Cool Amp Stands - what to get at a good price?

Here is a thought if you are capable of drawing what you would like to have. Take the drawings and specifications to a small welding shop and get a quote for the frame. Buy or make the shelf while the frame is being done. Then find a powder coating business in your area and see what the charge would be. Frankly, most of their business is in black, so if this is what you would like they would simply insert it in the normal run with other items. I believe you could pay too much @ $200 complete and still have a wonderful deal. I have actually considered doing this on a custom order basis because material costs are low. You do need to be specific about what you want with the drawings. Tig welding, IMHO, would be what you would want since it povides the best appearing welds. This assumes you select a shop that can provide a finished product that is square and plumb.
Good luck,
Patrick

Sound Anchor stands look great and are very reasonably priced compaired to others.They are made about 30 miles from where I live and the owner would probably work me a good deal as I have done buisness twice with him in the past.If you would like,drop me an e-mail and we could go from there.

Outlier: What is the floor surface like (wood, carpet, tile) and is it level? I am a firm believer that CD players need to have their transports on an even keel (just like TT's) and this would mean that the CD player stand should be adjustable. If the floor is carpeted then having the gear too low may subject it to static electricity (not good for CD players and maybe so for other gear). Just a few things to think about in regard to the design. I do not know how expensive the lines are that you have already researched but if I were winging it I would consider using Neuance shelving (resting on some sort of cones/spikes) or as a budget alternative using the Ikea Lack table tops in the same manner. I have ended up with Neuance myself (after trying many less expensive alternatives), but @ $15-$18 per stand the Lack tables would be an inexpensive way to try the light/rigid approach. The legs on the tables would need to be cut down (or removed) for them to sound better, per Ken @ Neuance, the originator of the Lack DIY rack, (which seems to be the look that you are after anyway). I think that the table may also come in a triangle (corner) version which might be interesting for the smaller gear (mix/match the two different shapes). Cones/spikes would add to the expense (adjustable ones for the CD player shelf), but should not cost too much. I also suppose that the same cones/spikes might be able to be reused with Neuance (or other shelving) if you decided the upgrade the platforms @ some point. To make the Lack stands you would require a drill and a hand saw (tape the legs to avoid chipping the finish when cutting them down) and the cone/spike hardware. The tables come in various colors/finishes (we have a red one under a TV:-). You could also spike/cone Maple platforms (cut to size), but I prefer the sound of the light weight material myself. I would search a hardware/plumbing store for spikes before purchasing audiophile ones, but am probably a bit more budget conscious than most (some of the audiophile ones are not very expensive). For more info on this search "Lack and rack" and you will find an old tread on the subject.

Guys, thanks so much for the suggestions - they're all very good. Overall, the Ikea Lack suggesion is just so affordable I've got to try it - sounds like fun too. Thanks again!

Salamander synergy series in color of your choice with optional silver colored feet (beautiful). Multiple accessories (doors, panels, cable managers,etc. available as well.

Sound anchor does great custom work. Give them a call.