Lovan: Stereophile recommended disappointment.

Lovan has always struck me as masquerading mass-market stuff. But closeout or not, I should think the retailer could do something for you about such a disappointment, if you made enough noise about it (and I know you can!). As for the worth of the 'Stereophile Recommended' appellation (not that I know what they may have said about that particular product), it seems to be even more meaningless when it comes to accessories in general (especially concerning the lack of updating) than it does regarding components. I once might have ventured to say that this had something do with the fact that accessories don't receive a 'grade' in the recommendations, but seeing as they've long since made a joke out the grades they do give components via rampant grade-inflation, what's the diff? The only realization one needs to make these days about 'Recommended Components' is that Stereophile "recommends" everything which passes under their radar, period. And that makes the distinction meaningless by definition.

I have the Lovan rack for my equipment and can't stand it! I am with you, it is cheapo stuff and wish I had seen it before I bought. It always looks better in the catalogue. Good warning to others considering Lovan. Forget it.

kr4@nyu.edu, I posted before I saw you were on this thread...(but I know you can take it ;^)

Sure, I can as long as the comments are as honest and to-the-point as yours.

The recommendation I made for the Lovan was based on a single sample of the 4-tiered double-width rack. I cleaned the threads with a tap and a die and damped the shelves with Dynamat. The frame, especially when filled with sand or lead-shot is fine. The shelves are where they cut corners and they offer better ones for more $$$.

As always, a gentleman and a scholar... :-)