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A/V Rack - ISO Rack Ears

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RyanJ:
Getting to the point where I have a bunch of gear and multiple power sources that I need to organize. Looking to get an AV rack to manage all of the transfer equipment I have and add two power racks in the unit. My wife would really appreciate the cable management lol. The list of stuff I’ll be powering.

2014 Mac Mini
10” reference monitor
Nakamichi CR-3
Marantz PMD 620
Tascam DA-20
2x Sony HVR-15au DV decks
Sony MD deck
NTSC JVC VCR
PAL Panasonic VCR
JVC A/V Selector
TBC-1000
Pyle Step Up/Down Converter

Here are some questions I have:

1. Is there a power rack that is also a power conditioner? I’ve been seeing Furman may be my best option? But I’ve read places that not all these rack units are true “power conditioners.” I’ve noticed that the power at my home is noisy and creates a hum on playback of my cassette/VCRs.

Furman AC-215A Compact Power Conditioner with Auto-Resetting Voltage Protection - Black https://a.co/d/e20e2BS

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584422-REG/Furman_PL_PLUS_C_PL_PLUS_C_Power_Conditioner.html#mo

2. Anyone recommend a good AV rack? I am probably looking for a 20U rack.

Appreciate the help!

voltronic:
I really like the all-steel Middle Atlantic racks, but they are VERY expensive. You didn't say if you need wheels, wall-mount, etc.

This one looks decent and is way cheaper:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1260030-REG/auray_ers_22u_ers_22u_steel_equipment.html

There is also this MA 20U rack with laminate sides:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293651-REG/Middle_Atlantic_RK20_Woodgrain_Laminate_Rack.html


Yes, the power units that often come with rack enclosures are typically just power strips. That Furman PL Plus unit looks good, but not enough outlets for all of your gear. Either buy two of them, or maybe one of these:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1642251-REG/black_lion_audio_pg_2_studio_grade_power_conditioner.html

RyanJ:

--- Quote from: voltronic on October 26, 2022, 04:52:51 PM ---I really like the all-steel Middle Atlantic racks, but they are VERY expensive. You didn't say if you need wheels, wall-mount, etc.

This one looks decent and is way cheaper:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1260030-REG/auray_ers_22u_ers_22u_steel_equipment.html

There is also this MA 20U rack with laminate sides:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293651-REG/Middle_Atlantic_RK20_Woodgrain_Laminate_Rack.html


Yes, the power units that often come with rack enclosures are typically just power strips. That Furman PL Plus unit looks good, but not enough outlets for all of your gear. Either buy two of them, or maybe one of these:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1642251-REG/black_lion_audio_pg_2_studio_grade_power_conditioner.html

--- End quote ---

I think just rollers would be fine. So I can move this around if I need to. I think I am just happy to have some cable management and declutter everything.

Thanks for the Black Lion recommendation. Do you have any experience with them?

rocksuitcase:
I can rec Furman in that we used them for a mid size PA house and stage rigs in the 1980's. Back then, solid build quality.
I've seen a few in use these days and no one complains.

Re Black Lion:

--- Quote ---Premium Components for Premium Sound and Protection
The PG-2 is built using premium Panasonic and Wima capacitors, due to their superior execution in eliminating high frequency noise that robs equipment of its peak performance. In testing, this has provided an average of 99.7% of noise filtering, as opposed to the typical average of 85% found in other power conditioners at the same price point.
--- End quote ---
Big bonus using Wima caps. Seems worth the price.

opsopcopolis:
Unless you want something specific (wood, extra deep, silent, built in fan, etc...) a rack is kinda just a rack. I've got a shitty plastic 16u gator one and a nice travel 4u SKB one and they both serve their purpose just fine. Most people get on fine with a furman, but it's true that some models are not really surge protectors, so if you're really worried about surges for whatever reason, something like the black lion would be better. Could even go as far as looking into a UPS if you're worried about losing power.

Don't forget some flush cutters for your cable management. Nobody likes getting sliced up by tie wraps

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