Least expensive solid stereo stand?

thanks!

I have a Salamander rack. I just put a Bamboo chopping block from IKEA on one of the MDF shelves. Then I raised up the component (CD player) with Maple blocks. I did some critical listening and found that this was a very good tweak and the cost of the chopping block was just $14.99+tax. I already had the blocks as they were scrap from a kitchen. The chopping block is not large enough to replace the shelf, but it didn't seem to matter at all. I suppose you could do this on any rack and save a bunch of money over buying a specialized audio rack. I could only imagine the 2 or 3" maple slabs mentioned above to be at least as good.

Great!  thank you Pokey 

Thank you, I'll look into the Salamander

Have you looked at InterMetro shelving?
It's both very sturdy and relatively inexpensive:

4 Posts at $10/each
3 Shelves at $25/each
3 Shelf-Tops at $10/each
Done.