[mchuckp]

My turntable table (Rega P1) has been out of commission ever sense getting my new tube amp a few months ago as it took the top spot on my rack.  Between my TV and acoustic treatments, my options are very limited on how to get the TT back in my set up.  I just bought a Rega wall mount and was going to hang it today and realized that I never even considered if the drywall is adequate enough or if I need to find studs.

I honestly only have room directly above my rack and highly doubt the studs will be exactly where I need them.  Anyone feel wall anchors will be adequate?  There will be A LOT of expensive gear under it.  If this doesn't work out in my favor, not sure what else to do.  I can go to the right of the TV but if I did, then I'd prefer to go to the far side of the right speaker and that is a long cable run.  I may end up just putting the TT on my rack (below the amp) and just remove the lid when using it.  Kind of a pain to work with a TT like that but better than not having it at all.  Here's my room.

[macrojack]

Put the turntable back where it used to be. Put the tube amp on the floor between the TV and the right speaker. Buy or make an amp stand. Make or purchase cables that are long enough between preamp and amp. Sell turntable rack. Play records. Problem solved.

DO NOT hang your turntable from drywall. It may take a short time or it may happen quickly, but this approach is certain to end in misery and regret.

[bpape]

Another option is to do hooks in the ceiling and hang a platform on chains terminated in springs.  This will also give you better isolation from the structural vibrations.

Lastly, if you're handy, you could open up the drywall and put a stringer between 2 pair of studs in the wall and then you'd have something solid where you needed it.  Lag bolts into a 2x4 should be plenty solid for the long term.

Bryan

[Wayner]

You need 2 x 4s to hang a TT shelf. Toggle bolts or other hanger devices will fail. The good news is that you should be able to find 2 of them along that wall (above your rack), tho you may have to move your sound absorbing panel(s).

Wayner 

[Ericus Rex]

Your rack is plenty open.  The tube amp does not have to be on the top shelf for heat dissipation...if that's why you put it there.

[Don_S]

mchuckp,

It is easy to find the apx location of studs.  Pop the cover off of a duplex outlet and find which side of the stud it is mounted on.  Then measure to subsequent studs.  Unless your home is "special" studs should be 16" on center.  Do that first before worrying about whether or not the studs are where you want them.

I agree that mounting to sheetrock with toggles or inserts is a 

[mchuckp]

Thanks for everyone's responses.  As of now, I've decided to avoid using the wall mount.  I'm tempted to move my tube amp off the top into my rack.  I gotta admit that I like the exposed tubes on top just to look at them.    Not that I can't see them from the front if I move it. 

For now, I removed my component style power center (bottom layer) and am using a PS Audio Quintet strip style thus freeing up that space.  I have my table on this layer.  It is a mild annoyance to bend down, remove the cover, and get a record going, but not the end of the world.  I'll probably rearrange my rack in the next few weeks putting my amp 2nd to the top and the TT on top.

Bpape:  I like the idea of an amp stand but having a crazy dog that likes to play in front of my stereo, it makes me very nervous to have my amp low to the floor with exposed tubes.

[tomjtx]

You could try a stud finder.
I think it has a magnet to locate nails in the studs. Look at Home Depot.

If your house is pier and beam (like mine) you will get a significant sound quality boost from a wall stand. I couldn't believe how much better the sound was when I want back to my wall stand.
If you have a slab foundation it prolly wont make a diff.

My house was built in the 30's so I have shiplap behind my dry wall.
But kitchen cabinets are hung from drywall so wouldn't a TT stand hold w/o studs ?

[thunderbrick]

But kitchen cabinets are hung from drywall so wouldn't a TT stand hold w/o studs ?

No they aren't!  The top cabinets are screwed to the top plate of the wall AND the studs.  To do otherwise is to invite more problems than simply dropping a TT on a nice tube amp.  The cost of breaking your wife's favorite china is MUCH higher that destroying your prized stereo.      

[mchuckp]

Once again, thank you everyone for your input.  Here is what I ended up with after completely taking my whole set up apart.  Wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I think I do.  I still have plenty of breathing room for the amp but also now have easy access to my turntable.  I did have to use some connectors between 2 sets of RCA's for the amp due to the length. I needed about 8' and had to connect some 6' and 3'.  Need to order me some new cables.

You can see my original set up in the first post.

[Ericus Rex]

Very classy!