HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

I am getting fed up as we are getting back into noise problems with new systems and loan, NVA IS NOT LIKE OTHER PRODUCT, YOU NEED CARE,

So what happens, you take things out of the rack you put NVA in - Hummm. Instead empty the rack (and preferably throw it away or sell it). Couple of small tables or chairs, USING YOUR EARS position for best music and least hum. Then get some nice little tables or bookshelf to duplicate the position,

Racks are the work of the devil as far as NVA is concerned, class two case construction!!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT USE THEM WITH NVA

Just in case anyone wishes to use the OP as further ammunition.

Lest anyone thinks it's an NVA-ONLY thing, I remember in the days before CD, Naim amps using preamp power supplies (HiCap especially) suffered if the supply was too close to the preamp. I remember recently that one person was in denial of this and used his 32.5 (I think it was as he was messing with third party line buffer boards) and HiCap side by side, but whenever I placed a HiCap within a foot of the preamp, noticeable and sonic-degrading hum resulted on the MC input along with the hiss Naim MC stages used to suffer.

I have had plenty hum issues with putting any big power supply near phono stages or the like that are sensitive to electrical fields irrespective if they have metal or perspex casing. Main issue with racks is access to cabling and risk of damage lifting heavy components in or out. Usually can keep power supplies far enough away to eliminate hum. They are useful for turntables (height) and were space limited but I wouldn't buy a commercial one at today's ridiculous prices.

If you want something a little more 'formal' than table, chairs, floor etc...ask a local carpenter to build you something.

You can then specify much larger spacing of shelves and larger shelves.

This cost me less than half the price that I would have paid 'HiFi Racks'. And I picked up the oak tea trolley from a salvage yard.

Getting to cables 'round the back' can still be a chew, though.

Maybe your better-half likes looking at loads of boxes when watching telly Mine doesn't sadly so it has all to be hidden away

We rarely watch telly

wtf do people spend so much money on a Rack or even bother for that matter!!.. Stick it on the sideboard for heaven sake, o hold on what would your Hi-Fi forum matesever think of you without a specialist rack?

_D_S_J_R_ wrote: ↑Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:28 pm Maybe your better-half likes looking at loads of boxes when watching telly Mine doesn't sadly so it has all to be hidden away

Same with me. Only the speakers each side of the tv are in view.

Never had a hum problem with my systems. In the past I used a couple of low boy racks from AV 123, but all that exposed hi fi gear is terribly unappealing. So when we moved into this house, I bought a Salamander Audio credenza rack. I ordered it with a pair of fans in the back panels to keep the amp cool if needed, but it rarely turns on, and only at the lowest speed.

In the Pacific Northwest we use a lot of hydro power, and the grid is very good here. I also use a PS Audio P10 AC Regenerator, along with heavily shielded power cords, and have not had noise issues. The only problem I had was with an old tone arm cable on an SAEC arm, and I replaced it and that solved the problem.

I like using the rack, as things look neat and tidy. It is a bit difficult to route interconnects through, but I don't move equipment much at all. It gives the room a more understated look than having a bunch of hi fi boxes on display, although I wish i could hide the turntables.

You lot would love my experimental rack I will share a picture some time.

1.2metres tall and the uprights are made of old 3" x 3" fence posts. I have five levels which can be moved up and down. Each level is a 2 foot square piece of 20mm chipboard (more old ikea furniture) and my amps are built on to these - no cases and no front, back or sides on the rack.

I put the cdp right under the TT as only one of them is on at one time and so i get no hum between the two. All the rest of the levels have at least 30cm between one another. As i have built most of my stuff myself i put all the transformers at the front so sensetive circuitry is not above or below a transformer. Works a treat and sounds magnificent. Looks a bit agricultural though