Audio Racks/Cabinets

[sleepysurf]

My wife has given me the OK to replace our bulky "stereo image mangling" A/V wall unit and RPTV with a low-rise console/credenza and wall mounted HDTV above. I've started hunting for a low cabinet, ~50 - 70" wide, that can accommodate my components while also providing good ventilation, AND acceptable WAF. The latter two requirements have ruled out most console type cabinets we've seen thus far. However, I was surprised to find a nice selection of media cabinets online at Crate & Barrel, including this Harmony Console pictured below. Their whole collection can be seen at... http://www.crateandbarrel.com/media-entertainment/furniture/1

Salamander Designs also has a new line called the Chameleon Collection, and we liked their Sonoma model (sorry, unable to d/l pic), but it's only available in cherry, and we need something darker. For those interested, the new Salamander collection can be seen here...
http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/chameleon/index.jsp

If anybody else has suggestions for WAF friendly furniture, please post pics or links here!

 

[Pcar928fan]

I was going to suggest taking a look a the new Salamander line. I have the Quad 20 Synerygy design and really like it. remember you can do different things w/ the doors to improve the WAF factor, and you can get short 10 size doors for a 20 size box too so you can have an open top section to play with or you can do a 30 (maybe a bit to tall for you?) w/ 20 doors and you can EASILY pull out the glass from the doors to put something else in... VERY FLEXIBLE system! Put them on casters and they are easy to move! they hold a TON of stuff and they go together like a SUPER HIGH quality jigsaw puzzel! Just awesome! I actually just bought a single 40 for the 2 channel system (wanted a 30 but didn't want to spend $700 on one and this whole deal will be about $325 or so!!!)

 

[Audiophiliac]

I, too, have a Salamander unit. A triple 10. Its black, with silver posts and suede side panels. It only holds my 57" DLP right now, and Xbox 360, and sat box. But they are completely customizable and you can make them whatever you want them to be.

 

[JonFo]

Another vote for the Salamander units.

You might want to call them and see if they will help meet your finish needs. I've found them to be very helpful.

 

[sleepysurf]

Another vote for the Salamander units.

You might want to call them and see if they will help meet your finish needs. I've found them to be very helpful.

Good idea, will do.

 

[kcl]

I'll chime in with a vote for the Salamander line. If you follow my system link, the two component racks are Salamander S40s, and I think they look very good in the system. (I should point out that the 'silver' components aren't actually that noticeable with the doors closed, its the camera's flash that is highlighting them. Its WAF is quite high, at least with my wife who really likes how they look. )

 

[sleepysurf]

Just a brief f/u. I emailed Salamander Designs TWICE, inquiring about custom finishes for their new chameleon line. Never heard back. I also inquired at my local Tweeters/Sound Advice, and they said they are actually DROPPING the Salamander line (I didn't ask why).

After finally getting a chance to see the Crate & Barrel Harmony series in person, I decided the lattice front offers even BETTER ventilation than the Salamander. I ordered both their 70" credenza (main unit for video equipment), and their new matching 30" rack (as side unit for audio gear).

Pics in this post...
http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showpost.php?p=53467&postcount=27

 

[Bernard]

Once while dusting/vacuuming I moved my turntable off its wall-mount Target stand and just happened to move my CAL Delta/Sigma from the furniture cabinet they were sitting on to the Target shelf. I was astounded at how much better my CDs sounded. I got rid of the cabinet and bought some audio stands. Then there was minimal difference. In the process I also discovered that cheap 1/2-inch thick pressed board shelves sound better than the 1-inch think MDF shelves that came with the audio stands.

 

[amey01]

Get one made! Why buy mass-produced garbage. Follow the link to my system as an example of what we had made, but obviously you can get whatever you want! I even had lead put in the base to ensure it was not resonant.

Unfortunately I can't make any suggestions as to where, unless you want a great guy about 40 minutes' drive west of Sydney!