Need Help Picking a New Audio Rack

[RocShemp]

I am need of a new AVR and have been debating between the Denon AVR-X6700H and the Denon AVR-X8500HA. To cool whichever AVR I choose I was planning on getting an AC Infinity AIRCOM S10. However that would mean I would need over 8.1" of clearance if I get the X6700H (6.6" for the AVR and 1.5" for the cooler) or 9.2" if I get the X8500HA (7.7" for the AVR and 1.5" for the cooler). Sadly, my current AV table cannot accommodate either comfortably. So I need a separate audio rack.

I have read great things about the Pangea Audio Vulcan Five Shelf Audio Rack (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZL4DWB2...v_ov_lig_dp_it, especially given how customizable it is. But it's a tad pricey without the add-ons needed for the proper height clearance.

Another option is the Monolith 4 Tier Audio Stand XL (https://www.amazon.com/Monolith-Tier...2767931&sr=8-3). However, it lacks proper clearance and is not customizable. Then again, I can choose to place an included suppose bar under the top shelf and mount the AVR there.

Finally, there's the Sanus AV Media Stand (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8JLS4G...v_ov_lig_dp_it). Unfortunately, I cannot find any info regarding the clearance between shelves.

Anyway, which would you guys recommend? Or would you recommend something entirely different?
​​​​​​​

[slimdude]

What I would do first is to get the dimensions for both receivers and the audio racks (especially the weight compacity) to make sure the receiver will fit, and go from there.

[RocShemp]

That's why I mentioned the heights of the receivers. The X6700H is 6.6" tall. Add the 1.5" cooler and the total height is 8.1". However, the X8500HA is 7.7" tall. If I add the cooler, the total height is 9.2".

The depth and width of all three racks are fine. It's the height clearance that is at issue.

The Pangea shelf can be modified at additional cost but it's already pricey to begin with.

The Monolith doesn't offer customizability options but I wonder if the top shelf is a reasonable option, since it can take the weight.

Then there's the Sanus rack but I can't find any info regarding the height from shelf to shelf.

Finally, I have no experience with any of these and thus no idea if they're as good as advertised. Hence why I turned to the forum for help.

[witheygull]

Originally Posted by RocShemp

That's why I mentioned the heights of the receivers. The X6700H is 6.6" tall. Add the 1.5" cooler and the total height is 8.1". However, the X8500HA is 7.7" tall. If I add the cooler, the total height is 9.2".

The depth and width of all three racks are fine. It's the height clearance that is at issue.

The Pangea shelf can be modified at additional cost but it's already pricey to begin with.

The Monolith doesn't offer customizability options but I wonder if the top shelf is a reasonable option, since it can take the weight.

Then there's the Sanus rack but I can't find any info regarding the height from shelf to shelf.

Finally, I have no experience with any of these and thus no idea if they're as good as advertised. Hence why I turned to the forum for help.

The Sanus one you linked to has a few people in the Q&A section saying the vertical clearance is 8" between shelves.

The one I'm using is more expensive than you're looking for, but there may be a similar one that's more affordable from a different manufacturer:

Salamander Archetype 5.0

It's got threaded posts which allow you to customize the height of each individual shelf. The downside is the price tag - $449, up from $249 in 2013 when I got it.

[RocShemp]

Thanks. I like that Salamander rack. Not the price so much but hopefully it'll go on sale.

[slimdude]

If I were to buy an audio rack, I would get one that's more sturdy and make of solid wood, with a partially enclosed back, so all the cables and speaker wires won't show and look messy, and the wires and cables can be fed through the opening vs a full open rear that you can see everything. Something like this:


https://www.totallyfurniture.com/jas...-nexera-101012

[witheygull]

Originally Posted by slimdude

If I were to buy an audio rack, I would get one that's more sturdy and make of wood, with a partially enclosed back, so all the cables and speaker wires won't show, where the wires and cables can fed through the opening vs a full open rear that you can see everything. Something like this:


https://www.totallyfurniture.com/jas...-nexera-101012

Another alternative would be to hire a carpenter to custom build a rack to the exact specifications required.

That Jasper model is a fairly simple design, and you'd likely be able to get something similar custom built for a bit more money. You might be in the $200-250 price range with that option, but you'd have the advantage of tweaking the measurements to whatever you want and also choosing a specific stain/paint color.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by witheygull

Another alternative would be to hire a carpenter to custom build a rack to the exact specifications required.

That Jasper model is a fairly simple design, and you'd likely be able to get something similar custom built for a bit more money. You might be in the $200-250 price range with that option, but you'd have the advantage of tweaking the measurements to whatever you want and also choosing a specific stain/paint color.

Hiring a professional carpenter to build a custom audio rack will cost a lot more than $250.00. The $250.00 wouldn't cover the cost of the materials, and the labor is going to cost even more, depending on what they charge per hour. Due to the price increase of the lumber, it will be cheaper to buy it and assemble it at home.

[witheygull]

Originally Posted by slimdude

Hiring a professional carpenter to build a custom audio rack will cost a lot more than $250.00. The $250.00 wouldn't cover the cost of the materials, and the labor is going to cost even more, depending on what they charge per hour. Due to the price increase of the lumber, it will be cheaper to buy it and assemble it at home.

Cost will vary based on the type of wood used, but if you go with pine 1x10 boards, the lumber would run you a little under $100 for the 28 linear feet used in the Jasper design (based on the prices at the big box hardware store near me). You can reduce the cost a bit by going with 1x8 on the side and back vertical pieces if you don't mind a narrower board in those areas. Of course if you go with something other than pine (such as poplar or oak), then cost will shoot up dramatically.

Labor cost is a bigger question mark, but this is something that anyone with moderate woodworking experience should be able to knock out in a day.

The materials costs are higher than I thought they would be (they've gone up even in the 6 weeks it's been since I last bought some boards), and I would revise my cost estimate to match that, but if someone wanted to hire me to build that particular rack I'd ask for $250 unfinished or $300 stained/painted. However, I don't do carpentry full-time anymore and can afford to make a little less than some other folks would need for the jobs I do take.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by witheygull

The materials costs are higher than I thought they would be (they've gone up even in the 6 weeks it's been since I last bought some boards), and I would revise my cost estimate to match that, but if someone wanted to hire me to build that particular rack I'd ask for $250 unfinished or $300 stained/painted. However, I don't do carpentry full-time anymore and can afford to make a little less than some other folks would need for the jobs I do take.

I'd hire you but 6,344 miles is quite the trek. Hopefully I'll find someone local.

[superpacman]

The options offered, I would get the Pangea Audio Vulcan but wait before getting the AIRCOM S10. It's N open shelf, why do think you need the AVR cooler?

I have the Denon X6700H and I'm using the AIRCOM S7(top exhust) with several Infinity MULTIFAN S7 on the rear door on my inwall rack. Since mine is enclosed with amps, I felt I needed the Infinity fans. I'm glad I have it, but not too sure I really needed them.

I'm just suggesting is get that rack and see if you really need the Infinity. If you don't need it, you saved some money. If you need it, add it later when the budget fits.

In the hometheater hobby, you're always going to add things, you don't have to buy it all at once.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by superpacman

The options offered, I would get the Pangea Audio Vulcan but wait before getting the AIRCOM S10. It's N open shelf, why do think you need the AVR cooler?

.

I live in the tropics. I have no AC. And there's a heatwave going on. Just wanna protect my investment.

[superpacman]

Originally Posted by RocShemp

I live in the tropics. I have no AC. And there's a heatwave going on. Just wanna protect my investment.

ok! thats understandable...

Opposite for me, I live in the Northern region of the states.

[Barry_NJ]

So, have you pulled the trigger on anything?

I made my own from 1" thick birch plywood and threaded rod...


PXL_20220308_204827199 by Barry, on Flickr

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by Barry_NJ

So, have you pulled the trigger on anything?

I made my own from 1" thick birch plywood and threaded rod...


PXL_20220308_204827199 by Barry, on Flickr

That's very nice. Are you able to lock the wheels?

[Scarriere]

Yes, definitely nice!

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by RocShemp

I am need of a new AVR and have been debating between the Denon AVR-X6700H and the Denon AVR-X8500HA. To cool whichever AVR I choose I was planning on getting an AC Infinity AIRCOM S10. However that would mean I would need over 8.1" of clearance if I get the X6700H (6.6" for the AVR and 1.5" for the cooler) or 9.2" if I get the X8500HA (7.7" for the AVR and 1.5" for the cooler). Sadly, my current AV table cannot accommodate either comfortably. So I need a separate audio rack.

I have read great things about the Pangea Audio Vulcan Five Shelf Audio Rack (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZL4DWB2...v_ov_lig_dp_it, especially given how customizable it is. But it's a tad pricey without the add-ons needed for the proper height clearance.

Another option is the Monolith 4 Tier Audio Stand XL (https://www.amazon.com/Monolith-Tier...2767931&sr=8-3). However, it lacks proper clearance and is not customizable. Then again, I can choose to place an included suppose bar under the top shelf and mount the AVR there.

Finally, there's the Sanus AV Media Stand (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8JLS4G...v_ov_lig_dp_it). Unfortunately, I cannot find any info regarding the clearance between shelves.

Anyway, which would you guys recommend? Or would you recommend something entirely different?
​​​​​​​

If Ikea is an option, I'd consider their BESTA line. It's completely customizable. You can design in online and then just pick up all the pieces you need and put it together. No major skills necessary. It's what I did and I love the results. There's a few different colours available as well.

[Barry_NJ]

Originally Posted by slimdude

That's very nice. Are you able to lock the wheels?

Yes, they lock, but to be honest, it's heavy enough to not move when they aren't locked.

Also, the wheels are a fairly recent addition, but they make swapping equipment in & out so much easier.
Another plus is the ability to get/keep the unit closer to the wall, giving me more space in the room.

[Barry_NJ]

Originally Posted by Scarriere

Yes, definitely nice!

Thanks!

[martinharris]

Cool, that's what we need.