[mav52]

I really enjoy my Timbernation rack. Solid maple, heavy and solid.  ( picture before equip)

[jarcher]

Hi Guys,

In the market for a audio rack...a budget one.

I intend to use some footers to couple components to rack shelves instead of just plonking components on the rack. My question is...would it be best to look for a rack with shelves made of...

1) solid wood...eg...maple or even carbonized bamboo
2) MDF
3) Doesn't matter...chipboard would work just fine.

Let's assume that the above options are of equal thickness and racks are of equal rigidity. In the case of solid wood...would choice of wood contribute to SQ (tone)? I have been hearing that certain woods can contribute a certain tone to overall presentation. I am thinking of a softer wood than maple or carbonized bamboo to achieve my goal...a more organic tone. Or would a harder wood be a step in the right direction? Anyone tried thick plywood?


Thanks.

1 or 2 - definitely not 3. Think you know that already.

I like dense maple like Mapleshade products. The density gives you better detail / bass / resolution but being wood also seems to give a bit of warmth as well.

I guess in the end it's what sound you want to achieve and you may have to experiment not only with the rack and footer material / design but also with footers / platforms for the components.

Me : I'd just get a Mapleshade rack. But if your a diy kinda guy that probably doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

[JLM]

In 40+ years at this the only racks I've ever heard was a solid rack (foot falls from a turntable on a very soft floor) or replacement of my small Ikea rack with the shelf on the floor that allowed the soundstage to fill the entire front of the room.  In my experience racks/gear block the soundstage if put between the speakers.

BTW this is the Cheap & Cheerful circle, so racks should be very cheap.  Mapleshade isn't my style but Timbernation seems nice.  Neither fit this circle's guidelines.

[timind]

In 40+ years at this the only racks I've ever heard was a solid rack (foot falls from a turntable on a very soft floor) or replacement of my small Ikea rack with the shelf on the floor that allowed the soundstage to fill the entire front of the room.  In my experience racks/gear block the soundstage if put between the speakers.

Agree with this. I recently moved my stuff back in between the speakers and can't help feel it was a mistake.

[coke]

I found a sofa table on closeout at a local furniture store.  Can't remember the price, but it was cheaper and better built than a lot of audio specific furniture. 

[mav52]

In 40+ years at this the only racks I've ever heard was a solid rack (foot falls from a turntable on a very soft floor) or replacement of my small Ikea rack with the shelf on the floor that allowed the soundstage to fill the entire front of the room.  In my experience racks/gear block the soundstage if put between the speakers.

BTW this is the Cheap & Cheerful circle, so racks should be very cheap.  Mapleshade isn't my style but Timbernation seems nice.  Neither fit this circle's guidelines.

What the heck do neither fit the circles guidelines ?

[sunnydaze]

What the heck do neither fit the circles guidelines ?

Too expensive for "cheap and cheerful".

[JLM]

Cheap and Cheerful budgetary guidelines:  $1,000 in-room system cap (plus $200 wiggle room), $350 cap per component.  DIY allowed.

[mav52]

Cheap and Cheerful budgetary guidelines:  $1,000 in-room system cap (plus $200 wiggle room), $350 cap per component.  DIY allowed.

    right at $930 for my Timbernation rack, missed it

[mca]

How about the Pangea racks sold through Audio Advisor? They are on sale now as well.

Pangea Audio Vulcan Audio Rack
In Satin Black Finish, Regular $300, Our Price $99.95

In Espresso Finish, Regular $330, Our Price $99.95

In Rosenut Finish, Regular $330, Our Price $129.95

[JLM]

Chunks of kitchen countertop on cinder blocks.

[jarcher]

Chunks of kitchen countertop on cinder blocks.

Yeah - to be really C&C its gonna have to be something like that.  And not fancy granite either.

I was surprised how much even a shelf of hardwood plywood were @ home depot : like $50 or more. And not even all birch - just a mix of hardwoods. 

PS heard incidental reports that the Pangea Target knocks off where not that great.  Something about solder joints I believe.  The "real" Target now from Canada is of course considerably more but worth it.

[srb]

I had also received the email from Audio Advisor today and was going to mention the $100 Pangea racks, but I figured the "dense" 5/8" MDF shelves might possibly be a deal breaker (and maybe the 44 lb. per shelf limit too, depending on your amplifier).   

Steve

[Letitroll98]

I agree, fairly lightweight looking.  But for a hundred they seem worth it, the rosewood is thirty more, okay for some lightweight chip amps and DACs etc.  I'm wondering if the money is better spent on diy racks.  The good old Flexi Rack can be done pretty cheaply if you downgrade to plywood, which can be finished or covered.  You can also get some pretty decent used racks for cheap.

[jarcher]

In used metal I'd look for old English made Target (before it became chinese junk) and old Billy Baggs (now also back in business despite loosing Billy). 

In wood don't see a lot of used Mapleshade, but it's probably out there.  Very heavy though so shipping will kill you.

[andycsb]

Thanks Guys for all your feedback. Really appreciate it. I am wondering why maple is choice of solid wood for most manufacturers. Does anyone know? Cost and availability driven?

[Phil A]

Thanks Guys for all your feedback. Really appreciate it. I am wondering why maple is choice of solid wood for most manufacturers. Does anyone know? Cost and availability driven?

Here's some info - https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-wood-for-making-an-isolation-platform