Racks - what’s awesome without impacting my kids college plans?


My search showed the last significant rack discussion to be years ago.   I’m thinking 5 shelf, TT on top, upright style, without costing more then I spent on an amp...  I’m good with adding sand, even fabricating a granite shelf or two. Any suggestions?
dishman442
Huh. Sound Anchor.  I sold their speaker stands years ago but not racks. They sell racks prefilled?  What must they weigh/cost to ship?  

Good thoughts everyone!   Anyone else have a suggestion?
Jperry, I realize amp cost is a decent qualifying price point question, but I prefer to just look for good value - great sound suggestions and go from there
dishman442,

If you can find a used Star Sound Sistrum SP-101 rack, let alone with 5 platforms on the used market, you could have a sensational sound improvement to each component placed on it. I happened to luck out and have all my equipment on 2 Sistrum 101 racks--a 2 shelf and a 3 shelf, one of which is their larger TT shelf. I use it to put both a phono preamp and the power supply for a Modwright 5400 CD/SACD player on it, plus enough room behind to put the most common used items for my TT setup.

The sound is immediately more involving, dynamic, more live sounding like real instruments. Putting my speakers on SP-101 platforms did the same thing allowing me to take out my 4 bass traps in the corners because they no longer made any difference.

All the 101’s were purchased used with the one demo TT from Star Sound out of the 5 component shelves. I doubt there is a better sound improvement from putting your stuff on a rack than a Sistrum, other than their own more expensive racks. These were the top of the line. I really doubt I will ever get rid of them from upgraditis.

If you did this, and got lucky enough to be able to find RTS couplers to anchor them to each shelf, as I did getting most of them used, the sound improvement basically doubles in quantity.

Good luck in your quest,
Bob
Do an AGon equipment search on "Timbernation" (username: solidwood). I purchased some amp stands with minimal fuss.
Also, boltz.com has some "alternatives" to the other stands mentioned.

Hi Dishman,

I ordered my new racks today. 4 solid hardwood coffee tables and will sit 2 on 2. Beautiful wood, solid as a truck, and plenty of room. No being technically fancy, I'll put felt pads under the legs so nothing gets scratched, Best of all, $125 each.