How to Build an Audio Rack

Buying an audio rack for your stereo equipment can be expensive depending on its size and construction material. You can save money by designing one to your own specifications and building it with a few simple tools.

 Instructions Building Your Audio Rack Step By Step

 1
Some planning is needed to determine the number of audio components your rack will hold and if you want any spare space for new equipment. Components usually include tape decks, CD players, DVD players, receivers and turntables. Optional shelves are also found on audio racks for media like CDs and DVDs.

 2
Once you determine the number of shelves your rack will need, measure the wood for the construction. As a general rule, shelves should be 2 feet wide and 16 inches deep to ensure ample room. Measure your shelves on the 3/4-inch plywood. Measure an additional section for the top of the unit, which will be 2 feet 1 1/2inches by 16 feet .

 3
Measure the sides of your rack. Take the number of shelves by 10 inches for spacing between each one plus 3/4 of an inch for each shelf. Add an additional 3 inches for bracing on the bottom to hold up the sides securely. This will give you the correct length for the two sides. The width will be 16 feet to match the depth of the shelves.

4
Cut all of your pieces with a table saw. Sand any rough edges and coat the pieces with wood varnish or paint.

 5
From the bottom of each side panel, measure up 13 and 3/4 inches and install the first set of shelf brackets. Attatch one approximately 3 inches inward from each edge of the panel. Measure up 10 and 3/4 inches again to install the next set of brackets and repeat this measurement for each additional shelf.

 6
Take your 2 feet and 1 1/2-inch by 16-inch top section and screw the 16-inch edges of the sides of the rack to this section. Make sure the side edges are screwed tightly underneath the top section.

 7
From the bottom of your rack, measure up 2 inches and securely screw in another shelf section to both sides directly above the 3-inch line.

 8
The bottom of your rack must be sturdy so the sides do not wobble. Take your sections of 2-foot-long 2 by 4 wood and screw them in an equally spaced fashion underneath the bottom shelf section to the sides using two screws for each end. The first one will be flush with the front of the rack underneath. Fasten the other three going toward the back. The rear will be flush with the back of the rack.

9
Stand your rack up and lay the additional shelves on the shelf brackets.

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How to Buy a Stereo Shelf System

A stereo "shelf" system is a unit that is designed to be used inside your home. It can be part of a larger entertainment center and be connected to things like TVs and DVD players, or it can just be used to listen to music on digital media players, compact discs or even vinyl records. Regardless of what you're using it for, always remember a few things when venturing out to buy a stereo shelf system.

 Instructions

 1
Make sure that your stereo shelf system is upgradeable. Just because you don't have a lot of external devices to connect to it today doesn't mean that you won't one day. When that time comes, you'll want to have a shelf system with a lot of empty audio and video ports to make room for those future purchases

 2
 Make sure your stereo shelf system has a digital media port (if you have a digital media player). This will enable you to hook an audio device like a Zune or iPod up to your stereo without the need to burn songs to a CD in order to listen to them.

 3
Look at how many discs the built-in CD changer can accommodate. Oftentimes, stereo shelf systems will come with one-or-two-disc changers, but others can come with five-or-more-disc changers. Think about how many discs you'll conceivably want to have in rotation at one time, and purchase accordingly.

 4
 Examine how customizable the sound quality on your shelf system is. Certain units will have a built-in equalizer allowing you to change every aspect of the audio quality of the unit. Others will not, and will force you to choose between one of a few preset quality settings. Audiophiles and people who care a lot about audio quality will want a system that allows you to change all options.

 5
 Decide whether you want removable speakers. Certain stereo shelf systems allow you to detach the speakers from the actual receiver, allowing you to place them wherever you'd like. Others do not feature detachable speakers in order to keep the overall unit as compact as possible. Decide which type of stereo shelf system you want before purchasing.

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