Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 438
devotee
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OP
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Posts: 438 |
Hello all;
I just got a new power amp, and it won't fit in my rack. Therefore, unless I want to spend eternity with a power amp on my pergo floor, I am going to have to get a new rack. Surely someone here has already gone through this, and can share their experience.
I don't want to spend much more than $250. The rack has to be able to accommodate a 37 lb. receiver and a 44 lb. amp, each of which are about 18 inches deep (plus an inch or 2 to allow for connections). I need at least 6 shelves. Cable management a plus but not absolutely necessary. Some wood or woodlike substance in it would satisfy the WAF.
So far the best looking thing I have found is a Planet 3 rack (model PTT 22021). anybody have experience with it? Anybody have other suggestions? I have not the time or talent for DIY.
Mark
"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
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Hi Mark,
This site will give you a decent selection to look through.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
Maybe it's just my computer background talking (ie, REAL racks...;-), but glass shelves scare the crap out of me. I mean, sure, glass is strong, but it's also fragile. Otherwise, it looks nice...
Last edited by kcarlile; 02/27/04 03:46 AM.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 438
devotee
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OP
devotee
Joined: Oct 2003
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The rack in question has 2 wood shelves, though it's not obvious from the picture.
Mark
"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
Heh, shows what I know...
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 715
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Feb 2004
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Why afraid kc? Droping a server on a glass shelf does not give you a warm fuzzy? :-) I wonder if a couple of 220v UPCs would fit...
jr
"What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." C Hitchens
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
You know, reading that literally made me wince?
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
his post or the signature quote?
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
The post. But I did have to look up what the signature was last night. Just got too curious.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22
hobbyist
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hobbyist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22 |
I know this doesn't fit your requirement for wood, but for anyone who wants a more metal/tech look (in black or chrome), try the modular steel shelving such as the InterMetro line.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=InterMetro&ei=UTF-8&fr=fp-tab-web-t&cop=mss&tab=
It is rock-solid, very modular and changeable, easy to assemble, inexpensive and good-looking. I built a tall AV rack recently and put their large casters on the bottom, which make it very easy to pull the rack out to get at the cabling.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,343
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,343 |
Nothing like a nice rack.
forgive me ...someone had to say it
getting to 2,000 posts; one year at a time vp160/qs8/qs4/ep350/m60/m2200s
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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Thanks, Ford. I was resisting, but I feel a lot better now.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 608
aficionado
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aficionado
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I was wondering why no one had suggested a silicone rack.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 973
aficionado
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aficionado
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ahh yes, the man is on a roll today!
"Chickens don't clap."
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,951
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2003
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Not to interrupt your very erudite discussion of fine racks, but my co-worker just started a small business that allows her to purchase furniture wholesale. I've pretty much furnished my house through her, including a new A/V rack. My new rack is stunning (no lewd comments about my man boobs, please)!!!
If anyone is interested, drop me a line and I'll give you her e-mail. She's not interested in making big bucks out of this, but it seems like a win-win after seeing what we're paying for these things retail.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37 |
Hi Big Will! I saw the rack when I visited and really liked it, but I don't see any link to the picture.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,951
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Workin' on it, 2x6. I'm technologically challenged AND changing lots of diapers.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 438
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OP
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Thanks to the group for all your suggestions. I went with the Planet 3 rack I was originally considering. After wrestling the beast (94 lbs!) home in my Mustang convertable Friday noght, I assembled it Saturday morning. One side support didn't fit correctly, and I noticed the unit didn't have rollers, so I went to Home Depot. There I got a plane (to shave some particle board of the side support so it would fit), and some rollers. While browsing, I came upon these little plastic deals that you can stick on the bottom so you can move furniture without the need for wheels. I bought them as well (a set of 4 about 3 in x 3/4 in). Sorry, can't remember what they're called, but they work great as long as your floor is clean.
The rest of assembly went OK. The instructions say that the tempered glass shelves can hold up to 35 lbs., but did not specifically state how much the particle board shelves can hold. I'm assuming it's a bit more, and I feel safe with my 44 lbb. power amp on the bottom shelf.
Rewiring the system took longer than anything else. At Home Depot I got some zip ties in various sizes, and used them to bundle cables going in the same general direction, and to tie cables to the center post, thus keeping them out of sight. This is one of the smartest things I have ever done...the cable situation is much better than it was before.
It looks great, and the cables are very unobtrusive, though not entirely invisible. I took some pictures, which I will post later.
Mark
"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
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Mark,
Those little plastic deals are actually coated in teflon and are called Magic Sliders or Magic Gliders, depending on where you get them. They come in a variety of sizes. They are incredible for making heavy things mobile. The furniture really does glide.
Prior to going with my HT setup last year, I had a VERY large (6' x 6') solid oak Entertainment center with doors & drawers. The usual components and a 32" Sony TV were inside the beast. The word heavy does not come close.
Slid some of the 5" Sliders under each corner and my wife could move it herself. Based on the experience, when I had my custom HT stand made, again from solid oak, I designed three sets of feet into the bottom of the stand with 1 1/2" Sliders. Incredibly easy to pull the stand out and work behind it.
Just wanted to share. By the way, why don't we have a Tweaks section, or at least a Sticky for tweaks in the Technical Question section? I love coming up with stuff for Amie to think about .
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
Of course, if you live in earthquake country and have those sliders installed, you may wake up one morning to find the EC in your bedroom.
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 26
hobbyist
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hobbyist
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 26 |
Mhorgel -
In your search, did you come up with any similar products in lighter woods (maybe "Mansfield Beech) that had fewer shelves? I've only got 4 components (DVD, CD, STB, AVR) but need some space for the AVR since it's 20" deep and weighs in at 53lbs. Also, do you have some sort of fan to cool the amp & AVR? My H/K 8000 gets rather warm and I fear it shutting down if on the bottom of a rack.
Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
KOSMOS
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,185
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,185 |
HA! Moving EC, just like the old football game...
Electric Football
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 438
devotee
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OP
devotee
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No. I didn't come across anything like that. Both my AVR and Amp have plenty of room around them (see my pictures here , and they run quite cool. I very rarely listen at high volumes for long periods.
Mark
"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 521
aficionado
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aficionado
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Horgel,
What kind of TV is that?
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Re: Rack--any suggestions?
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 438
devotee
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OP
devotee
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It's a Hitachi 51GWX20B. I've had it professionally calibrated, and I love it.
Mark
"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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Looking for racks
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
frequent flier
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frequent flier
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Don't tell my wife
What product lines does your co-worker have access to?
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Re: Looking for racks
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,951
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Y'know, I have no idea. They come from China and she (I) picks them up in LA. From the catalog that I saw there were four "techno" A/V rack styles. Two featured maple (?) and two high gloss black laquer, in addition to silver metal uprights and glass or wood shelves. The black ones - one had square metal posts and the other round (that's what I bought). The maples were square posts with wood accents and an oddly shaped tapered version that I saw at the warehouse. Kind of an "A" shape except the back side was completely vertical with the front sloping back to the rear - resulting in shelves of decreasing depth as the rack ascends. I'm trying to fix my scanner so maybe I can post some pics soon.
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