"DIY" Salamander Synergy 40/Twin 40 Audio Rack....


Hello All:

How are you all doing??? I would like to undertake an ambitious project sometimes in the near future. And that is build me a rack that looks like the Salamander Synergy 40 or a Synergy Twin 40 (not an "Architecht Series" rack). The reason why I would like an Salamander Synergy Rack is not because it will provide me with an excellent place in which to put my audio system, but it will add a sense of elegance to the decor of my listening room. And though, I am turned on by the looks and the beauty of these racks, as well as their method of construction and their functionality, I am sort of turned off by the high prices these racks seem to command. And although, I still would love to get one, what I don't want to do is pay $1,500.00+ for Salamander to build me one. So therefore, I would like to see if I could build one myself using the same exact components (except for the woods, unless I can get those from Home Depot or Lowes as well) that Salamander uses to build theirs with, but with the extra benefit of saving money because I would've somehow gotten materials myself (by getting them at a home improvement store) and built it myself as well. And one other benefit of building the rack yourself is that you could design and build the rack exactly the way you want it. How I plan to do mine is provide a section in which I can put my other components (except my amp..... my amp will be placed on another stand that is outside of the rack itself, and will be located much closer to the speakers), and one other section to put my power conditioner in as well. And I would also like an unfinished top, so that I can put me a nice slab of marble on top of it to make it look even nicer. But, what I would like to know is this:

(01). Is it EVEN possible at all to build a "DIY" rack that look like the Salamander 40 or Salamander Twin 40???

(02). And if so, what do I need, and where can I go to obtain these materials (like those posts with the grooves in which you can slide slabs of wood into....... that's the main thing I am interested in....... after I obtains those metal posts, I can go to either Home Depot, Lowes, or a place that specializes in wood to get the rest of the pieces to build the rack with))??

I have already went on to Salamander's website and downloaded the blueprints to the rack/shelf itself yesterday (it is at "http://www.mander.com" for those who would be interested) and plan to take them to either Home Depot or Lowes in the near future to tell them about my project, and how do I go about doing it. And more importantly, whether or not do they have the materials to allow me to start on the project. And if not, then maybe the can tell me where I can go to obtain them.

Has anyone ever built a "DIY" rack that looks like a Salamander Synergy 40 (or Twin 40) with the metal sides and the doors on it??? And if so, how did you go about it??? Where did you get your materials from???? And how much do they cost??? And while you're at it, could you tell me about the quality of your job as well??? Any responses will be highly appreciated/

Thanks In Advance.........

--Charles--

P.S.: The equipment that I plan to house in this rack will include my Preamp, Tuner, CD Players/DACs, Cassette Deck and my Power Conditioner, while leaving some empty shelves for future component additions like a Phono Stage. My future Turntable/Arm/Cartridge System will occupy the VERY top shelf of my new rack, and with exception of the slab of marble which will be used to finish it, it will be unoccupied as well, until the Turntable finally arrives.
128x128chaskelljr2001
I coughed up the money. Got two 30's and a 20 with various side panels and 2 drawers. Black metal, cherry wood. My observation is that Salamander provide too many racks, especially if you put in drawers.

Now to DIY (Do It Yourself). My guess is that the main problem would be affixing the main shelves to the metal posts. Salamander has screws on top and bottom of the main wood shelves. I have no idea how you could do this yourself - perhaps screwing pins onto the shelf and into the posts ? There's probably all sorts of ways of putting in the intermediate shelves. But the biggest value-add, for me, were the accessories Salamander has available. Specifically the drawers.

I saved a little money by realizing how the Salamander units fit together. So I bought an S20 base and an S30 extension and swopped them when putting them together. This saved some money ($100 ?). Don't know why their pricing is like this (an S20 base and a S20 extension is cheaper than one S40 base), but the extension comes with one less shelf. Or if you are going to stack and can stand a black base you could get a black extension and a wood base and swop (I, or more correctly my wife, couldn't). Another way to save money may be to buy the extension units, the optional feet, and fabricate your own bottom shelf (the main shevles just have holes and a very nice finish - but the edges are somewhat fragile). I'm not sure that Salamander have S40 extensions though. Also I only bought one pair of side panels for the S30's 'cause the units butt against each side of the TV and so an extra pair of panels wouldn't be visible.

Hell, now you've got me thinking. I want a a media rack. Maybe a could buy an extension, feet, door. Fab my own base and top (or even cut the Salamander one in half and drill new holes), cut down the shelves, and make side panels. And I have a touch-up kit. Hmmm ? Let me know how it goes.

Good luck.
I just ordered my Twin 40 in maple/aluminum with the Saturn locking casters (6), which will provide 8 adjustable internal shelves (4 per side) plus the 2 double width top and bottom fixed shelves, which will accomadate a total of up to 12 components, with roll-out capability to access the rear panels. I did not want any doors, sides, drawers, etc. The system ran about $1,050 including tax. I thought about whether I could make my own equivalent that would work just as well and save me money, and came to the conclusion that I would probably give up some functionality and looks to try this. Looks aside, I don't know how one would duplicate or equal the custom aluminum post extrusions that accept the infinitely adjustable locking shelf anchors. If you were willing to go with a less adjustable shelf-fixing scheme, it might be easier to build your own, although I still think the appearance would be tough to match. After looking for what I wanted used for about two years, I just gave up and spent the money - I figure that if I like it well enough, it will be flexible enough to use through any configuration changes my system undergoes down the years, and I'll never have to do this again. I know the Salamander isn't the ultimate in terms of rigidity or resonance control, but I'd rather not start down that path. Good luck if you give it a go, let us know how it turns out!
McMaster sells the extruded aluminum posts and fittings, but not in black. I don't have the catalogue at home right now. I'm sure that somebody can post the website. Goodluck on your project. I was considering doing the same thing. Once I figured my time and effort plus material costs into the picture, just ordering the kits looked like a better plan to me.
Why don’t you call Salamander and see if they will sell you the aluminum posts and you could build around it. They already sell the hardware to add a shelf.
To all that has responded so far, a BIG thanks of appreciation. But if there are any other ideas out there, do keep them coming in. I would appreciate that as well. But again, to those who have responded already???

Thanks.........

--Charles--
I built one using 6 threaded rods and one sheet of finish grade Oak plywood 3/4" thick. Total cost was 200.00. It holds a 190 tv, two amps totalling 155lbs, not to mention several other components. Threaded rod was 5/8" and is less than 2' from one to the next. There are 4 pieces 2'x4' shelving. Turned out very strong, which I obviously require. Also looks nice especially as I sure am not a great woodworker, wood butcher is usually closer. This was easy, fast, inexpensive and was built to my specs and needs. Good Luck