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
No disrespect but,if you have to ask how to join two boards together I don't think your ready to build a quality piece of furniture,especially using an expensive stock like you're refering to.Seek out the services of a professional woodworker.Good luck.
Being a seasoned woodworker by hobby and trade don,t take too much offense to Tpreaves comments. But do take them with clear thought that he is correct. The machinery and knowledge to do what you descibe and not knowing basic carpentry would be a stretch at best. And living in a NY apartment would probably require doing it with smaller hand tools which although can be done requires a higher skill level yet again. In the end it would be far cheaper to have someone locally and skilled to build it for you.
Cheers
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
Ebony, as you described your liking is going to cost you over a grand for the lumber in the size you'll need. 2" thick is really pushing it too. I lucked out and managed a 1-3/4" thick Zebrawood shelf. It measure 15" x 20". That alone cost $180. But I had it made because I have no tools to build something even that simple. And citing the first two posters, I would have someone make this for you. You could even have them make you the pieces so you can do the final assembly. It might be a bit cheaper. But you are still looking at some serious dough for this to be made.

I also think Ebony would make a great rack due to its density which is much higher than maple. And like you, I relish the idea of using fine exotic hardwoods for any project, especially for this purpose. Good luck.