2. misc-audio
  3. 167089-4181

Arrangement of components on rack

Now and again -- though not often enough, probably -- I spend some time unhooking and unplugging everything in my system, dusting the works, and then setting it all back up again. Makes me feel better, and it seems that the simple act of unplugging and then reattaching cables and power cords etc. improves the sound, too -- if only in my mind.

As I'm getting ready to do that now, I just had a thought: Is there a generally accepted arrangement for components sharing a rack? What I mean is: Are there components that ought be placed close together and those that should be better spaced out? My power amp sits between my speakers, with the rest of the gear over on the side wall.

I've got a turntable, so that takes care of what goes on the top shelf. The other components: A preamp, a separate phono preamp, a CD transport and DAC in one box, a Bluesound Node streamer.

With all else equal, should, say, the phono preamp and the preamp be near each other? Far apart? does it not matter? I've generally just kind of plunked things down and gone from there -- and haven't experienced too much trouble -- though some years back when I had the preamp (the main one, not the phono pre) up close to the turntable I had a bit of hum, so put the preamp on the bottom shelf and have continued to do so.

Still, as I got to wondering and am set to get to work on this soonish, I thought I'd ask if there's a generally accepted way of arranging things.

Thanks very much.

-- Howard

hodu
manogolf
68 posts
 
@mc
I posted a system page. Not that I wanted to stand next to giants but alas here we go. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9507

I'm residing in a 120 year old SF apartment and by some kind of luck the building owner installed a dedicated 20amp circuit on the east wall some time ago. Not ideal for powering the system but it's dedicated! I'm working on having his electrician install a new 20A circuit on the wall next to my speakers. I told him I will foot the bill but he was unimpressed. Wish me luck.

I lost a 2000 LP collection in a house fire and the ex sold off ~500 CD's in a garage sale while in Palm Springs playing in a golf tournament. Water under the bridge.

Against the residing purists I find myself listening via Qobuz and Roon core on the iMac. The 200 LP's that survived are in superior condition but a shallow collection. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Thanks. I spy Nobsound. The good news, lots of low hanging fruit. Turntable on top of stack, top of the list. But, there is like one mini monitor, two big floor standers, and where do you listen? 
manogolf
68 posts
 
The mini monitors are a pair. I sit between the coffee table and desk centered on floor standers. About 7’ away and 5’ from back wall. A small sweet spot and at times it does tingle the senses. The mini’s are also centered in my LP and sing well with the front speakers. When I’m in that mood for four speakers. My friend had a quadraphonic hifi and we spent our teenage years spinning vinyl on that set. I have a soft spot for four speakers in play
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Consider ventilation & weight and place them accordingly.  The only exception may be the turntable since it needs access and most likely have to be on top.

Since, even the longest distance between different components is not likely to be much, it is not even worth thinking about too much.
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
521 posts
 
I use DeOxIt 2 to clean all contacts electrical.  It will clean up volume controls, interconnects and speaker wire ends.  Do it about once a year.  
More to discover