|
Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$1050.00
from direct from Billy Ba Summary:
This review is for the closely related #4803 (black steel/graphite), which I purchased direct from Bags at the "Blow Out" price of $875.00 plus the cost for shipping and optional casters. My 4803 arrived in perfect condition, expertly packaged on a stout wooden pallet with plenty of surrounding cardboard and padding.
Prior to selecting the 4803, I spent a great deal of time researching a wide variety of audio racks. My goal was to find a high quality rack that is (1) rock-solid, highly stable, and easily moved or repositioned; (2) attractive; (3) reasonably priced; and (4) with enough capacity to accomodate up to eight audio components.
In short, I needed a high-quality rack that when fully loaded, could still be easily and confidently moved about in order to (for example) change cables, inspect/clean connections, change out components, vacuum the underlying carpet, etc.
In general, I found most wooden racks (as well as most wood/metal racks) to be quite flimsy and rickety in this regard-- that is, they may appear to be stable until you gently test them by jostling or attempting to move them around; whereupon they reveal themselves to be little more than overpriced junk seemingly made out of Tinker Toys. They creak, they groan, they sag and wobble precariously; and they flex and sway like a reed in the wind, threatening to dump your audio components onto the floor below if sufficiently disturbed.
In marked contrast, the Billy Bags #4803 rack (with the optional casters) is built to withstand enormous loads, stresses, and tolerances. At the same time, it also possesses elegant, contemporary good-looks; and, its open design and spacious dimensions allow for excellent ventilation, vibration control, and easy access to components; as well as the ability to accomodate a large number of bulky and/or heavy components with great ease. The optional casters allow this rack to be moved about with great ease, even when ladened with heavy components.
In summary, the #4803 exemplifies all of the attributes and efficacy of a well engineered, internally welded, tubular steel design. It may not have the "wife appeal" that some might hope for, but it is otherwise a truly magnificent example of a truly high-end audio equipment rack that is pretty well peerless at its price point, even if one pays full price. Strengths:
As above. Weaknesses:
It's contemporary, stylish "industrial design" may not be pleasing to everyone. Also, be sure that the dimensions of these racks will suit your room dimensions.
| 
5 of 5
