What should I set my components on?

[widespreadpanic]

Howdy. I have been considering making a rack for my audio components. In the past I have used cinderblocks with 1" x 8" pine as shelves and had that stacked as high as I needed. Simple and cheap but would like something more presentable. I am interested in knowing what is considered to be the best material for the shelving. I am a carpenter and have come across granite that has been pulled out of a couple of houses that were having remodeling work. I recently cut these into 5 nice pieces that I can easily set my components upon. Any suggestions on what I could use for the legs to separate the shelves. Currently my CD player sits on one of the pieces of granite that is on the carpeted floor. My preamp is on top of the CD player. The tuner is stacked on the preamp spaced by four small pieces of granite that were drops when I cut the 5 granite pieces. My Bluesound sits on top the tuner with a piece of cork under it, cut to shape. I have each amp sitting on a piece of granite to the left and right of my other components, next to the speakers. What do you guys/gals think? Thank you kindly for your consideration. Adios

[405x5]

The last time I rearranged my gear, this rack from Z-Line was my ticket. Building your own is certainly a viable option, but when I considered everything I wanted to accomplish… Purchasing a rack from someone who’s been there was the better solution. 

My top priority with the rack was to use it for proper center channel placement, and having the tweeters at ear level when seated.

……have them lined as best as possible with the left and right speakers. Everything else worked out beautifully, but was secondary.

The shelves are actually glass, but the way the thing is built each one handles 80 pounds.

The monitor on this one (as with most of this type) is supported from the rear and has no impact on the load bearing of the shelves.

[LuisV]

May 16, 2023 17:53:11 GMT -5 widespreadpanic said:

Howdy. I have been considering making a rack for my audio components. In the past I have used cinderblocks with 1" x 8" pine as shelves and had that stacked as high as I needed. Simple and cheap but would like something more presentable. I am interested in knowing what is considered to be the best material for the shelving. I am a carpenter and have come across granite that has been pulled out of a couple of houses that were having remodeling work. I recently cut these into 5 nice pieces that I can easily set my components upon. Any suggestions on what I could use for the legs to separate the shelves. Currently my CD player sits on one of the pieces of granite that is on the carpeted floor. My preamp is on top of the CD player. The tuner is stacked on the preamp spaced by four small pieces of granite that were drops when I cut the 5 granite pieces. My Bluesound sits on top the tuner with a piece of cork under it, cut to shape. I have each amp sitting on a piece of granite to the left and right of my other components, next to the speakers. What do you guys/gals think? Thank you kindly for your consideration. Adios





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Can't get any more simple nor cheaper than the Monoprice Monolith stands...  the 4 shelf unit at $149 has 3 shelves with 75 lbs capacity per shelf and 1 shelf with 150 lbs capacity.  The 3 shelf double wide at $220 has a capacity of 300 lbs per shelf.  Monoprice currently has 15% coupons for these...

 

If you're serious about using the granite slabs, then I would look at 8020 t-slot to make a suitable platform for the granite shelves.  I've seen folks use these to build heavy duty large aquarium stands, racing simulators, manufacturing benches, etc. etc.  

8020.net/

8020.net/xdiy

[AudioHTIT]

May 16, 2023 17:53:11 GMT -5 widespreadpanic said:

Howdy. I have been considering making a rack for my audio components. In the past I have used cinderblocks with 1" x 8" pine as shelves and had that stacked as high as I needed. Simple and cheap but would like something more presentable. I am interested in knowing what is considered to be the best material for the shelving. I am a carpenter and have come across granite that has been pulled out of a couple of houses that were having remodeling work. I recently cut these into 5 nice pieces that I can easily set my components upon. Any suggestions on what I could use for the legs to separate the shelves. Currently my CD player sits on one of the pieces of granite that is on the carpeted floor. My preamp is on top of the CD player. The tuner is stacked on the preamp spaced by four small pieces of granite that were drops when I cut the 5 granite pieces. My Bluesound sits on top the tuner with a piece of cork under it, cut to shape. I have each amp sitting on a piece of granite to the left and right of my other components, next to the speakers. What do you guys/gals think? Thank you kindly for your consideration. Adios

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I used to do an ‘upscale’ version of the cinder block shelving using glass block and plywood capped with half round and painted with black enamel. So glass block is one option that might look cool with your granite shelves, you can usually get them with various glass patterns, in 6”, 8”, and 12” sizes to fit your spacing needs. Another simple option would be 4x4 cut to the length of your desired shelf spacing, if you wanted additional isolation or damping, you could attach thin rubber layers on each end of the 4x4 with adhesive. Either sand and finish it with clear coat or wax for a natural look, or paint it a favorite color (like my ‘creative’ black).

[ottaone]

I like to hide my messy cables so I can’t have open shelves. That said, once in a while, I see some well organized open shelves.

[AudioHTIT]

I really must add this to “what should I set my components on” … definitely 11, set them on 11.

[SteveH]

May 19, 2023 22:48:34 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I really must add this to “what should I set my components on” … definitely 11, set them on 11.

I agree 🤣🤣🤣🤣 This is why the RMC-1 maximum volume goes to +11.

[novisnick]

May 19, 2023 22:48:34 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I really must add this to “what should I set my components on” … definitely 11, set them on 11.

Unless your system goes to 12!

I just had to say it! 😝 

[SteveH]

May 17, 2023 15:00:44 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I used to do an ‘upscale’ version of the cinder block shelving using glass block and plywood capped with half round and painted with black enamel. So glass block is one option that might look cool with your granite shelves, you can usually get them with various glass patterns, in 6”, 8”, and 12” sizes to fit your spacing needs. Another simple option would be 4x4 cut to the length of your desired shelf spacing, if you wanted additional isolation or damping, you could attach thin rubber layers on each end of the 4x4 with adhesive. Either sand and finish it with clear coat or wax for a natural look, or paint it a favorite color (like my ‘creative’ black).

We have all seen your fine craftsmanship!  Maybe you should contract out your services and build an A/V credenza for widespreadpanic.