Salamander Designs Archetype 2.0 Black

I really like this rack. Its main advantage is that, thanks to a clever threaded rod arrangement, the shelves are completely adjustable, and can be added to if you need more; in fact, I just ordered a third one. It's also a bit smaller than the one I have, which to me is an advantage, since most audio equipment doesn't require that much space. I think it's good looking as well.Quibbles: My first unit came without the threaded rods, so after being told that it would be a week and a half before the factory could ship them, I had to return it and get a new one. Such things happen, I suppose. The MDF shelves on my second unit were really smelly with that smell that MDF has -- but curiously, not on the first.The shelves aren't as thick and heavy as the ones on my old rack. This isn't a problem for me -- in fact, it's an advantage -- but I can see it might be a disadvantage for those with turntables or vibration-sensitive equipment like tubes, or with really heavy amplifiers. Not that they're light or fragile or anything, they just may be less suitable for some uses.Also, casters aren't included and as I recall were pretty expensive. It would be nice if they came with the unit.It's also fairly time consuming to put together -- lots of nuts to thread and you have to get everything even -- but it's not exactly difficult, and the small extra effort is worth it since it buys you that adjustability.I should add that it doesn't have holes in the back for cables, not an issue for me but it may be for those who need it to be flush with the wall.All in all, I'm glad I bought it and wish I'd known about it when I bought my old rack (not that that one isn't nice). Since most things can be improved, I don't often award five stars, but there really isn't much to argue with here.

Strong, well built. Minimalist design which is just what I wanted. I had some concerns on my Yamaha Aventage receive fitting in the bottom shelf- but there is plenty of space. After all its the receiver legs that must fit the shelf not the whole receiver. Very good quality, well packaged. One comment for other users out there- specially those with the multi level version. Some of your photos show receivers with just 1 to 3 inches to clearance before the next shelf- this is a sure way of reducing the lifespan of your unit- receivers need at least 6 inches on top to vent the hot air. in my case I placed the receiver at the botton and the Oppo player on the top shelf. A beautiful minimalist setup- black on black is perfect as it does not distract the viewer in a home theater environment. Highly recommended. Great buy.2- Year Update: Most of the bolts are showing signs of corrosion- but most specially the 4 covers on the top. Very disappointing. Dropping 1-start from my previous 5-star review.

I was changing my home office audio set up and this worked perfectly. Seems to be well made and sturdy (although you can get some "sway" with a heavy amp and when leaning on it trying to hook up wires on the back). I have a sub underneath and a power conditioner, smaller integrated amp, and OPPO (so sorry to see them leave the market) Blue Ray on top. This is located in a corner under my wall mounted tv. Already thinking about buying another.

The product itself is pretty nice. I like the industrial look. The ability to adjust the shelf height in any position is a very nice feature. So, why only 2 stars. It is due to the very poor packaging. The box says fragile, but knowing that they only use cheap cardboard as padding rather than quality packing to protect their product. As a result both shelves were damaged with cracked corners. This is really unacceptable for the price.

I had always had a Salamander Archetype 5.0 in my main home theater unit for over a decade, but as my theater grew in components and scope, I needed to add additional rack housing to meet my growing needs and demands. This 2.0 shelf meets my requirements, not only in expansion, but also in aesthetics as well. Now, instead of having many components stacked on top of each other atop a 5.0 Archetype...I know have better uniformity and exclusivity for each of the components in my rack. Even the expanded look of the rack lends itself nicely not only in my theater...but my home as well. This is money well-spent and worth it!!!! And even my movies and television programs play back very well as a result. Great product. a very, very great product. Thanks!!!! :)