A/V Rack suggestions needed -- <$400

[nanahachi]

My audio componets (int amp and Cary in particular) heat up quite a bit in my current cabinet if left on for more than an hour or two. Lately I've resorted to leaving the doors open and running my Vornado fan on low to create a bit of airflow. However, I have nearly tripped over the open doors on more than one occasion, and I really don't want to break one/both off due to clumsiness or missteps.

My current rack looks similar to this (but it is Birch Wood all around, light grey around the glass, and a 27" Panasonic on top):

Instead, I hope to move towards an Audio rack and TV stand that is open on all sides, thus allowing proper airflow around the components. While half of this expense will be covered as a gift, I will be covering the other half, and thus the TOTAL expense to replace my current A/V unit must be at or around $400, MAXIMUM.

I will need room for at least the following:
Marantz Int. Amp (black)
Cary 306/200 (black)
Melos Maestro (black) or other headamp
DVDP (black) -- may soon need to be replaced
Poweramp or monoblocks
27" TV -- may soon need to be replaced, perhaps up to 36"

And maybe:
Sony PS2 (TV stand)
VCR (TV stand)


So far I have been considering the following:

SALAMANDER
Salamander Designs Archetype 5.0 (real wood shelves) $249

With Salamander TV35 Video Rack $169

SANUS

Sanus 4 shelf $149

Sanus AFDVb - Modular Audio/Video 41" Wide Rack System - 3-Shelf $169

The Salamander allows for versatility (in changing the distance between shelfs) and has a nice simple appearance (although perhaps not steadiness).

The Sanus pieces seem more "robust" and I believe the legs of the audio rack can be filled with sand/graphite.

Other suggestions are welcome, but please don't go crazy. I want something simple, sturdy, and adjustable, with PLENTY of airflow. I will have a tube amp coming, so I would like to keep them as cool as possible.

Thanks so much!

 

[NightStalker]

that SANUs equipment rack looks very pretty for the money, at first glance to salamander seems a bit to skinny to look in proportion... spose it depends if you need the adjustments.

cheers
-jake

 

[NightStalker]

just realised... have you thort of wall mounting the plasma? Wouldnt this give a neater look with just the need for one stand?

cheers again
-jake

 

[nanahachi]

I don't have a plasma TV, merely 27" Flat CRT. Guess I should have been more clear

 

[NightStalker]

haha prob just my densness

cheers mate.
-jake

 

[mojoman]

Have you considered replacing the glass doors and wood sides on your Salamander cabinet with the mesh doors and sides? This should give you the air flow you need. Of course, replacing the doors and sides might cost more then your budget of $400. I know that Salamander stuff isn't cheap but I like the way it looks.

 

[nanahachi]

Hi mojoman. I can't mod my current cabinet (plus I'm planning to rearrange my room and move the current one to another room). thanks for the idea though!

np nightstalker, maybe both of our brains are in hibernation...

 

[Tuberoller]

Todd the Vinyl Junkie can get you the Target Audio Racksand the nwest stuff is much,much better than the previous products they made. I think both of these retail around $300 and are very high quality chinese built copies of other high-end racks.

 

[nanahachi]

wow, thanks for the recs. the first (cherry?) stand looks nice, but at $300 for the rack alone, thats pushing my budget. even the Salamander at $250 is high, but the fact that it is adjustable is a plus.

and shipping...thats gonna be a killer.

 

[Len]

I like my Lovan Sovereign tall rack as well as the Atlantis Reference racks. The latter will fit your budget, although I'm not sure they make it anymore.

 

[gradofan]

nanhachi, if you have more time than money (like I do), or what to max out the bang for your buck, you may want to consider building your own stand. I built mine using 1"x24"x18" MDF. It has three shelves spaced a foot apart, and it's sturdy as hell -- I can sit on this rack (175 lbs) without it moving at all. My shelf cost $50, although I admit I enlisted the help of my cousin (he already had woodworking equipment). For even $200, you could build an AV rack stronger than a tank, with a nice finish and some flexibility for upgrades.

http://www.soundstage.com/synergize/synergize061998.htm

If you have half a day you can spend on this project, the above rack is killer. Keep in mind, too, that if you think you haven't spent enough money after $75, you can always push the limits of the design with sturdier threads, triple-layer, isolated MDF, rubber gaskets between washers, etc. Hope this helps.

 

[nanahachi]

Thanks gradofan. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty at all.

However, I am now focussed on getting something heavy and study (with at least 12" headroom for one component), so the DIY and Salamander racks are OUT. The salamander is sleek, and adjustable, but not steady enough for earthquake territory.

I will give Todd a call, but other than than, any new ideas? many thanks!

 

[Len]

Hmmm. The Salamander Snergy racks I've seen in person are very solid, some holding 100+lb amps. They aren't the best stands in terms of isolation, but I've found them to be rock solid. They're more pretty furniture then anything else.

 

[nanahachi]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

There were some real wood (not MDF) versions of the Salamanders on sale as demo units on Audio Advisor, so I decided to go for those.

While the Sanus, both aesthetically and in terms of "steadiness," wins out, I could not argue with the Salanders use of real wood, and the adjustable shelf height.

Pics will be posted when they arrive and have been installed.

thanks again, everyone.


** Of course, my next furniture project is to fingure out what to do with all of my jewel cases....I no longer wish to use my caselogic booklets.

 

[velogreg]

Hopefully you plan to attend Can Jam because if you do, Todd The Vinyl Junkie and Dan of Blackbird Audio will be there. Dan will have two Billy Bags audio racks at Can Jam and I am sure both Todd and Dan will welcome your questions and provide some suggestions for you needs.

Good luck.