Large platform for power amp and more...

Get yourself a couple of large rock maple butcher blocks (John Boos' Boos Blocks are the best IMHO), position them end-to-end and couple them to the surface using threaded Audiopoints cones.

I was going to suggest looking for a workbench top and cutting it to your desired size, but I think separate platforms would be better. One large shelf will create more resonance problems than several smaller ones.

Jdombrow is quite correct when he mentions resonance issues. A 6 ft long piece of maple could give you trouble. If you got yourself 3 rock maple butcher blocks of the size I am thinking of (23" x 19") you would have just under 6 ft of usable space. In 3 sections you could also configure them in different ways should your situation change.

The John Boos blocks I use are 100% hard rock maple, come in a variety of sizes and thickness. I am currently constructing a custom two-shelf rack from 23 x 19 x1 slabs with a hand rubbed and buffed tung oil finish, 5/8" threaded rods, and I will be using Audiopoints 5/8" inside thread cones to couple the rack to the floor. It's going to look great and work very well too.

Lisbon, I've been using this with great results:

http://www.ikea.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=7&productId=11317&langId=-20&parentCats=10104*10173

place it horizontally and you'll have the chance to add cones or dedicated platforms for more sensitive components. It's quite sturdy and heavy, I find it very good for the price. It fits 4 pieces of equipment. Ikea will open it's first portuguese shop in March 2004 (amadora), or go to Spain to get it....or have it custom made.

nuno

Mapleshade has some nice wood platforms and stands.