makes sense...
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
Steve,
Believe it or not, the best prices I found were at a Williams-Sonoma retail store. They have all sorts of sizes. I got 24" x 18" x 1 1/2" at 62.00/shelf.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Get a hold of Jahaira. He uses a DIY rack with granite, marine plywood and rubber/cork/rubber mats under the granite. I've seen his rack and consider it way superior to most aftermarket products.
steves71 OP
28 posts
 
OK guys. Finally finished it w/ some Boos blocks. Actually more than an hour ago, but I wanted to listen to some music. I love it. It seems to me I'm getting a bit more detail and defintion. Where as before it was a bit muddy. I'm gonna post some pics under virtual systems.

THANK YOU ALL for your advice and input.

I also picked up some smaller Boos for the amps. Once I cone them I should be done at least for a couple of days :)

Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Steve
trelja
3,224 posts
 
I apologize for jumping into this thread this late, but I remember a thread a few weeks ago where a lot of the regulars here chimed in with their opinions on pine being the superior material for audio shelving.

Anyone want to tackle this issue?

I intend on pushing forward with some racks in the late summer/fall and would like to hear what people think.
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