2. misc-audio
  3. 119309-10

What's the greatest bargain in audio racks these days?

Hi,

I'm thinking of replacing my Crate & Barrel stereo cabinet with a proper audio rack that'll take up less space, produce fewer deleterious reflections and make cable management easier. Some of the prices asked for high end audio furniture have made my head spin. 

Any suggestions for good stuff at more down to earth prices?

I should add that it needs to be sturdy enough to accommodate my SOTA Sapphire turntable (which is a heavy beast) and my Audio Note Kits "Kit 1" amp (which weighs in at around 55 pounds).

Thanks in advance!!!
rebbi
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,555 posts
 
"Salamander Designs Archetype 5.0 is priced @, $499 "

This $499 price is for the CHERRY WOOD FINISH. You can buy the Salamander Archetype 5.0 for $250!!!! in the Black finish. This IMO is the best deal in audio racks today.


Matt M
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Thanks a lot for the responses, folks!
I'd never heard of Timbernation. His stuff looks gorgeous, although it's a little pricey for my budget. 
I think I might get a lower Salamander Archetype and put the turntable on a separate, two shelf stand that I have.
Thanks again for the advice!
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Buy a Salamander 5.0 and put everything on 2-4 " un-finished maple slabs .
Paint front edge black and your problems are over .
stevizzy's avatar
stevizzy
121 posts
 
I've got a old Target, welded steel rack with cheap plywood shelved. 
Rather than buy a new $3000 fancy audiophile rack, I tried isolating my electronics on Stillpoints. Even with the cheap Target Stand, the Stillpoints made a huge improvement. 
Still not cheap considering their cost, but I had the Stillpoints from a previous speaker setup. 
bondmanp
1,836 posts
 
FWIW, I have been very pleased with my VTI double-wide for the last 8 years.  It can handle a 300 lb. TV, so I would suspect the SOTA won't be an issue.  It looks nice, has cable-routing cut-outs, and casters for easy moving.  It was about the cheapest rack I could find that was sturdy and would have enough slots (three shelves, double-wide, for 8 total components).  Also, the hieght of each shelf can be selected when assembling to one of two hieghts.
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