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Casters on equipment rack?

As one of my many Covid projects, I am building two new racks for my equipment and I am curious about whether using casters would adversely effect the sound quality. The racks are a "flexi" style using 1.25" walnut shelves and 3/4" black pipe, so they will be quite heavy (between 75 and 100lbs once loaded). I would really love to just roll them away from the wall to change anything and I can’t see any reason casters would be optional on speakers like Wilson and Tekton, but not okay on a rack. Components on the racks will be individually isolated using a combination of Isoacoustics Orea and Herbie’s dots. The floor is tile on a concrete slab. Casters are very high quality with rubber wheels and will be attached directly to the bottoms of the black pipe.
128x128tony1954
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
It all comes down to your priorities. If sound quality uber alles then you want everything fixed in place and on springs. I give myself just enough room to reach behind, and it ain't easy but it can be done and I don't mind how hard it is because I hardly ever do it. If I was messing around a lot things would be different.

Bottom line, you will never know what you gave up in terms of sound quality with casters. But your back and knees will definitely let you know what they think. As much as we like to think otherwise, its not always all about the sound.
tony1954's avatar
tony1954 OP
887 posts
 
That is just it. When I was much younger and had a large room with plenty of space, then the subject probably wouldn't come up. However, as an older guy with a bad back, living in a smallish condo, convenience is very attractive.
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
A  cantilever spring caster works very well. I added them to HEAVY bins, 500 lbs. They could go over an extension cord and not lock the wheel. You can add shocks too. Heavy tool boxes use them on rough concrete, floors, too. There are all kinds of sizes and they get pretty fancy. The spring load is adjustable on a few that I've seen. Or just 2 in the front or the back, Tip the object to hit the rollers. Just a thought..

Regards
rshak
416 posts
 
I've got two systems, and the components for each are in Salamander racks on casters. Some would say the racks are, at best mid-Fi, but every time I have to access the back of a component I thank myself for making the decision to go with the casters. 
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
https://www.amazon.com/Skelang-Leveling-Retractable-Workbench-Equipment/dp/B083ND294N/ref=asc_df_B08...
29.00 USD

This is a tip and move, HIGH cap...

Use 4 and tinker, look pretty solid, 3300lb cap.. Come in black and white..

You got an Idea what your looking for.

I'm working on mobile racks too, with RtR and TTs. Mine use to work really well too.
Spring loaded casters...Spring loaded TT. 
Roll it on a thick piece of carpet and let it settle

Regards
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