I have built my own racks in the past, but I must admit the Lovan rack I now have is superior in every way - but I did have to tweak it
As glennewcidk points out...
- three legs - easy to level - very important
- floating shelves - help isolate components from floor vibrations
- mass - helps redice severity of vibrations
Add to those features - Damping
The Lovan stand I have consists of...
- seperate metal supporting "frames" that fit on top of each other - each isolated with spiked feet
- I replaced a couple of the 8mm MDF shelves with 18mm (3/4") MDF for the amp and the turntable for additional mass/support
- between the frames and the shelf I inserted sorbothane damping strips
- on each shelf
- on each shelf I added a granite tile (cut to size), but between each shelf and the granite I placed a damping layer of 1/10" foam drawer liner to further limit vibrations - it's an MDF/Granite "sandwich"
- the feet of each components were replaced with ball-bearing feet and 1/10" sorbothane cushions
The entire rack is isolated from the floor by inert damping material - a fancy name for hocky pucks + spike protectors
I'm a handy DIYer and did make a metal rack in the past with spikes for isolation etc..., but could I make a rack that provides this level of isolation, configurability and stability? - the answer is no.
If you have access to metal/wood-working tools that allow great accuracy WRT cutting and welding - go for it
Otherwise - making some simple mod's to a Lovan rack will reap huge benefits and save you lots of hassle.
YES - the same tweaks can be applied to any rack, but the Lovan range is quite affordable, robust, nicely made and even without mods - are better than many higher priced alternatives.
My stand cost $400 CDN for a 4 shelf unit, so I did not feel that guilty about drilling a few additional holes :-)
Hope that helps - steve
