Interest Check: Apos x MattyBlue Wall-mounted Audio Rack

[Apos Audio]

Hi everyone! This is John from Apos. Over the last couple of months, we've been making a lot of changes and strides into Apos' mission for the audiophile community. More on that later, but in summary, we are working on bringing together community designers and manufacturers to create products for the audiophile community. With this in mind, we’re excited to introduce the first of many projects we have planned—a hand-crafted wall-mounted audio rack specifically designed for turntables and tube amps.

It’s created by Matt Jabloner (aka MattyBlue), an audiophile and designer based in Washington state who’s created loads of products for places like Bottlehead.

We have plans to launch a Group Buy for this product, but before we get too ahead of ourselves, we want to know what you think. Below you’ll find some product info and a poll for you to leave us your feedback.

Tl;dr
We are looking to see if there is interest in the audiophile community for a custom product made by a community designer.

Link to Blog Post with Product Info
Link to Poll
Image Folder of the Product Prototype

Notes:
Apos Blog - What is a Group Buy?
Apos' Group Buy Policies

 

[warrenpchi]

I don't have a strong opinion regarding a turntable rack. But given the interests of people here, I'd imagine that a modular, wall-mounted headphone/IEM/cable system for storage and display might be good. Perhaps a trellis of curved radii surfaces or something? Feeling cute, might think on this later, I dunno.

 

[pbui44]

I don't have a strong opinion regarding a turntable rack. But given the interests of people here, I'd imagine that a modular, wall-mounted headphone/IEM/cable system for storage and display might be good. Perhaps a trellis of curved radii surfaces or something? Feeling cute, might think on this later, I dunno.

Maybe a modular stand-alone audio rack with a removable bottom/top storage cabinets and flat feet for ottoman storage space is another option for those who have concrete/tougher-material walls. Small side-hanging trays with surface-specified weight limits for coasters and such can also be a good option for these racks as well.

 

[Barnstormer13]

I don’t see wall hanging as a good solution. Audio gear can be heavy and you really want to screw it into studs to be safe. However, it’s unlikely the owner will be able to put it right where (s)he wants it and hit a pair of studs. I like the modular floor standing idea better. Also, the top shelf is going to be too high for a turntable. Ideally you wouldn’t want the turntable higher than countertop height.

The other problem is it looks cheap- like it’s been cut out of plywood with a CNC controlled 2 axis laser or router. It’s not going to work aesthetically with other furniture unless the whole space has an industrial vibe.

I think for most people, a wide yet shallow table 36”W x 12”D by 30”H would be more popular. Something like the below pic made from extruded aluminum and nice wood with adjustable shelf height. Audiophiles want their gear to look good.

 

[DenverW]

Hey John!

So I really like the look and the idea of the wall mounted rack, however one thing that would make me pause is cable management. My first thought was that I'd love to have a simple wall mounted rack for my gear, but my second was that the usb and power cables (some of them pretty thick) would not only detract from the beauty/simplicity of it, but would also need to be longer cables to reach.

 

[Apos Audio]

Hi all,

@DenverW @Barnstormer13 @pbui44 @warrenpchi
Thanks a lot for responding with your thoughts regarding the interest check of the Apos x MattyBlue Wall-mounted Audio Rack. We are taking all this feedback to the designer. As additional context, this is a prototype so final wood wasn't used on this product.

Thanks a lot,

John
Apos Audio

 

[earmonger]

Audiophiles also have a lot of components already in the system. No one is starting from scratch.

And +1 on the turntable placement. That is just way too high. One of the lower shelves should be deep and tall enough to accommodate a turntable with an open cover.

 

[Apos Audio]

Hi all,

Thanks to your feedback, we've made some awesome updates to the Apos x MattyBlue Wall-mounted Audio Rack. From color and finish changes to improved wire management and mounting stability, your input was ridiculously helpful.

• Price: We’re now aiming for a <$500 price tag.
• Color and Finish: Lighter, cleaner colors with a natural oil finish.
• Materials: 100% Baltic Birch construction.
• Design Changes: Solid vertical stanchions and circular cutouts.
• Wire Management: Redesigned for better cable organization.
• Mounting and Stability: Enhanced with a French cleat system and additional screws for security.

For all the details, check out our post: https://apos.audio/blogs/news/how-a...-the-apos-x-mattyblue-wall-mounted-audio-rack

Want to offer feedback on prototypes or even audition prototypes in your home?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1...doo-0U69PEjlHNS_IPLjG3vG3RHsrl37QUBPvM.Ldk8SW

 

[Apos Audio]

Hi all,

After teaming up with Matt Jabloner (aka MattyBlue) and our Apos 𝒙 community, may we present our first Apos 𝒙 product - the Apos x MattyBlue Wall-Mounted Audio Rack. This rack is designed to minimize vibrations with independently adjustable corners and a silicone-damped top shelf. It’s perfect for turntables, tube amps, and vinyl lovers alike, with solid Baltic Birch construction and convenient cable management. Get it now at the introductory price of $475.

After a positive response from an interest check on our blog, we collected detailed suggestions through a community poll. This feedback was crucial in refining the design, resulting in a customer-focused product we’re so happy with. The final design proves the power of community-driven development, and we're thrilled to offer it in the Apos 𝒙 lineup. Read our interview with Matt.