Opinions on AV Racks

[ahblaza]

Made a couple of these, I doubled up on the top shelf for extra support for my heavy Sota table, you can add or remove shelves fairly easy, not as elegant looking as the VTI racks but serves my purpose. Every time I read any threads with ADTG involved I end up buying something, that's why I made two racks.

The TNT FleXy Table

 

[j_garcia]

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.

Looks like they went up because my VTI BL rack was $235 shipped when bought (so actually cheaper than the AR currently), now showing $325 for the same thing. If weight isn't a big concern, then the AR line should do fine.

There's also Salamander Archetype:

Salamander - Archetype 3.0 Three-Shelf Audio Rack-Audio Advisor

Infinitely adjustable, but I've owned them and actually adjusting and leveling the shelves gets tiring when you have a bunch of them (I had a twin and an extra shelf). With only 1 or 2 inner shelves, it would be less of an issue. They can hold plenty of weight.

 

[slipperybidness]

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.

Yeah, the thing is fairly sturdy even with nothing on it. I was certainly impressed with the quality overall. All the ones you listed are very similar. If you notice this one has a solid metal bar at the bottom and I think that may give it a slight advantage over the others on rigidness.

I do have mine on carpet, so I can't comment on how it would be on tile or wood.

 

[countryboy]

j_garcia I've looked at the Salamander before and not quite sure I like the design.

slipperybidness you're right they all appear to be pretty similar just hard to decide I'm sure if I had them all in front of me it would be much easier.

Guys how thick are the shelves used on the Sanus & VTI?

slipperybidness on the Sanus how far does the rounded bottom tube stick out from the rest of the rack?

I will be using this on carpet and haven't decided if having regular leveling feet or coasters would be better but I see on the VTI AR series coasters are included. Do you think that leveling feet or spikes are also included it looks like most racks come with leveling feet and coasters are optional?

 

[j_garcia]

You mean casters (wheels)? May be an option as to the type of footing? The VTI series gives you some choices, but I believe it only comes with spikes and "cups" (flat discs with a divot in them); I don't recall there being other foot options.

I had a Salamander Archetype for years...and now I don't so take from that what you will Though I liked it, I LOVE my Synergy.

 

[countryboy]

You mean casters (wheels)? May be an option as to the type of footing? The VTI series gives you some choices, but I believe it only comes with spikes and "cups" (flat discs with a divot in them); I don't recall there being other foot options.

I had a Salamander Archetype for years...and now I don't so take from that what you will Though I liked it, I LOVE my Synergy.

Sorry I meant casters I just thought it strange that the VTI AR series came with casters which are usually optional some people might prefer leveling feet or spikes.

What's the thickness of your VTI BL series shelves?

 

[j_garcia]

The wood/composite ones are pretty thin actually; about 3/8", but they are about 95% supported on 4 sides, so they seem to be able to handle most items well enough. I have an older 40" LCD on the top shelf on mine right now and it has no issue with it. Probably weighs around 70lbs?