Opinions on AV Racks

[countryboy]

I'm looking for a av rack for my son and wanted some input from others who have actually used the brands I'm looking at. I have three priorities, that it is very sturdy so if it got bumped it wouldn't move, has an open back and no glass shelves. I guess I should mention I'm willing to spend up to around $260 but it must be considered a good value and I can get by with a 4-shelf unit... oh and it wouldn't hurt to be good looking too.ha!

I wanted to post some links to the racks I'm considering but I need a couple more posts before I can. I'm looking at:

1. Plateau SE-A4(B)B Sanus
2. Sanus AFAB (not sure I'm crazy about the chrome tubes)
3. Sanus EFA31-B1
4. VTI AR 404,405,406 (probably in black possibly cherry)

Does anyone own any of the above or know which would be sturdier and more worth the money?

 

[slipperybidness]

I'm looking for a av rack for my son and wanted some input from others who have actually used the brands I'm looking at. I have three priorities, that it is very sturdy so if it got bumped it wouldn't move, has an open back and no glass shelves. I guess I should mention I'm willing to spend up to around $260 but it must be considered a good value and I can get by with a 4-shelf unit... oh and it wouldn't hurt to be good looking too.ha!

I wanted to post some links to the racks I'm considering but I need a couple more posts before I can. I'm looking at:

1. Plateau SE-A4(B)B Sanus
2. Sanus AFAB (not sure I'm crazy about the chrome tubes)
3. Sanus EFA31-B1
4. VTI AR 404,405,406 (probably in black possibly cherry)

Does anyone own any of the above or know which would be sturdier and more worth the money?

I had very similar needs and I went with your #3http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-racks/av-euro/EFA31

It is indeed a nice option. And I really like that it is modular. You can add to it as needed, and you can also purchase longer or shorter posts to have different shelf heights. I needed the longer posts to make the very bottom bigger for a beastly amp. My amp is something like 19x19x8 and 95lbs, and it fits in there no problem. I then have 2 shelves of gear and a TT up top. It is sturdy, and with that 95lbs on the bottom, it ain't going nowhere. The only drawback is the wire management is kinda cheesy clamps that snap on the back. If you want a really clean look (no visible wires), it may take a little extra work or creativity.

Other than that one nit-pick on the wiring, it is a top notch product and I recommend it.

 

[countryboy]

Sorry this was supposed to be in the General AV Discussions since I'm far from being a beginner.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

This thread here is AV Rack Poll, but has nothing to do with your question

 

[adk highlander]

Sorry this was supposed to be in the General AV Discussions since I'm far from being a beginner.

I moved the thread for you. Good luck with your search.

 

[j_garcia]

I have a VTI vertical rack and I've been happy with it. They aren't necessarily the most stout, but for the price, they are still quite solid.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have a VTI vertical rack and I've been happy with it. They aren't necessarily the most stout, but for the price, they are still quite solid.

Okay, did you copycat me?

I have 3 VTI racks forming a triangle (2 up front, 1 on back). Also a pair of VTI speaker stands. I'm sold on VTI products. They rock.

 

[ahblaza]

Okay, did you copycat me?

I have 3 VTI racks forming a triangle (2 up front, 1 on back). Also a pair of VTI speaker stands. I'm sold on VTI products. They rock.

How did I know you would say that and naturally you have multiples

Jeff

 

[j_garcia]

Okay, did you copycat me?

I have 3 VTI racks forming a triangle (2 up front, 1 on back). Also a pair of VTI speaker stands. I'm sold on VTI products. They rock.

I liked the silver with black shelves and nickel end caps. I saw it in a store around here and then found it for a lot less online. I've had it for around 6 years now and zero complaints. Once I combine the two systems, this rack will most likely become my amp rack or go back into the bedroom where it used to be

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

How did I know you would say that and naturally you have multiples

Jeff

Naturally.

 

[templemaners]

I have that same VTI shelf system in black/black with nickel caps and have been quite happy with it as well. The modular setup and ability to buy additional shelves is a bonus. Reasonable price compared to some of the racks/stands I've seen too.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes, VTI modular racks are classy and future-proof. Very sturdy too. I believe the weight limit on my glass shelves is like over 200 lbs each. Very heavy duty.

 

[slipperybidness]

I have a VTI vertical rack and I've been happy with it. They aren't necessarily the most stout, but for the price, they are still quite solid.

I've seen these around the web, but not in person. How do those little points work? Are there holes in the tops they go into? Is it rickety? Would it be a poor choice for a rack with a turntable up top?

Can someone link to an online retailer or give me a model #?

 

[templemaners]

There are small holes that the points sit in. They are surprisingly sturdy sitting in there, which surprised me when I first purchased the rack. I don't think it would be an issue with a turntable on top.

VTI BL Series Modular Rack | Wayfair

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've seen these around the web, but not in person. How do those little points work? Are there holes in the tops they go into? Is it rickety? Would it be a poor choice for a rack with a turntable up top?

Can someone link to an online retailer or give me a model #?

Very strong, stable, sturdy, heavy duty racks.

VTI Furniture Audio Racks and Entertainment Stands | Cymax.com at Discount Sale Prices

http://www.cymax.com/VTI-BL404-13-4-Shelf-Audio-Rack.htm

There is a small recessed hole for each metal spike.

The total weight limit is 350 lbs, max on any shelf is 200 lbs. Very stable.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, the spike tips drop into little indents in the top of the next shelf.

Racks and Stands has apparently changed their name, but still carry VTI:

Furniture & Home Decor Search: vti racks | Wayfair

 

[slipperybidness]

Looks good. Just a little more expensive than the one I have. The advantage to these is in how easy you can add or remove a shelf.

Mine is modular too, but you have to attach posts to studs to do the trick. How's the wire management?

 

[j_garcia]

Looks good. Just a little more expensive than the one I have. The advantage to these is in how easy you can add or remove a shelf.

Mine is modular too, but you have to attach posts to studs to do the trick. How's the wire management?

I like that this one has one tall shelf and two short ones too by default too, so when I moved my amp to the bottom, I just reconfigured the shelves so the tall one went with the amp. No wire management on the one I have. I tend to use locking bananas on the receiver/amp, so my tradeoff is an open back.

 

[countryboy]

ok knocked Sanus AFAB off my list so that just leaves:

1. Plateau SE-A4(B)B Plateau SE-Series 4-Shelf Audio Rack - Black | Wayfair Weight 56lbs
2. Sanus EFA31-B1 Sanus Euro 4-Shelf Black Audio Stand Base Unit EFA31-B1 Weight 41lbs
3. VTI AR 404,405,406 (probably in black possibly cherry) VTI AR Series 4-Shelf Black Audio Rack | Wayfair Weight 52lbs/57lbs/67lbs

The main reason I want a really sturdy rack is because my son's equipment doesn't weight a whole lot his Outlaw Receiver at 27lbs would be the heaviest... his two sat receivers, dvd, & blu-ray wouldn't weigh much.

Slipperybidness I see that the weight of the Sanus EFA31-B1 itself is listed at 41lbs would it seem very sturdy with all his (lite) equipment on it knowing he will want the receiver on the top shelf?

To everyone that has the VTI BL Series that looks like a very nice rack but I don't believe I want to spend that much. I wonder if the BL series is supposed to be sturdier than the AR series or if it's more looks and design I wish someone had experiences with the latter.

Too bad no one can comment on the Plateau Plateau SE-A4(B)B either.

 

[afterlife2]

I bought this in the summer and love it: Amazon.com: Poundex 5-Tier Glass Top Media Shelf, Chocolate: Home & Kitchen
Edit just re-read and you said no glass sorry, still a great and sturdy cabinet though.