Comments about VTI BL404-13 4 Shelf Audio Rack (with 13" bottom shelf clearance):

I bought this as a stand for my stereo equipment. It looks sharp and was simple to configure. Some things to note, though:

The wood... pretty much scratch free where it matters - on top. But at the factory, they were unable to prevent light scratching on the bottom of each shelf, I noticed. Not a big deal, however, as no one will ever see this. Also... I read that the shelves scratch easily. Maybe. I wouldn't know... i didn't manhandle my equipment as I set it up. Being gentle, I didn't encounter any problems with additional scratching.

The unit is a LOT more stable than the teak multi-level side table I had been using before. In my minds eye, I had imgained that the VTI would be immovablely stable... but it does still wobble oh so slightly when nudged. Still, it's acceptablely stable, I feel.

I had read that the ends of each leg could be unscrewed so that you can pour sand into the legs. Unfortunately, my model didn't seem to have caps that unscrewed. I guess I could have taken some vice grips to see if they were just EXTREMELY tightly screwed, but I didn't want to risk breaking any welding that had been done. Ultimately, i was forced to painstakenly slide SOME sand into each leg through the small hole that each spike screws into. I had bought standard sandbox-type sand... unfortunately, it doesn't like to slide through small funnel holes! If you can find some sand that doesn't clot and bunch up, you'll find this task to be MUCH easier.

The spikes... I found it odd that some spikes wouldn't fit/screw into some legs. You'd think VTI would have gotten the threading completely uniform by now, but not so! I was a bit worried that I'd end up with a couple spikes leftover that wouldn't screw into any holes. But in the end, after trying some spikes in multiple legs, I found a home for each one.

The various heights offered by each level of the stand is a nice feature - the shorter height is good for most equipment, and the taller height will give you options for larger equipment or will make reach-over access to the back of equipment that much easier.

I live in Canada, and this thing, shipped from the US. Ya, I had to pay an additional 'international fee' + duties... but even with all that, this seemed to still be pretty competitive compared to anything I could find in Canada, doing an online search. The thing took about 3 weeks to get here... not too bad.

For the price, this stand is great! Pretty darn stable (though not the rock of Gilbraltar), looks great/classy, no scratches where it matters, spiked legs, and a cinch to setup (except if you're filling the legs with sand). If you're on the fence about buying one, I'd say go for it.

W.

Comments about VTI BL404-13 4 Shelf Audio Rack (with 13" bottom shelf clearance):

I bought this to support "Real" Stereo equipment. I have a complete fully functioning audio system from the mid 70's including a receiver(50lb. receiver),turntable and reel to reel(50 lbs.). I was impressed that I was able to load all of the equipment up on the shelfs and it supports it fine. It is compact enough to put away in the corner out of the way too. I searched dozens of designs and websites before finding this, for my application I would highly recommend this unit.

Comments about VTI BL404-13 4 Shelf Audio Rack (with 13" bottom shelf clearance):

I used the rack to stack my Krell CD transport, Conrad Johnson DAC, tube phone amp and pre-amp. I filled the hollow legs with sand which helped the acoustics. The rack did actually change the way my system sounds. It seem to have taken some of the bloom out of the bass and gave it more air and transparency, but not in a bad way. However the rack is not very heavy and I will be changing out the really cheap boards. They are made of some sort of plastic material as best I can tell.