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October 21, 2009 - 12:25pm
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Component racks & LP storage
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I wouldn't go too crazy, freenwood. For LPs, you can't really beat Ikea Expedit shelves. Get them in some sexy color, use the L brackets, and you'll be set for years.
For the component rack, there are many DIY options. If you're not into DIY, just look for really heavy, real-wood (just say no to MDF) rack that you can get for reasonably cheap. And wall mount that Rega.
I'd really consider getting a quote for built-in LP shelves and some drawers for digital media. You could have a wider, waste-high shelf, out of granite for the TT and storage below that for electronics.
Lacking that, then consider the Ikea solution, combined with budget stretching HRS isolation bases. I've got the M3 bases, which are excellent, but out of your stated budget. However, they make to less expensive alternatives that employ the same technologies with less expensive materials.
You really need an isolation system. Other materials, like solid wood, or solid granite, or laminated wood, or composite granite/carbon/etc. will vary quite a bit from one to another and only provide a good solution with luck. A good isolation system will both isolate and provide damping to attenuate resonance and move the remainder out of the audible frequencies.
Dave
It seems that many of the rack systems marketed today are primarily metal and glass; the worst thing possible.
For your equipment, I have always had good luck going with a high-quality wood room divider unit made of heavy high-density particle-board covered with hardwood veneer (a unit about 6 feet high and 6 feet wide and 16-18 inches deep is ideal...with some fixed and some adjustable shelves). For LPs, of course, you want a unit that has shelves 15-18 inches deep. A nice dedicated unit like I have has built-in wood dividers every 5 inches or so to support the LPs, but those are hard to find now unless you can run across one at a used furniture store.
Used furniture stores and thrift stores can yield some nice stuff at bargain prices, but it usually takes a lot of looking around to find what you like.
Thanks all for your advice. It's looking like a DIY option might be the best fit. Moving in next week, so will hopefully be able to report back with some results soon.
Since it was suggested - what are the advantages of wall mounting turntables? Are there any tradeoffs associated with this?
Wall mounts are awesome for non-suspended TTs that are relatively light. i.e. Rega or Kuzma Stabi S, etc. Done properly, I think it looks sweet, but functionally, you're going to be doing yourself a favor by effectively dealing with footfalls & vibrations. Rega makes their own, as do other companies. Not terribly expensive either.