Audio Rack Opinions


Hi there

Moving and leaving behind a 'very' sturdy shelf built right into a load bearing wall of my house.

So now having to consider an audio rack for the first time in my life . . .

Have a fair bit of electronics to support . . . I'd imagine 6 shelves worth including a VPI Scoutmaster w/ SDS, couple disc players, Plinius integrated . . . the VPI and Plinius the two heftier pieces in this.

I like having the TT up higher for both convenience and keep away from 'critters' that might find it a bit more appealing closer to the ground. Beyond that my main consideration is this: is there a particular structure and height consideration for a TT as heavy as the VPI?

Open to any/all suggestions on this as again, I've never had to consider an audio rack ever and the brief time I've checked out online I'm bewildered to date in what I've been reading. My thoughts are that massive, sturdy rack is in order (as opposed to say the more skeletal models such as the Quadraspire Evo and such . . . But I honestly don't even know at this point because I've never used them.

thanks in advance
terra3
Check out Adona. Made in USA, Can be easily added to (some models) and look good as well as working well. The prices are comparatively sane, even for their top models.
Sound Anchor solid steel, sand-filled, stands are arguably the most solid rack out there and their adjustable bar system ensures a solid base beneath all the feet or aftermarket supports under your equipment.
They make virtually any custom configuration of height, shelf opening and width. Two, three-shelf racks side by side would work great.
Made in the USA and great people to do business width.
I reconfigured my HT & 2-channel systems early this summer and gave up the built-in hutch to the TV and bought a new super-wide rack from Steve Blinn for the stereo gear, including a VPI SSM Reference that needs to stay on its own 27" x 20" x4" maple platform. I added Herbie's fat titanium gliders below the brass footers on the rack and was quite pleased at how well it can handle the weight I put on it as I wrote to Herbie on his AC Circle:
"

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Re: New rack needs some tweaking
« Reply #2 on: 24 May 2015, 09:37 pm »

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I finally have my system back together in its newly remodeled location and it sounds fantastic. This was a major project for me to finally incorporate what I have learned about system setup and finally provide a nice home for everything. I made so many changes that no baseline sound id available and I have to start over in discovering the best sound possible. I bought and assembled a beautiful new Steve Blinn Super-wide rack allowing me to retire 7 maple block platforms and a welded steel 3-shelf VPI rack that I bought with the original TNT. I took Steve's advice and built the rack using Thick Fat Dots to replace the rubber balls provided, and I ordered four Titanium Fat Glider. The fully-loaded rack now weighs an estimated 625 lbs and I can still move it on the gliders on brand new carpet and pad! ...."

This is a copy of my loads including the rack:
Steve Blinn Rack 225
VPI SSM Ref 100
TT Platform 65
Thor 30
Thor Platform 25
Thor PS & Plat 25 ======= Shelf 1 =======
VPI SDS 20
W4S STP 25
Denon BDP-3810 35 ======= Shelf 2 =======
Amps 25
PPP Premier 40
======= Shelf 3 =======
Misc footers 15

The sound is fantastic, the system looks better than I have ever had it, and, the Herbie's gliders make it possible to swing out from the wall from time to time for maintenance by a single person.
Though you want six shelves and your turntable up high, I'm with Mitch. Two 3-shelf racks side-by-side is the better way to go (get rid of the damn cats!). Here's a question: If you've been happy with your table wall-mounted, why not wall mount at your new place?
Don't know about the other brands recommended, but most (all?) Salamander racks can be fitted with casters, and what a great convenience that is! Purists might poo-poo this option, but I put casters on both of my Salamander racks and haven't regretted it.