Lazy Man's DIY Equipment Rack - No Hand Tools Required
A few weeks ago I decided that I was going to purchase a legitimate audio equipment rack for the first time in my life and retire the old coffee table I have been using for longer than I care to discuss. After scouring the web for over a week I finally narrowed my choices down to one model. So I called my local dealer up with credit card in hand to place an order for a Finite Elemente Pagode Signature in Maple wood finish. The nice gentlemen on the phone was quick to point out how great a unit it was but the turn around time on them was measured in MONTH's from the manufacturer. Being the impatient audiophile that I am I wasn't about to make a sacrifice on another manufacturers offering in the same price range or restart my search over again now that I was fully bit by the upgrade bug.
After a few days of cursing and spitting I decided I was going to build my own rack. Using the knowledge that I gained while doing research for a manufactured audio rack I was able to come up with a design of my own that borrowed various component features from the racks I researched previously as well as a few of my own ideas.
Already knowing that I don't have a very impressive carpenters tool chest around the house I knew that I had to pick products that would be easy to assemble and not require too much elbow grease on my behalf to accomplish the goal. At the same time, I also know that I don't like making many sacrifices when it comes to this hobby so what ever I decided to build had to do more than just look pretty, it had to work very well at isolating my equipment.
So prior to assembling all the new parts that arrived for my new rack I was very determined to find out just how good/bad my current coffee table was at isolating the equipment that has been sitting on it all this time. So again I was faced with the reality of knowing that I don't have a very impressive list of electronics/software capable of measuring the vibration found in the old table. After another round of cursing and spitting I remembered a piece of equipment that I did have on hand (literally); an Apple i-Phone 4S. This little bugger has a built-in Accelerometer and lucky for me my 4S model comes with chip capable of measuring on all 3 AXIS's which would be perfect for this project with the right APP for the job. Granted, the i-Phone isn't the most accurate instrument for this task but it's better than the alternative which was going into this build project blind with no baseline numbers to compare my new equipment rack to.
This has been a fun and very interesting project and I am pleased with how it turned out. I feel that the measurement data listed below speaks for itself as to how well the new equipment rack performs its primary function, especially compared to the old coffee table (Except the Y Axis, for some reason??). Thus far, listening tests are convincing to say the least with increased SQ in seemingly every category one could describe. Wow!
Now that I have covered a bit of the background leading up to this project I'll move on to the good parts.
PARTS LIST:
2 X Hard Maple Wood Butcher Blocks (2" Thick X 18" Wide X 36" Long)
2 X Grade A Granite Surface Plates (2" Thick X 6" Wide X 18" Long)
8 X "Cork" Yoga Blocks (Yes...Yoga)(3" Thick X 6" Wide X 9" Long)
1 X 16oz can of Minwax Wipe-on Poly (For unfinished as delivered Butcher Blocks)
1 X Bag of Lint Free Rags (See Above)
2 X Sheets of 220 Grit Sandpaper (See Above)
4 X Herbie's Audio Lab - Deluxe Superior Decoupling Spikes
4 X Herbie's Audio Lab - Titanium Hush Puckies
4 X Solid Tech - Disk's of Silence "Isolation bases"
4 X Solid Tech - IsoClear "Isolation bases"
Tools/Instruments Needed: (Optional)
- Bubble Level (For leveling rack during assembly)
- Saw Horses (For staining butcher blocks)
New Equipment Rack Diagram:
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/AudioRack-Diagram.jpg.4b090df2bb93a0e227e2f6852bb0f3e6.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28114" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/AudioRack-Diagram.jpg.4b090df2bb93a0e227e2f6852bb0f3e6.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
New Equipment Rack Build Complete:
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewAudioRack.JPG.be71d776fb0e7e6b86705838eaa47274.JPG" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28113" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewAudioRack.JPG.be71d776fb0e7e6b86705838eaa47274.JPG" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
Accelerometer Testing device/software/methods used for line graph generation:
Device/Software
i-Phone 4S
Wavefront Labs - Accelerometer Data Pro APP @ iTunes Store
---No Filter settings used within APP
---Capture Mode - Raw Data Output to .CSV file
---Sampling Frequency - 1 HZ (Samples Per Second)
Data Gathering Method
In all cases, the i-Phone was lying flat on its back (Screen Up), located in dead center of object being tested
In all cases, the same reference song was played back during measurement session at volume level (30) on Ayre k5-xeMP Preamp
As a point of reference, Level 30 on Preamp generated a measured MAX SPL within the testing room during reference song playback of 95db (measurement acquired using JL Audio SPL Meter APP for i-Phone)
In all cases, reference song used was - Track02 "Nutshell" from Alice in Chains - Jar of Flies Album, 4:19sec long (250 Samples)
In all cases, Test co-coordinator "me" left the room immediately after data gathering button within APP was engaged and playback of reference song began. I did not return until song was over to limit floor generated vibrations caused by my body weight.
Equipment/Objects Measured:
Ayre QB9 DAC - Top Center of Chassis
Ayre K5-xeMP Preamp - Top Center of Chassis
Floor of listening room - Directly below center of coffee table - Plank Pine Wood Type, 1st Floor above basement
Old coffee table - Center of table top - 15" H X 23" W X 56" L, Pine Wood Type, 1" Thick, Standard round wooden legs
Assembled New Rack - Center of rack top shelf - Center of rack bottom shelf
Old Coffee Table Pic:
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/OldAudioRack.JPG.b718a5731f7686936a2a274ec3162642.JPG" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28112" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/OldAudioRack.JPG.b718a5731f7686936a2a274ec3162642.JPG" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
Accelerometer Testing Results:
Can't quite put my finger on why the Y AXIS of the old coffee table was so good. It seems to beat the new equipment rack in that area still.
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Bottom.png.57df43b39c1b305186130a46b452e328.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28107" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Bottom.png.57df43b39c1b305186130a46b452e328.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Floor.png.30f2324cd5decca48f4b73b362e16a8b.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28106" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Floor.png.30f2324cd5decca48f4b73b362e16a8b.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top.png.35ba210190f0e219b03c79a831ad91c1.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28108" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top.png.35ba210190f0e219b03c79a831ad91c1.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/PreAmp_Chassis-Tests.png.a984619f3d32c164068e9bfe56993738.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28105" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/PreAmp_Chassis-Tests.png.a984619f3d32c164068e9bfe56993738.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
Recently, I just completed the build of a matching amplifier rack as well. I bought another butcher block which measures 20" W X 24" L to accommodate the size of my next Amp purchase, which as of now, is slated to be a PASS Labs X350.5. The feet at the base of the slab are the same as before:
4 X Herbie's Audio Lab - Deluxe Superior Decoupling Spikes
4 X Herbie's Audio Lab - Titanium Hush Puckies
The feet are mounted Inverted this time around as it was too difficult to try and mount them with the cones facing down due to space restrictions since its so close to the main rack. According to the Herbie's Audio Lab website this is a suitable mounting position and I am pleased with the results.
<p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_08/AmpRack.jpg.61956eea596a170b184f5b867dadfd92.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28126" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_08/AmpRack.jpg.61956eea596a170b184f5b867dadfd92.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom_Floor.png.c0390ddeca60f8fb6a9aa1da1ac67b3b.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28109" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom_Floor.png.c0390ddeca60f8fb6a9aa1da1ac67b3b.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom.png.3ebaaa296b94124e314951cab0596aef.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28110" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom.png.3ebaaa296b94124e314951cab0596aef.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/DAC_Chassis-Tests.png.350ef8c3bf5f68ccbb8d9235ac89bd2e.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28111" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/DAC_Chassis-Tests.png.350ef8c3bf5f68ccbb8d9235ac89bd2e.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/PreAmp_Chassis-Tests.png.98b390a4310d652701dd8b8af2ac4578.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28355" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/PreAmp_Chassis-Tests.png.98b390a4310d652701dd8b8af2ac4578.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Floor.png.95c6fb7d401c50c109cb7bbebdbd375a.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28356" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Floor.png.95c6fb7d401c50c109cb7bbebdbd375a.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Bottom.png.1b84ee75b8f3fe227bc0e3bd4c933399.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28357" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top_Bottom.png.1b84ee75b8f3fe227bc0e3bd4c933399.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top.png.34eabf916c1610f996cf43c1411d9881.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28358" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Top.png.34eabf916c1610f996cf43c1411d9881.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom_Floor.png.7f9dd0307bf9bafbe5c052583e3a4e0b.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28359" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom_Floor.png.7f9dd0307bf9bafbe5c052583e3a4e0b.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom.png.8261fd74afaab1c35ad7e9f52924ae05.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28360" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewRackTest-Bottom.png.8261fd74afaab1c35ad7e9f52924ae05.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/DAC_Chassis-Tests.png.01d28f59e5ac7701a46e5cf0a6113068.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28361" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/DAC_Chassis-Tests.png.01d28f59e5ac7701a46e5cf0a6113068.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/OldAudioRack.JPG.a5105fb1201c44804c61554fca3a29c8.JPG" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28362" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/OldAudioRack.JPG.a5105fb1201c44804c61554fca3a29c8.JPG" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewAudioRack.JPG.85a9469605b741047cd69b04ac3a3758.JPG" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28363" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/NewAudioRack.JPG.85a9469605b741047cd69b04ac3a3758.JPG" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/AudioRack-Diagram.jpg.dc4f9f245327f88b4fad7a7b80c700da.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28364" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_07/AudioRack-Diagram.jpg.dc4f9f245327f88b4fad7a7b80c700da.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p><p><a href="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_08/AmpRack.jpg.cd0ebc2f80bd39e0bf4a586636cb79b3.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="28376" src="https://audiophilestyle.com/uploads/monthly_2012_08/AmpRack.jpg.cd0ebc2f80bd39e0bf4a586636cb79b3.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
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