Adona or Salamander Racks

[Masterlu]

Nice, I may go that way too.

[-E-]

The Salamander design stuff is solid, but like anything else, scratches easily.

However, their approach to modular building is second to none. I've read a lot about the Adona stuff, but chose Salamander in the end for overall looks and ease of fitting all gear into one unit.

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by klipschfan

Have had a Salamander rack. Never tried the Adona racks.

For me...Billy Bags works the best. Open, heavy duty and stable.

Awesome! Nice rig!

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by Vesuvius

The Salamander design stuff is solid, but like anything else, scratches easily.

However, their approach to modular building is second to none. I've read a lot about the Adona stuff, but chose Salamander in the end for overall looks and ease of fitting all gear into one unit.

I think that I'll likely go with the Salamander. My equipment rack is very close to one of my speakers. For whatever it is worth, some perforated steel sides will provide some measure of RFI/EMI shielding if I decide to change to speakers without built-in shielding (my current speakers are shielded on all drivers).

[Haurock]

I enjoy the flexibility and versatility of Salamander. You can build on what you already have as your system expands. That in my opinion is a big plus factor.

+1!

[Scottsmrnyc]

I have two Adona Racks. They are significant and sturdy. I also have four Adona Amp stands. The racks can be a little difficult to assemble. The company does provide good tech and customer support.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by kfr01

I have a very inexpensive VTI rack (light plastic shelves). I'm thinking about Salamander or Adona. Any thoughts?

I'll vouch for Salamander. They are expensive but they're well built and look nice. Scratch easy but just get a magic marker and bingo fixed.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Scottsmrnyc

I have two Adona Racks. They are significant and sturdy. I also have four Adona Amp stands. The racks can be a little difficult to assemble. The company does provide good tech and customer support.

I agree the Adona racks I have were a bit touchy but not overly difficult to set up and they will hold a tank.

I really like the looks of both the Critical Mass and HRS's MXR series and from what I have heard they do what they are supposed to, but laying out $35k-$45k for racks when that money could be used to get upgrade speakers or amps gives me pause.

Jim

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Alberto

My take on Salamander is that is a rack - a flexible rack and somewhat attractive but one with no particularly valuable or well thought out acoustic properties. It's just a set of layers on which to place your gear.

Since its design had no acoustic value, I replaced mine with something I find much more appealing - at a fraction of the price. You can see it in the background in the photo below:




Here's the link to it: Verona Bookcase from Cost Plus Imports

I actually find this piece ($150) more attractive and more solid than the $700+ Salamander rack it replaced. Photo below:



In summary. Salamander racks are audio rack - not AUDIOPHILE racks. They provide adjustable shelves, but no acoustic benefits that I can think of (e.g. damping, suspension, mass, etc.) If you like the looks and are OK with the price, then go for it - they do the job. But I am MUCH happier with my new piece.

Alberto

I agree. In your space, that particular Salamander doesn't look right, especially with the casters. It doesn't occupy the space as well as the Verona.

[JBT]

Well I've had lots of different expensive racks over the years and I never heard any improvement in sound from one rack to another. I really liked Billy Bags, but when we built our new house my wife wanted something that looked more like furniture and Salamander fits the bill.