I'm now undertaking the final part of my build and need to begin the search for an AV rack system. I've done a little bit of searching with the "major" suppliers like Middle Atlantic, but they are both too expensive and don't meet my depth limitation requirements.

I need to have a ~35 space rack system on casters that is 22" or less in depth.

Equipment to be racked (on shelves)

rack cooling fan assembly
Malata DVP520 DVD Player
Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray Player
APC H15 Power Conditioner
Onkyo TX-875 Receiver
Rack Mount 200watt amp for Bass Shaker system
Dish 322 Receiver
Logitech Squeezebox Duet Receiver
QNAP 209 NAS system
4-rack space locking storage drawer


Originally, I was considering a Boltz Component Stand (http://www.boltz.com/audio-video-component-stand-cs4.html) (build your own) but for that price I might as well go Middle Atlantic. Also, this rack will be out of sight in a dedicated wiring closet, so although it needs to be neat and functional, I can't see spending "presentation" level cash on a hidden item.

It's well within my means to build a rack system to accomodate my depth limitation, but I'm not sure who to go with for purchasing the rack rails and the shelving systems.

I'm considering http://proaudiostash.com/ but I can't locate any reseller ratings on them. Has anyone done business with them before or perhaps have another suggestion?

My anticipated purchases:
pair of rack rails, ~ 35 spaces to allow for eventual expansion
2, 3 & 4 space shelves, enough to accomodate all equipment above
4-rack space locking storage drawer
heavy duty casters

The people at www.stayonline.com have been amazing to work with when it came to putting my rack together. Twice they called me back after I called them about a rack related issue because they came up with a cheaper and better solution. Great CS, good prices, reasonable shipping.

It's well within my means to build a rack system to accomodate my depth limitation, but I'm not sure who to go with for purchasing the rack rails and the shelving systems.


Build yourself a rectangular box out of your choice of wood (i.e. 2X4's). On the 4 interior sides, attach shelf standards. Example http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1347. Build your shelves out of plywood or MDF. Attach supports wherever you want them (scroll to the bottom of the previous link) and put the shelves on top. Now you have a rack that's any dimensions that you want with adjustable shelves.

Attache the casters of your choice. Examples HERE. (http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=38)

Paint, stain or leave it plain. Your choice.

The people at www.stayonline.com have been amazing to work with when it came to putting my rack together. Twice they called me back after I called them about a rack related issue because they came up with a cheaper and better solution. Great CS, good prices, reasonable shipping.

They seem to have a decent selection, but the prices are more than a little up there. With Middle Atlantic you expect this, it's nice gear for sure, but there are other manufacturers out there putting out quality pieces that don't ask you to sell a kidney first.

Build yourself a rectangular box out of your choice of wood (i.e. 2X4's). On the 4 interior sides, attach shelf standards. Example http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1347. Build your shelves out of plywood or MDF. Attach supports wherever you want them (scroll to the bottom of the previous link) and put the shelves on top. Now you have a rack that's any dimensions that you want with adjustable shelves.

Attache the casters of your choice. Examples HERE. (http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=38)

Paint, stain or leave it plain. Your choice.

I am planning on building a "frame" out of wood and then fixing rack rails to the front of it. The box would then be covered with thin MDF and perhaps a vinyl veneer. I do want to do recessed heavy-duty casters. I'm not considering standards/shelves right now because some of my equipment is already rack eared.

Gruber at:

http://www.gruber.com/GruberInd/pg.asp?FeatureID=05

has very reasonable prices.