Rack Advice Needed


I am interested in a rack that will fit into an existing opening in my living room where I now have a bookcase. Something sturdy, about 4 feet high, that slides out preferably. I now have an amp, pre/pro, universal disc player, video processor/switcher, cable box, media center pc and will be adding a DAC and power conditioner soon. I am planning to have an enclosure built around it with doors that blend into the room, and bookshelves above it. Should I plan to have a fan built in as well? Any suggestions of where to look or order from, brands, materials, features to watch for would be appreciated as I am a newb and this is my first "real" system. Thanks.
theclam
Go to the design center at Lowes, Home Depot, Mennards etc. Take your dimensions, color pallete and budget. Choose from wood, metal, glass, granite, corian, you name it. The same skills that go into kitchen cabinetry will cross over to your audio rack system needs. You can plan your storage and airflow needs as well as lighting and electrical all at the same time. You will save much over a dedicated audio custom piece, and it will add to your homes appeal. As a bonus everything will match.

(p.s.) there is a lot of wiggle room in their pricing for cabinets and lighting.
The popular rack that is buget minded and alot of AV guys use is midalantic. Check ou there site they make some neat things that pull out and swivel so you can get to the componments.

Yes I would leave venting in most cases fans are not necessory if venting is done well. However ahve no ideal what you plan to run in there, just a receiver you are probably fine, seprates you may need to consider active venting.
Be sure and check out Salamander. They have tons of stand options and would most likely have something that would work for you.

While I am a Salamander dealer, there are multiple places to buy. Check out their website for build options.

Good luck!

Taylor
www.goldprintaudio.com