Want to build a rack with sandwich layered dampening


Hi all,

I considering constructing a very basic, small, low two shelf rack to accommodate my somewhat compact components to replace my rather resonant Pangea rack. Lower, not as deep and a bit wider to accommodate access, but also keep it low to preserve stage between the speakers in my smallish listening room. 
 

I’ve found some perfectly sized and precut maple (I think it’s maple will have double check). 3/4 to 1” boards that I’d like to sandwich together with screws, and place some sort of elastomer material between to control resonances. The legs would be basic but thick, and I’d probably just put spring isolators under them. Rack would be sitting on a raised hardwood floor. 
 

My question: would using a sheet layer of sound absorbing butyl or some type of elastomer in between help or potentially harm sonics? Reason I’m asking, I’ve found sorbothane to actually have an adverse effect under components, with say stack audio pucks instead a purely delightful improvement. I know we’re talking about a different application, but still would like to get some experienced thoughts on anyone that has done - or purchased - something similar. 
 

Big thanks in advance for anyone’s help! 
 

John 

riccitone

Thank you all,

these are some great recommendations and I really appreciate this…

@dekay I was actually looking into the Lack, a bit too deep but not out of consideration. It could also be slightly modified if needed. I was also looking at a Tiburon” entertainment/tv shelf that looked promising. Made of a thick kind of balsam I believe. It was an opposite problem in that it was only 9-10” deep. 
 

Thank you @bdp24 and @mitch2 for those materials to use as a constrained layer.  The green glue under a “floating” board is something I hadn’t considered. Cool idea. 

 

Here’s the one I thought might work.

LACK TV unit,

W - 47 1/4"

H - 14 1/8"

D - 13 3/4"

It has 2 levels.

 

There is another one that is 63" wide.

 

DeKay

 

 

I'm a physicist with a good understanding of vibration.  And it isn't clear to me whether the elastomer will help or hurt.  Good question. 

My solution is to build a rack without shelves.  Where shelves would be I put a horizontal metal bar on the front and back and just put 2 heavy boards across the rack to support the feet. 

Jerry

Vibrapods can be used between shelving for an effective isolation device. The illustration is from the site. Results may very.

There are a lot of viscous materials that can used between your boards for constrained layer damping. If it is necessary to keep the profile as low as possible, I like bdp's suggestions. The green glue concept could be held together with a couple dowels. Press fit into bottom board, slip fit into top board.

 

 

Vibrapod Isolator Installation