Racks - what’s awesome without impacting my kids college plans?


My search showed the last significant rack discussion to be years ago.   I’m thinking 5 shelf, TT on top, upright style, without costing more then I spent on an amp...  I’m good with adding sand, even fabricating a granite shelf or two. Any suggestions?
dishman442
I think the large Mapeshade with 4" shelves is excellent. The 45" wide three shelf was around $2K. 

http://www.mapleshadestore.com/samsonracks.php

I have this for my turntable and all other gear.
Hi Dishman442,
I was also looking for a for an audio rack that would not break the bank. I ended up taking several different parts from various companies to come up with a solution. 
Stand Design, Audiophile Vibration Control, Via Blue, Finite Elemente and 3M

I got the shelves from AVC and liked them very much. They were reasonably priced - something to consider.

https://audiophilevibrationcontrol.com

Best of Luck
It was mentioned above but I've been very pleased with my Timbernation rack. It was custom made to my specs and was approx $2k-ish. Anytime I sell something here I'm always asked about the rack in the photo.
I did mine DIY and it looks great!  I used something like this as my basic plan:  
http://worldofturntables.com/audio-rack-diy/ 

For shelves, I got 3/4 MDF, and glued two pieces together so the shelves are 1 1/2 thick, and very sturdy.  You can sand off the rough edges, or as I did, use a router to put a smooth edge. Then, I painted with some "stone" paint.  And, to dress up that long threaded rod, I used a chrome shower curtain rod, and cut it to length.  It fits over the rod and bolts very nicely.  All done, it looks quite professional.   Still cost around $200 for everything, but better than $1k.   See here;  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7144