2. amps-preamps
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Wood v. Metal for stands. Is there a clear winner?


I'm pretty sure there is no clear cut answer. however I thought to inquire as to what most sound junkies dig best. Metal stands and racks, OR wooden products? Or a combination of the two?

My own needs revolve about a floor which is not on a solid foundation, a thin wallet, and the desire to not compromise things entirely by being cheap. so spending some in the right areas seems the right thing for me.

But items like the Isis, Pagote, Particular, and those of that 4 digit ilk are likely past me.

I'm torn between a couple wooden amp stands, in addition to the Solidsteel 5.2 or 6.2 (in pairs) to hold rotating junk on one, and preamp and DAC on the other... or is that idea overkill?

All experiences and thoughts are most welcome... and needed.

There simply must be a solidly senseible solution which doesn't bust the bank but sure holds it's own against heftier competition.

Thanks in advance.
blindjim

Showing 9 responses by blindjim

blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Thanks folks.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Elizabeth - David12 - Ptmconsulting

Check and many thanks. Not a lot of $$$ does it take to address resonances appropriately. it does however take a lot of investigation as to which gizmo serves which scenario. Some want us to believe it to be otherwise however.

Certainly, were I better off ducketwise, I'd lay some long green out for esthetics and technology. It's the American way to aid the economy. Though I feel another principle is more germaine here, "ingenuity". Simple usually serves best.

I'm getting the notion "mass" often is a good thing in a rack/stand. Damping as well is important. Isolation is I guess, dependant upon the components integration onto the rack/stand.

That seems the part of the puzzle that is far more vague.

One other thought here is this: "What sound does Maple have?"
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
For closure' sake... I decided upon doing both. metal rack... wood platforms... and compositie iso footers.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Yioryos

I hope you fare better than did I in accomplishing that task.

I drew up plans for and gave the materials list to, two local yet different parties, both of which professed skills in woodworking, to provide me their costs for making my 3 simplistic amp stands.

I've yet to hear from one, and the other would not provide me the details of how it would be assembled or the type of grain facing they would have once completed... only a bill for $530, and the legs for each stand, and the finishing would be left undone.

I even contacted a wood worker who advertises here on agone to ask questions about the finish of his/her offerings... with no reply since. I've asked several times, and since, given up on getting responses from that Ohio based woodworker.

Hence my decision to buy a boat anchor instead, and add perhaps hi tech platforms made of something other than 'Maple'.

jim
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
OK.

what about this... "FILLING HOLLOW RACKS"..... should we, OR should we not... it naturally follows then if so, WITH WHAT?

my thinnking is to deplete or emilinate resonances. rings, plinks, and such.

True or false?
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
pulling off the end caps from the sides of the uprights on my rack, there is no vacuous opening to be filled.

Sound Anchor fixed that issue.... only area open is to I suppose add a locking/adjust nut to the top of ??? spike is used... just a couple cubic inches in there.

sorry... I mentioned that in another thread on to spike or not to...

thanks Cleo09 though anyways.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 

Cleo09

Thanks. I'm hoping the SA rack will do as well.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Now that all the gear (mostly) is onto the SA rack... I have to admit there is indeed a positive change in system performance, bass impact & resolution, and inaging were the more noteable improvements.

Wood does have it's merits too, as the addition of wood shelves has added a touch of warmth and naturalness simply by placing one here and there, onto the existing SA shelving. having some cut to fit and replace the nylon supplied shelves will I bet, add still more to the overall performance.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
dave

Good for you.

I think sometimes, the stands are not unlike wires. It's all about the fit with respect to the rest of the gear and environment. In my case, mucho mass works well..
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