I'm moving the stereo into the living room, so need a stand solution with a high WAF. In my case, that means a cabinet where all the components aren't on display, with the possible exception of my flat black power amp, which could go on top. Other wood tones in the room are dark cherry, and a brownish stained rosewood.
I'm looking to have the components stacked in a single column, don't have room for a wider TV cabinet. I could spend as much as $3000 for the right piece.
From a tone matching point-of-view, the best solution would be a Salamander Synergy 402 in cherry. But I've heard concerns about the overall construction quality, and resonance that affects the sound quality. It looks like the back panel is removable, so there should be good cooling airflow. Anybody have first hand experience? Are the included shelves stable enough so that I could add on some third party isolation platforms?
The BDI Corridor Audio Tower would be my first choice if it came in cherry -- reviews say quality is good and resonance is minimized. I'm also considering the BDI Mirage Audio Tower if I can't find a red wood solution I like better. Wondering if the build quality on that is as good as on the Corridor, given the price difference. I love the looks of the Timbernation stands, but they all display the components. I've contacted a couple of local cabinetmakers to get custom pieces, but lead times are quite long at the moment.
Anybody have any options I haven't considered, or have opinions on the pieces I'm considering?
the best WAF high end audio racks i’ve seen are from Box Furniture. they are not closed cabinets. you are not going to find high end closed cabinet racks. but most brick and mortar audio dealers will have closed cabinet options (local custom cabinet makers) as many customers have similar needs as yourself.
I owned Synergy 40 rack for many years. It is very well built, the aluminum channeling makes it extremely rigid. I had the perforated metal sides on mine but no door. I liked it because there is an infinite number of positions for the shelves and they rest on a metal thingamajig which isolates very well. The only reason I moved on was because I outgrew it and some of the McIntosh pieces were too big for it. Do yourself a favor and don’t bother with the back panel. Impossible to use with high end interconnects and speaker cables. Looks better without it. You can add spikes to it as the thread is 1/4 20 from other places that sell them. Very high WAF.
@audiotroy How is the ventilation on those cabinets? They look nice, but I'm not seeing how they can have decent ventilation. I've got a ModWright LS-100 preamp, I'm concerned about the tube heat.
UPDATE: Just watched Salamander's video on the Chameleon line. Looks like it will do nicely, the video shows options that weren't apparent other places on the site.
You do need to provide space for tubes to breathe. I had a ARC REF5se with 6” above and 2 cooling fans and that kept the temp in range. I am not familiar with the heat that the LS100 produces, but if you space it right, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Salamander racks are flexible and can be configured to what you need, decent looking and very rigid given their not outrageous pricing. I don't know how they could have gotten a bad erputation. i use one for my TV setup and I see many others at audio shops.
I have exactly what you need. A audio cabinet made from to solid walnut clothes cabinets two sets of doors to hide everything. Very attractive. My uncle made it from old furniture and it is really beautiful. Has spaces for five pieces of gear plus one turntable. If you are anywhere near Wichita KS. I can show it to you. I can be had for very little money. Call/text 316 371 4276.
I have a dieter rams designed vitsoe 606 shelf system... It is modular so you can add partitions and move shelves at will. Have isoacoustics zazen under the vinyl rig. I went from wall mounted shelf and ugly stand to something like this
Long way from cinder blocks and milk crates. If someone was skilled enough could market that look with more quality components to appeal to our nostalgia. I have grown to accept and even appreciate the WAF. And she has even grown to like the look of my LS50's. My other speakers not so much.
The Salamander 402 is a cheap knock down cabinet. You want something that is put together to stay together made out of thicker stock. Cherry is relatively inexpensive and large boards are available. If I were doing it I would use 6/4 stock finished to 11/4". I would dovetail all four corners and use a "skeleton" back. It stabilizes the cabinet and allows access to the equipment and cooling. 1" shelves fully adjustable at 1" intervals. Full inset raised panel doors with whatever profile your wife likes. Letting her get involved with it will make her a happy camper. Bottom skirt with hidden casters making it easy to move. If you have a turntable you can put granite on top. No plywood or MDF anywhere. The dovetails will control the wood sides an top. Careful orientation of the grain will also help prevent severe warping.
Find a local cabinet maker with a good rep. This is a straight forward easy job. With a gloss catalyzed lacquer finish it would take about two weeks to make. With an oiled finish even less.
Scroll through the Virtual Systems and see what forum members have. If you see something you like, PM the system owner for info. You’ll find lots of options.
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