Look at used ones, you will get more for your money. But if you are going to put a considerable amount of money in a system it is a false economy to use a cheap rack. You might consider getting one made locally. Good ones do make a considerable difference. |
I would take a look at TAOC racks. You could get a 3 tier setup for under 1.5k and these are nice. Positive Feedback did a write up a few years ago with lots of details.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/taoc.htm |
The Solid Tech products are great price/performance products - be sure to fill the risers. |
Check link below. I bought three level rack. IT's very very good. Spider of Finite elemente is better but it cost six time more. Highly recomended.
http://www.china-highend-hifi.com/new_page_1512111.htm |
You could easily do a Mapleshade rack for under $1,500. Three shelves for about $1,000. Ocsasionally one comes up for sale on Audiogon. |
DIY: search the forums.Many have had good success.I built my own and am very happy. |
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Look at the Atlantic line which is in closeout, Contact Spearit Audio Boston to see if they have any stock left. |
I bought an Adona SR4 last year after owning a trusty old Target rack for about 15 years, and I am very happy with it. The access to components is so much better, it is very stable, it looks good and the shelves are infinitely adjustable. I think it represents really good value for money, and solid engineering compared to some other brands. I personally feel that the combination of granite and MDF sounds better than blocks of maple alone. |
I agree with Tpsonic about building your own. For a couple of hundred $ you could have an extremely solid rack. I have made several. Very easy to do. I have one rack 3 levels high by two across using 1" mdf and 1/2" metal threaded dwelling (nuts and washers). A second rack consists of
1 1/2" of mdf (2 @ 3/4" sandwiched together) with 5/8" dwelling. It's 5 levels high by 4 accross on rollers. Both units weigh a ton. If you are interested I'll send you some pics.
Byron |
Agreed with Stanwal, rack is as important if not more important than equipments sitting on it.
big fan of Grand Prix Audio, you can buy a 2-shelf base for <$1500 used and add a 3rd shelf later down the road. permanent investment worth every penny. |
Billy Bags. I purchased (under $1300) a new rack and amp stands about a month ago and couldn't be happier. |
I LOVE the Particular Basis- and I've tried many. |
Whilst on this thread, are there any wall mounted racks (or shelves) that are recommended? |
Target has some, although they apparently no longer make the very heavy one I have had for years. |
ValleyPlastic (Agon member) - very high quality build and performance to match |
I bought an Adona SR4 last year after owning a trusty old Target rack for about 15 years, and I am very happy with it. The access to components is so much better, it is very stable, it looks good and the shelves are infinitely adjustable. I think it represents really good value for money, and solid engineering compared to some other brands. I personally feel that the combination of granite and MDF sounds better than blocks of maple alone. The Adona SR4 looks like the best of all the racks suggested in this thread. Roxy54 you still have the Adona SR4? Hows it holdin' up? The granite top has me on the fence.... other than that it's a great looking rack at a decent price. As the OP mentioned, spending 3K on an audio rack is daunting... |
Notec,
The rack is holding up just fine. If you visit the website, you will see that they believe in damping any possible "ringing" in the granite by bonding it to MDF with a special elastomer. The adjustability of the shelves is great, and I have to say that I think that it's a good looking rack in a masculine sort of way. I'm happy, and again, if you have been looking at other good racks, I think that it seems relatively inexpensive. |
I'm of the mind now to buy a cheap rack (sub $100) and put solid isolation platforms (BDR Shelf's) under select pieces (TT/Amp) and call it good. |
I built my rack using aluminum extrusions and other parts from 8020,inc. This same company supplies parts to some of the expensive rack makers named in some of the above posts.DIY is very rewarding and saves you hundreds of dollars.You don't need specialized tools or equipment to build a nice rack. |
Tpreaves - that's one good looking DIY rack!
I've currently got a $70 Target (the store) rack with various isolation platforms under sources (TT/DAC) that my gear sits on. Sounds great... |
