My book shelves/ audio center.


I had posted about my intentions to build bookshelves and a console for my system and I have finally finished. The end product is pictured below.

A few details: 

The amp sits on the bottom shelf. The shelf under the amp has openings the size of the heat sinks open to the floor so it can draw air up through its very large open heat sinks. It stays quite cool.

The top shelf where the turntable sits comes off completely for access to the pre-amp underneath. On the back wall behind the pre-amp is a heavy duty power strip so with the top shelf off I can access most of the cables.

The speaker cables come out underneath the bookshelves as seen in the picture.

The turntable (low end) sits on a marble slab which in turn sits on 4 sorbothane pads. I know that's like putting lipstick on a pig but I had the marble anyway.

My primary concern is the tube pre-amp. As you can see, it has plenty of clearance and airflow beside it and there is plenty behind it (it is very deep). There is adequate space above it and so far it is not getting any hotter than when it was on top of a cheap audio rack. But, its winter. We'll see how it does in the summer. If I feel like it is getting too hot I will install some fans on the sides of the console to pull cool air across it.

The old iMac to the left is my music server.

There are no other special features to enhance SQ but it is quite sturdy. I can stand on it with no problem.

Yes, I realize the room dynamics are not ideal but it is what it is. As mentioned in another thread the distance from the walls and bookshelf looks inadequate but after lots and lots of positioning the sweet spot is closer than they absolutely have to be.  Material cost was about $350.

https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/3564/medium/IMG_1126_1.jpg
n80

Showing 3 responses by lowrider57

Well done!!
Looks like a good solution for a TT Isolation platform.  I would suggest using some cones or similar hard footers directly under the TT, the sound will really open up.
 It looks like the table is sitting directly on the platform.

@n80, I guess the answer regarding cones is "it depends." If the table and platter are heavy and built to specific tolerances, then cones would work to drain vibration from the TT. If your Sony is lightweight and made of plastic, then there may be no audible advantage.
If you have any type of footer available to you, try using 3 of them and see. They should be made of a hard substance and not pliable. If the result is more "air" and better dynamics, then the cones/footers have made a difference.

Many members report positive results using Vibrapod Cones...
https://www.amazon.com/Vibrapod-Cones-Support-Vibrapods-Sold/dp/B00E1P5O74/ref=asc_df_B00E1P5O74/?ta...

How does your analogue setup sound to you? Are you playing records that have been cleaned?

Yes, it could be the phono pre due to noise, lack of headroom. Records should have detail in the highs. If you start to enjoy vinyl, then make incremental upgrades such as better phonostage and cartridge. If you feel vinyl will be in your future, then move up to the next level.