• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Rack mounting

jupitersspot

jupitersspot

Active Member
My loving father has given me some old solid state iron in the form of a Crown DC-300A (II) and a Crown D-75A. The former is *heavy* and both come with rack mount "ears", and both of them have form factors and weight distributions that mean rack mounting is really the only way to go.

However, I don't have a rack.

I also have a variety of other gear that I like to switch in and out of the setup, and those items don't have rack mounting hardware -- or at least, I don't own the hardware.

Two questions:
1) any advice on building your own metal, 19" rack? I don't see much when I search in Solid State, and over in DIY they're all doing flexy-racks and woodworking. Have folks had success re-purposing computer racks?

2) My selection of NAD, Proton, and Denon gear did not arrive at my home with rack-mount hardware -- I think of these bits of machined angle-iron as "ears". Have folks either found a source for 'generic' hardware, or had experience fabricating their own? Challenge here would be to match the anodized finish of the component's front panel...so I fully expect a 'no such luck' answer.
 
Register to hide this ad
Rack mount

I built an oak cabinet with rack mount rails a number of years ago. The rails and mounting hardware were purchased from Heathkit. I do not know who Heath's rail supplier was, but they were infinitely adjustable with spring loaded nuts that slide up and down in the rail channel instead of pre-drilled holes like most rails. I purchased rack mount shelves for a few pieces that did not have rack mount ears. Parts Express also shows generic rack mount ears in their catalog.

k2
 
I just racked up a DIY preamp with my Adcom amp, using rail chopped from an old server cabinet: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=599459

Are your Crown components 19" wide, in rack unit height (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_unit) ? That makes it really easy to mount them directly, although it seems unlikely that the other components will be. You can get generic ears, although you'll have to look closely at the component to see if it can be supported from the front. As K2SA says, shelves are available - the middle of my stack is a shelf for DAC and power supplies.

Lots of stuff available on Amazon. Middle Atlantic makes a huge range, and their site can give you some good ideas.
 
You can buy rack mount shelves for your non rack-mount gear. a good full- service electronics store should have them.

I imagine a place like Parts Express will have them, too.

I've built a couple of rack mount towers. Some rack mount rails, and 19 inches of space, and you're good to go!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom