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Do you like your Sanus, VTI, or Salamander rack?

I'm looking at all of these since I want to move the equipment into the closet. The VTI looks like the best choice for my needs, but some of you have complained in other threads that the shelves are thin, the paint easily scratches, and they show their low cost Chinese quality. Also, the posts don't even line up on top of each other without a bit of bending, etc. Not very confidence inspiring. Now, What I really want is a full blown Samson from Mapleshade, but the cost is simply out of reach for me. The Salamander shares it's infinite adjustability, but looks so flimsy with those 5/8" posts and thin shelves. Is this rack sturdy and solid when bolted together? Using analog, I want rock solid rigidity. The Sanus looks like it might be better in this regard, but a bit less configurable. What do you think? Any experience with any of these? Please chime in and enlighten me. My ancient solid welded Target is probably better than any of them, but doesn't have enough space, or height. I miss Target, they seem to have vanished from the rack scene.
hifiharv
hifiharv OP
351 posts
 
Good advice Mitch. I have considered DIY wall mount shelves. Especially since it is only in the closet. One thing that bothers me though is that here in Fl. the floor is concrete with a Terrazo top finish. It is rock solid and I am assuming less prone to vibration than the wall studs which resonate along with the wall board. Just a hunch, I don't have any scientific proof of this but it seems likely. I'm thinking a solid stand spiked to the floor will be quieter than the boomy wall. Anyone out there want to comment on this issue as well? What has less vibration, the floor or the walls?
mitch2
3,967 posts
 
A slab on concrete will be solid. I was thinking of the suspended wood floors many of us have up here in the north.

My gear is on a Sound Anchor component rack spiked to the concrete floor in the lower level of our house. Consider the Sound Anchor rack. Solid as it gets and holds value. Since you will be in a closet, the castors could come in really handy when trying to change out cables or components. Also, they do not have shelves but instead the gear sits adjustable steel bars providing both flexibility of footer placement as well as better air circulation beneath the components.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Those FL Terrazo over concrete floors can only be cured by the thickest WOOL rug you can afford over all the entire listening area. Period.
gbart
290 posts
 
I use Salamander Synergy racks to house my 2-channel and HT systems. My only complaint is entirely aesthetic. Dust collects in the aluminum post channels and looks unsightly. Maybe Salamander should consider a black rubber or plastic filler strip for the posts that would prevent dust from collecting.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
I have a VTI that is very solid, but scratches easily. Good enough, easy on the pocketbook. Seems I'm getting to the point where it's not as easy as it once was to hear very subtle differences when trying various tweaks. In one way that's a good thing, since I'm not spending as much to get that extra pinch of better sound. But my hearing seems to getting worse. It's not bad, just not as good as it once was. I'm nearly 57.
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