[rcag_ils]

Well, that's all I have room for as far as rack mounting. I am kind of disappointed that the CD player, and the DAC ended up on top of a lp crate, but that's what those lp crates for, right?

As for Wayner's comment, I am not pissed off at all.

There will be curtain on the window, I just don't have the time to put it up yet. This is my loft area, I don't know if you can see it in the picture or not. On the left side, there's a long half wall, because it's where the stairs are. Initially, I thought there'll be serious acoustical problem, thinking the half wall on the left would make the left sound field a little thin, or sound echoy. To my surprise, it's not the case, the sound stage is full and very enjoyable. My theory is somehow the back wall area, where the speakers are generates some kind of chamber effect for the half wall and the right window. I may be wrong, I expect more bass and less reflection after I hang the curtain, and install some acoustical panel on the wall.

In between the speakers, there'll be some decor and paintings stuff, it won't be empty like it is now. I just don't like to stare at the equipment all day, that's all, just personal preference.

[martyo]

Looking good!

BTW, did you get that preamp on ebay yet?

[JLM]

Love that open reel rack!

[rcag_ils]

did you get that preamp on ebay yet?

Yes, it's the one in the rack now.

From my listening, I can not tell whether this Super Pas 3 with the regulated plate voltage power supply, or my Super Pas 4i (modified) sounds better. According to Frank, the Super Pas 4i modified sounds almost (I repeat, almost) like the T-8.

The Super, super Pas 3 sounds more open, the Super Pas 4i modified has maybe, just a maybe, a tad more bass when played through the Delta 120, but if I play this Super, super Pas 3 through the Ultra 550, I can have all the bass I want, so I don't really know which one is better for sure. But I am very happy with the Super super Pas 3.

[martyo]

Yes, it's the one in the rack now.

Looks good there. What do you think of your "one of a kind"?

[rcag_ils]

Martyo, read my previous comment, I edited it while you were posting, sorry for the confusion.

[Listens2tubes]

Hi, Just two questions: What tape deck is that? What speakers are those?

Thanks.

[rcag_ils]

tape deck: Pioneer RT-909
speakers: Sonographe SL-21 by Conrad Johnson. I think they were designed by the same guy who designed the Synthesis line for CJ before the Sonographe.

[silvermesa]

Thought I would follow up with photos of the cabinet that I had built over the winter by a local Amish Cabinet Shop. It is made out of solid cherry with up to 10 baltic birch plywood shelves for components. So far I am really pleased with the open sides and back for cooling. This unit blends in well with my av cabinet that is in the same room. Total cost was around $1300.00 and the experience of working with the cabinet maker was excellent.

I have a Fet Valve Ultra+ double 550 amplifier, T8 Pre amp and Vision EC Dac occupying space in this cabinet at present. Look forward to years of enjoyment.


Front View

Side View

Interior View

Rear View

a/v cabinet

[rcag_ils]

Thought I would follow up with photos of the cabinet that I had built over the winter by a local Amish Cabinet Shop. It is made out of solid cherry with up to 10 baltic birch plywood shelves for components. So far I am really pleased with the open sides and back for cooling. This unit blends in well with my av cabinet that is in the same room. Total cost was around $1300.00 and the experience of working with the cabinet maker was excellent.

Very nice cabinet,  Where do you live? Are you living in the PA, MD, or DE area? I thought the Amish were not supposed to charge you such high price. They work for a simple life, not to get rich.

[martyo]

That's very pretty, nice blend with the existing cabinet too. 

Nice to be able to work with the craftsman, enriches the experience and the cabinet.

BTW, excellent taste in gear.

[trebejo]

Beautiful Amish furniture with beautiful AVA gear. Great combination.

I saw some Amish furniture at a convention once, it was incredibly well finished. That must be one nice audio rack!

[silvermesa]

This is my second experience with building a custom cabinet and have learned that you don't do it because it is the most economical choice. You embark on this journey to achieve the look and use-ability you want. Features such as size, material quality, stain color, hardware, accessibility, move-ability and blending in with room decor play a role.

Just a rough breakdown so others who might be interested in their own style of cabinet might get an idea of what is involved.

-Hardwood Lumber and Baltic Birch Plywood $400.00
-Hardware to include wheels, drawer slides, drawer and door hardware and shelf brackets $100
-Glass $75.00
-Stains,Lacquer,and supplies $100
-Labor to cut, sand, assemble, stain and finish cabinet $550.00
-Fuel to acquire materials and travel to cabinet shop $75.00

Total $1300.00

Martyo is correct in that the journey and enjoyable experience of working with a craftsman become paramount and cost becomes secondary once you start down the path or journey of acquiring "your own" audio cabinet.

Good luck to all on your own journeys in audio! 

[Tone Depth]

Here's another admirer of your equipment enclosure, I like the result of the decisions you made.  I hope to do something similar in the future when I have the budget.

[Minn Mark]

A definitely SWEET set-up. Between the RTR and the AVA I bet the performance sounds like "no equipment at all". Really great cabinet; deserving of the best from AVA. Happy listening !

Mark

[diofan56]

Hi all!

Here is my rack.  It is 1-inch thick acrylic with solid aluminum posts.  There is some type of rubber/dampening material between the posts and the shelves that also keeps the shelves from getting scratched up.  I had it made to my specs at Valley Plastics in Ohio.  I have no idea if it absorbs vibration or anything else.  I like it because it looks way cool!

There is one concern though.  I don't know if heat from an amplifier that generates a lot of heat would discolor the acrylic.  My old Adcom stuff doesn't get very warm at all so that's not an issue at the present time.

[Rapt]

I can recommend Sanus. They are well built and a great value (fit and finish). Here is mine.

 

Wayner

 Wayner,

           I have a sanus tv stand, at 3 years old one of the glass shelves got broken, I called Sanus to purchase a replacement, they sent it free. Great customer service, very unexpected.