Seeking recommendations about material, design, makers of low-lying rack for gear


I'm looking to set up a new room with

  • tube monoblocks (2)
  • preamp
  • streamer
  • DAC
  • CD transport.

I've wired the room so that the mono blocks can each sit on a stand behind each speaker.

Questions:

(1) I've been reading about good materials for the mono stands — maple? Other ideas? I would probably like to have them made locally if possible but would consider buying them from a company. Just don't want to pay an arm and leg. Ideas?

(2) I'd like to have a very low-to-the-floor rack in between the monos. Someday, I'll get the gear off to the side, but at the moment, the gear will be in between. Any suggestions regarding the design of this rack — materials? Purveyors?

Thank you.
128x128hilde45
Honestly, Townshend Pods are so good I would focus above all on finding the rack with the looks you want, and rely on Pods for sound quality. Since nobody makes a rack that can compete with Pods on a price/sound quality basis, but plenty make racks that look real good for the money, this will also be the most cost-effective way to go.
Great suggestions. Had not thought of locking wheels.

Saving this thread as PDF for my reference. 

More suggestions welcome.

Timbernation is on my short list of local guy can't do it.

@miller -- thanks for the suggestion. I know you like their podiums for speakers, too. I’m not ready to do that, yet -- want to get my gear settled.

But to be clear about what you think would be optimal -- you’re saying a set of pods under both an equipment rack or under each piece of equipment? Also the mono block stands? At $100/pod I’m missing something, because it doesn't seem cost-effective. (I admit I'm confused so please be nice!)
Look at Symposium Acoustics Ultra amp stands though not cheap sound much better than wood.
If quality, stability, functionality, and damping are important then Sound Anchor can make whatever you need. Their heavy steel racks, stands, and platforms are bullet proof tough, internally damped with a sand mixture, and come with threaded bottoms so you can easily use their own spikes or casters, or your choice of footer, spring, etc.

If you look about halfway through the pictures on my system page, you will see a monoblock on a SRA platform that is sitting on a spiked SA stand that I repurposed from a speaker stand. If you look closer to the beginning of the photos, you will see a SA equipment rack that has a wood top platform and wood shelves I had from a former project. Those are also SA stands under my main speakers that I have supported by springs. I have been very satisfied with their work.