Bespoke HiFi Unit Needs Spikes?

[Vix]

I have failed to find an off-the-shelf unit which will house the Primare and other equipment I am about to buy, in particular the Primare A32 power amp is 430 x 546 x 222 mm and weighs in at 40kgs. The cabinet would have an open centre section to show off the Primare kit but with a closed section either end to hide the odds like HDD/DVD, Sky+ box etc. Although I had wanted a hifi-quality unit like the Atacama AV unit it just will not work with my planned set-up.

As a result I am having a unit made up, probably mdf, solidly put together and with a quality gloss lacquer finish. It will probably sit on 8 legs. At 1500 x 500 x 800 mm it will be pretty big: the kit will probably come in close to 100kgs.

Given the mass, does the cabinet need to sit on spikes or is it sufficient for it to sit on the carpet? The room is upstairs with carpet over particle board floorboards.

Thanks for any advice.

[PFM]

Hi Vix

You can decouple the cabinet, however it may be easier for you to decouple the amp either with spikes or an isolation platform. There will not be that much noticeble difference in the sound either way providing the cabinet is built solidly.

With MDF, my preference would be for isolating the amp and the source component using isolation spikes (Ixos isolation spikes are very good for this)

However you decide, ensure that your design leaves plenty of room for ventilation for both amps and components, and also room for cable management.

[Vix]

Thanks very much for your advice. Decoupling the amp etc with spikes would seem to be a much better option and would presumably increase ventilation under the units. Heat is a major concern and I will ensure that shelves have holes cut in for ventilation and the back of the shelves are recessed not only for ventilation but also for cable management. Do you have any thoughts on the minimum clearance between the top of the amp and the next shelf up for ventilation please?

Many thanks,
Steve

PS I have a look on the Ixos and other web sites and can't locate their spikes.

[PFM]

Hi Vix

At SWI we provide a minimum of 3-5cm clearance for source components. From memory you're Primare power amp isnt forced ventilation - however will run hot.

Make sure your MDF is solid enough to take this weight - the structure of MDF is by design a fibre and glue composite. It can over time bend under weight especially if the area is warmed up.

Check out isolation platforms - they can be a bit pricey though (and tend to consist of pretty much a shelf unit resting on an inner tube). Some people swear by them.

Happy to help if you have any more queries.

edit: B*gger about the Ixos spikes - I gave my last set away to a friend just before xmas. - May have to ring Ixos direct and find out if they're off the list.

[Vix]

Thanks very much for your further advice. I have found the Ixos spikes are still on sale at audiovisualonline.co.uk so I guess they are still available. Do you have any idea of the combined height of a spike and supporting disc? (I think the isolation shelves could be too thick and won't help the heat issue.)
Thanks and regards, Steve

[PFM]

From memory about 2 inches - and they should come with mounting discs so that you dont damage your surface, and can be adjusted to suit.

The discs I gave away - I used to mount his M&K sub during an install - really tightened up the base a treat!

I also dropped a set under his centre speaker in the absence of a dedicated centre stand on a mass loaded box that we constructed. Again it took the centre channel to a new level.

Now you mention it, I really miss not having a few sets around

Thanks for the link.

[Vix]

Originally Posted by PFM

From memory about 2 inches

Sadly I can't imagine there'll be room to add 2 inches additional clearance to each shelf.