View Full Version : Cool-looking, decent priced hi-fi rack...
If I were installing a system in a new house, and didn't want to spend a fortune on hi-fi furniture, I'd buy one (or possibly two) of these:
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/?product=alphason+soundstyle+(st515)+wood+and+meta l+hi-fi+unit
Here, with some Naim gear on it (shamelessly stolen from pfm):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/545/yzq9.jpg
Nice, eh? :)
Marco.
chris@panteg
10-02-2014, 09:55
I'm currently looking for a new or good 2nd hand rack Marco, looks stylish enough, how much is it? Couldn't see a price?
Need something effective at dealing with vibration as my system sits between the speakers and I have a suspended wooden floor, I like this new idea of using bamboo for the shelves, looks great too.
The Atacama Eris is one I'm looking at but not cheap.
chris@panteg
10-02-2014, 10:26
£265 for the base unit ,shelves are extra :eek:
Edit ,just noticed the shelf pack is discontinued ? What's the point in selling the base units then :scratch:
I have to say I prefer the Eris eco £389 for the complete rack .
If I were installing a system in a new house, and didn't want to spend a fortune on hi-fi furniture, I'd buy one (or possibly two) of these:
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/?product=alphason+soundstyle+(st515)+wood+and+meta l+hi-fi+unit
Here, with some Naim gear on it (shamelessly stolen from pfm):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/545/yzq9.jpg
Nice, eh? :)
Marco.
nice indeed, wait till you see my new rack, hopefully before the end of this month :)
if it gets the marco approval I will be very happy!
. . . wait till you see my new rack, hopefully before the end of this month :)
Is there absolutely no part of the forum you won't go to, to promote your products :scratch:
Nice rack by the way Marco, right up my street. Stone Audio are just down the road from me and a nice bunch they are too.
Is there absolutely no part of the forum you won't go to, to promote your products :scratch:
The "welcome" section perhaps:)
brucew268
12-02-2014, 20:38
It looks as if the shelves are metal with a glass top suspended on a bumper of sorts. I would think that both the metal and glass would ring, and a bit more than a polymer bumper could neutralise.
Mr Kipling
12-02-2014, 21:35
In the 70s & 80s when I was a tad fanatical about hi-fi I used to come up with ideas for this and that (that never materialised) and this was one idea I had for racking - although the side sections were half the width of this. Some years later someone else had the same idea and made it available.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 08:53
It looks as if the shelves are metal with a glass top suspended on a bumper of sorts. I would think that both the metal and glass would ring, and a bit more than a polymer bumper could neutralise.
I believe that glass is one of the worst materials you should put under you're kit, along with granite.
Lol... Excuse me if, as a multi-phase Mana user (with every bit of his kit under glass shelves), I refute that bollocks categorically! ;)
As ever, folk come up with stuff based on arguable 'facts' achieved in one context, and then foolishly try applying them universally elsewhere.... The real 'facts' of the matter are that the results you get with glass depends on in which context it's being used!
Marco.
nice indeed, wait till you see my new rack, hopefully before the end of this month :)
As the actress said to the bishop.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 12:10
Lol... Excuse me if, as a multi-phase Mana user (with every bit of his kit under glass shelves), I refute that bollocks categorically! ;)
As ever, folk come up with stuff based on arguable 'facts' achieved in one context, and then foolishly try applying them universally elsewhere.... The real 'facts' of the matter are that the results you get with glass depends on in which context it's being used!
Marco.
Glass rings and stores energy , it has an influence on the kit that's placed on it , if you like it then fill your boots but I hate it and yes I've heard Mana tables and didn't like them either , its my own opinion of course but there it is .
RobbieGong
13-02-2014, 13:22
Lol... Excuse me if, as a multi-phase Mana user (with every bit of his kit under glass shelves), I refute that bollocks categorically! ;)
As ever, folk come up with stuff based on arguable 'facts' achieved in one context, and then foolishly try applying them universally elsewhere.... The real 'facts' of the matter are that the results you get with glass depends on in which context it's being used!
Marco.
I take it you don't agree with him Marco :lol: :eyebrows:
Lol... Excuse me if, as a multi-phase Mana user (with every bit of his kit under glass shelves), I refute that bollocks categorically! ;)
As ever, folk come up with stuff based on arguable 'facts' achieved in one context, and then foolishly try applying them universally elsewhere.... The real 'facts' of the matter are that the results you get with glass depends on in which context it's being used!
Marco.
There are no 'facts' here, just opinions. If you like the sound of Mana, then that's fine. If someone else thinks it sounds pants, that's fine too. That's at the same time the best and the worst thing about the subjectivist approach.
Beobloke
13-02-2014, 15:02
Glass rings and stores energy , it has an influence on the kit that's placed on it ,
I have to say this is true. The difference whan I changed from the standard glass shelves on my Atacama rack to their twin layer glass ones that have a layer of damping material inbetween was not small.
As to the original rack that Marco posted, though - that is rather elegant.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 15:43
I have to say this is true. The difference whan I changed from the standard glass shelves on my Atacama rack to their twin layer glass ones that have a layer of damping material inbetween was not small.
As to the original rack that Marco posted, though - that is rather elegant.
Have you tried the bamboo shelves yet Adam?
Glass rings and stores energy , it has an influence on the kit that's placed on it , if you like it then fill your boots but I hate it and yes I've heard Mana tables and didn't like them either , its my own opinion of course but there it is .
If you don't like it, Chris, that's fine. You're entitled to your opinion. However, your statement above shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how Mana works. Remember that it's not only glass that's used, but other materials, such as metal spikes and wood (MDF). The cumulative sonic effect gained, with partnering equipment, is the result of how all those materials interface with each other.
It's worth pointing out here too that, before I used Mana, I hated all other metal equipment supports with glass shelves, for the very reasons you state! Think about why that might be... The clue is in the fourth and fifth sentences of the first paragraph, above (and is what separates Mana from all other metal and glass equipment supports) ;)
Marco.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 17:59
Jeez Marco I didn't even bring Mana into this or how it works, as far as I know it's no longer available, save for a 2nd hand buy? But it seems most racks these days are moving away from glass and on to bamboo or all wood creations.
Ok let's say that Mana works despite using glass, but it's not even an option for me plus I don't like glass from a cosmetic point of view either.
It's interesting that Malcolm Steward is now using a Quadrasphire sonoko vent rack, which has bamboo shelves, he was a Mana user back in the day I believe.
I'm just looking for a good rack, and once and for all purchase, not another Mana fana debate.
Lol... Excuse me if, as a multi-phase Mana user (with every bit of his kit under glass shelves), I refute that bollocks categorically! ;)
As ever, folk come up with stuff based on arguable 'facts' achieved in one context, and then foolishly try applying them universally elsewhere.... The real 'facts' of the matter are that the results you get with glass depends on in which context it's being used!
Marco.
I use a 4-tier Mana reference rack and a Sound Table for my turntable, unphased as I prefer it on my suspended wooden floor, didn't with concrete floor though. It is easily the coolest looking, and decently priced, rack ever.
I find it adds a slight "live sound" colouration. That's the point though!
Jeez Marco I didn't even bring Mana into this or how it works, as far as I know it's no longer available, save for a 2nd hand buy? But it seems most racks these days are moving away from glass and on to bamboo or all wood creations.
Ok let's say that Mana works despite using glass, but it's not even an option for me plus I don't like glass from a cosmetic point of view either.
It's interesting that Malcolm Steward is now using a Quadrasphire sonoko vent rack, which has bamboo shelves, he was a Mana user back in the day I believe.
I'm just looking for a good rack, and once and for all purchase, not another Mana fana debate.
That's absolutely fine, mate. I rarely mention Mana, as since it's no longer available, it's largely irrelevant. All I was doing (and what started this) was challenging/putting into proper context what you stated in post #9:
I believe that glass is one of the worst materials you should put under you're kit...
Incidentally, I rate the QS Sunoko Vent - very nice indeed. If I ever had to get rid of my Mana racks, that's probably what I would use! :)
Marco.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 18:38
I stand by that statement Marco.
That's fine, but its only your experience. My experience differs rather dramatically, and is equally as valid. Anyway, let's leave it there and move onto discussing equipment supports that are actually still produced! :)
Marco.
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 20:32
Yes, and the elegant looking rack in your original post appears to available as a base unit @£265 with shelves as an extra but no longer available :scratch:
For me at the moment it's a choice between the Q4 £380 or the Atacama Eris Eco £389 or there is 3rd way...
Buy about 3 lack tables and bodge em together into a rack using a saw, some bits of wood ,glue and about 4 sets of spikes :scratch: well it's an idea and cheap.
Stratmangler
13-02-2014, 22:28
...there is 3rd way...
Buy about 3 lack tables and bodge em together into a rack using a saw, some bits of wood ,glue and about 4 sets of spikes :scratch: well it's an idea and cheap.
At £8.00 a pop per table I think it's an area worth investigating.
Factor in the cost of a mitre saw with a cutting jig attachment (make sure the legs are all the same length), plus some sets of spikes and cups and you might well have something very good indeed, as well as a sense of "I made this" pride :)
chris@panteg
13-02-2014, 22:42
At £8.00 a pop per table I think it's an area worth investigating.
Factor in the cost of a mitre saw with a cutting jig attachment (make sure the legs are all the same length), plus some sets of spikes and cups and you might well have something very good indeed, as well as a sense of "I made this" pride :)
Might work well Chris, sort of a poor man's Torlyte rack.
Stratmangler
13-02-2014, 22:47
Might work well Chris, sort of a poor man's Torlyte rack.
That's exactly how I'd describe it too :cool:
HighFidelityGuy
14-02-2014, 10:01
I built my rack from Ikea Lack coffee tables a couple of years ago. I based the design on the HiFi Racks Podium XL (http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/hifi-racks/4/podium-xl). Each layer is isolated from the next by spikes mounted in aluminium plates.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/DTM2000/Hi-Fi/CIMG2286.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DTM2000/media/Hi-Fi/CIMG2286.jpg.html)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/DTM2000/Hi-Fi/XTZAP100_2_zps3ac86028.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DTM2000/media/Hi-Fi/XTZAP100_2_zps3ac86028.jpg.html)
I can't really comment on how well it works from an audiophile point of view but it holds all my equipment adequately, looks nice and probably cost less that £50. So I'd recommend it for people on a tight budget providing you have the time and patience to perform the modifications. One thing I would say is that you can feel the shelves vibrating along with the music, which probably isn't ideal. So to try and prevent that from causing issues I use Black Ravioli pads under the important components. Different positioning of the rack would probably reduce the vibration as well. I do have mine sat right in the middle of a pair of big speakers and a pair of subs. :doh:
If I had the money I'd probably buy the proper HiFi Racks Podium units as I like the look of them and they're no doubt much more solid. I do like the look of Quadraspire's products though. I'm not sure which would be the best between those makes.
chris@panteg
14-02-2014, 10:34
Look really good, they vibrate you say, I guess that's to be expected as they are made from cardboard and stuff.
I'm tempted to just bite the bullet and get the Atacama, dunno or maybe something on ebay.
What's wrong with the QS Sunoko Vent, Chris - don't you rate it? :)
The Atacama I'm sure will be fine, but you could do better by trying a little lateral thinking. What's your maximum budget for the rack you need?
Marco.
What's wrong with the QS Sunoko Vent, Chris - don't you rate it? :)
It's £200 for a single shelf!
chris@panteg
14-02-2014, 11:36
What's wrong with the QS Sunoko Vent, Chris - don't you rate it? :)
The Atacama I'm sure will be fine, but you could do better by trying a little lateral thinking. What's your maximum budget for the rack you need?
Marco.
I like the sunoko vent Marco but it's £800-900, I'm thinking 400 max really so the alternative is the older Q4 or podium rack at 350, thing I like the idea of bamboo shelves, I've heard good things about something solid, but that's about 800 as well.
What about an old but still good sound organisation rack off eBay?
Beobloke
14-02-2014, 13:04
Have you tried the bamboo shelves yet Adam?
No, not yet. Dennis from Atacama keeps telling me that I must, though!
chris@panteg
14-02-2014, 13:15
Mmm, yes you should, I think the Eris Eco will be my choice.
Managed to pick up a finite 3 tier rack myself for £ 400. Highly recommend, huge improvement in sound. Okay my system was sitting on something from Ikea before!
I built my rack from Ikea Lack coffee tables a couple of years ago. I based the design on the HiFi Racks Podium XL (http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/hifi-racks/4/podium-xl). Each layer is isolated from the next by spikes mounted in aluminium plates.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/DTM2000/Hi-Fi/CIMG2286.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DTM2000/media/Hi-Fi/CIMG2286.jpg.html)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/DTM2000/Hi-Fi/XTZAP100_2_zps3ac86028.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DTM2000/media/Hi-Fi/XTZAP100_2_zps3ac86028.jpg.html)
I can't really comment on how well it works from an audiophile point of view but it holds all my equipment adequately, looks nice and probably cost less that £50. So I'd recommend it for people on a tight budget providing you have the time and patience to perform the modifications. One thing I would say is that you can feel the shelves vibrating along with the music, which probably isn't ideal. So to try and prevent that from causing issues I use Black Ravioli pads under the important components. Different positioning of the rack would probably reduce the vibration as well. I do have mine sat right in the middle of a pair of big speakers and a pair of subs. :doh:
If I had the money I'd probably buy the proper HiFi Racks Podium units as I like the look of them and they're no doubt much more solid. I do like the look of Quadraspire's products though. I'm not sure which would be the best between those makes.
90% of the vibration will indeed be due to the proximity of the speakers...Try moving them away from the rack if possible- it should also open up the sound considerably and improve imaging
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2014, 23:45
Quote
Originally Posted by Marco: What's wrong with the QS Sunoko Vent, Chris - don't you rate it?
Originally Posted by Joe It's £200 for a single shelf!
So it's not really a bamboo bath mat then?
http://www.pluckpoint.com/images/newimages/seville-classics-28-x-22-bamboo-bath-mat_21672.jpg
chris@panteg
15-02-2014, 10:31
I can't believe this but..... Last night I got home and my wife text me that she found a hifi rack for sale at the local Catherine house furniture shop.
So I went down there this morning, turns out it's a soundfactory tripod 5 shelf stand almost identical to the 4 shelf one I already have but with usefully better spacings.
£10:eek:
:dance: you could say I'm chuffed, can't go wrong with this even if the atacama is substantially better, this is a bargain.
Nice one, Chris - I hope it's a result for you! :)
Marco.
chris@panteg
15-02-2014, 11:40
Nice one, Chris - I hope it's a result for you! :)
Marco.
Cheers, it'll do for now and already looks so much better than the nasty argos rack which is now dismantled, I've had to put the pearl lite on the top but that's probably the best place for it anyway.
chris@panteg
16-02-2014, 10:06
I would like to say that installing this 5 tier tripod and changing the layout of my system so that the 4 tier is now basically a dedicated turntable stand with the VA psu, the Pearl,T10, Yammy multi spinner and tuner sit on the 5 tier.
Has changed the sound and presentation quite a bit, I would say it appears much more midrangey, on further listening I would say more balanced.
What's gone is this tendency to boom and bloom + a thickness to textures, and also a loudness effect like those on amps of old.
I find myself turning the volume up more but also I can listen at lower levels and still sounds interesting.
My Techie is sounding rather good through the Puresound T10 into the pearl lite phono, I want to listen to some more.
With a suspended wooden floor differences between racks is much more pronounced I feel.
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