DIY Reference Audio Rack


I have been thinking about building a low 2 shelf wood audio rack that will hold all of my gear in a more attractive and sonically better way than my current 3 shelf (mid-fi) steel and MDF rack. My monoblocks are 22" deep and I would like those to sit on the bottom shelf (along with a power conditioner) with source, preamp and room for a turntable (in the future) on the top shelf. So basically something 24" wide by 60" long and 20" height with 2" thick shelves.

The reason I want a low 2 shelf rack is my listening area is also my TV area (NYC apartment) and I dont want to be forced to mount my plasma at an uncomfortably high viewing height. I know that having a plasma in between speakers is far from optimal but unfortunately that's my constraint.

My question is which wood would be the best choice for reference quality sound? I was thinking that Maccassar or Gaboon Ebony would be an excellent choice (my speakers also have a Maccassar Ebony veneer finish which would match nicely) but the issue there is it is nearly impossible to find slabs that wide. Ebony is usually 12" wide max which would require joining 2 boards together to make each shelf. How should two pieces be ideally joined in making a shelf? I know that many racks are made out of maple (maybe in part because Ebony is $$$$$) but wondering which wood is the best choice sonically? For further vibration control I was thinking that large screw-in AudioPoint brass cones with coupling disks in each corner would work well with wood?

Any input people can give me on this would be appreciated. Would a solidly built wood rack on Brass cone points eliminate the need for additional vibration control under individual components?
latinsamba1

Showing 1 response by yioryos

Latinsamba1
Hi,I build a rack of about the dimensions you described only taller with 5 shelves.Mine is made with commercial grade thick gauge aluminum.I am in the glass trade and very skilled with tools and such.My advice is to invest in a good biscuit jointer ,I have the Porter Cable and I am happy.With that tool and some wood glue and pipe clamps you can put boards together,some sanding will bring them out nice so maybe a belt sander or at least a palm finishing sander are also required.I was at Lowes the other day and noticed some heavy maple boards sold to be used as countertops and cutting boards,they re available at different lengths and widths are 24 inches.They are perfect for racks I think and I might do a project in the future myself.
Note they weren't cheap either with the 24X96X1-1/5 at 500 dollars.Why do you want to spend big money on expensive exotic woods from Brazil forests or Africa that are hard to find when buthcer block maple is more than adequate for the specific project.
Best
George