I had built a small floating glass shelf equipment stand for the upstairs based on one that I bought second hand from a high end equipment store that was moving location and clearing stock.

The stand I bought I was sort of disappointed with the design as I understood why they built it the way they did as it helped reduce the cost, but made it rather flimsy. So I built the new one with a bit more sturdy bracing but still with thin enough pieces of wood to make it look more delicate. (see post #415214 in got wood)

Now I am building a much large unit for the equipment downstairs. As this rack will be 5' tall (vs 3' for the upstairs) and have 6 shelves on it (vs 3 for the upstairs) and some rather heavy 45-60lb amps

I am wondering if you would suggest building it a bit more chunky/thicker wood beams so as to be more rigid?

The unit upstairs still does have a bit of lateral twist if you apply some force to it. (far better than the original it was designed around). If you had a choice between a rack that was more rock solid vs one that was more lighter looking/aesthetically pleasing. what would you choose?

Go for the durable the last thing you want is flimsy especially for your equipment, you could probably angle the pieces to not be so bulky in your face.

But with a couple of 50lb amps the last thing you need is damage from flimsy. Or a smaller looking rack plus it may give you more of a focal point for entertaining.

Cheers Brendan