Salamander Archetype 5.0 - 5-Shelf Audio Rack
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A Rack That Grows and Adjusts With Your System
The Salamander Archetype 5.0 is a 5-shelf audio rack built to hold a full stereo or home theater system on a stable, adjustable frame. Threaded steel rods and 3/4-inch wood shelves replace the fixed pegs found on cheaper racks.
Because each shelf rides on threaded rods secured with nuts and washers, you can set the spacing anywhere you like. Tall components, subwoofers, or gear that runs hot can all get exactly the clearance they need.
Neoprene washers sit between each shelf and its support hardware, damping vibration before it can travel from one component to another. That's a detail cheaper racks skip entirely.
This listing is for the Black Ash finish. The Archetype 5.0 is also available in Real Maple Wood, Real Walnut, and Real Cherry Wood.
Built to Handle a Real Equipment Stack
Each shelf supports up to 150 pounds on its own, for a combined 750 pounds across all five shelves. That's enough for even a heavy amplifier or turntable without a second thought.
The standard configuration measures 36 inches tall, 23 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, with 19.25 inches of usable width between the support rods. Salamander uses 5/8-inch steel rods to carry that load.
The design is fully modular. You can add or remove shelves as your system changes, and Salamander sells a two-shelf extension that bolts on top to create a 54-inch, seven-shelf rack.
Optional spike feet, casters, and a storage drawer are all available separately, so you can adapt the base rack to a carpeted room, a spot you'll want to roll around, or extra space for accessories.
Who Is This Rack Best For?
- Anyone building a system with several full-sized components. Five shelves and a 750-pound total capacity handle a real stack of gear.
- Listeners who care about vibration control. Neoprene damping washers help isolate each shelf from the others.
- Shoppers who expect their system to grow over time. The modular design lets you add shelves later instead of buying a whole new rack.
- Anyone who wants shelf spacing to match their actual gear. Infinitely adjustable shelves fit tall components that fixed-shelf racks can't.
- Not the right fit for anyone who wants it fully assembled out of the box. The Archetype 5.0 ships as a kit that you put together yourself.
How Do You Set It Up?
Thread the steel rods through each shelf, then secure them in place with the included washers and nuts. Since the shelves aren't locked to fixed positions, you decide the spacing as you build.
Leave extra room above components that run warm, like power amplifiers, and tighter spacing above smaller gear like a streamer or phono preamp. You can always loosen the nuts and readjust later.
If your system outgrows five shelves, bolt on Salamander's two-shelf extension rather than replacing the whole rack.
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Salamander Archetype 5.0:
- Integrated amplifiers and other full-sized components this rack is built to hold
- Turntables that benefit from a stable, vibration-damped shelf
- Power cables to route neatly along the rack's open-frame design
- Subwoofers that can use the rack's adjustable-height shelves for placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it come fully assembled?
No. The Archetype 5.0 ships as a kit, and you assemble it by threading the shelves onto the steel support rods.
How much weight can it hold?
Each shelf supports up to 150 pounds, for a combined 750 pounds across all five shelves.
Can I change the spacing between shelves?
Yes. Shelves aren't fixed to set positions, so you can space them however your components need, and adjust again later.
What finishes are available?
Black Ash, Real Maple Wood, Real Walnut, and Real Cherry Wood are all available.
What's the warranty?
Salamander covers the Archetype 5.0 with a limited lifetime warranty on parts and labor.
Why Audio Advisor?
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- Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.
Learn More
Want to learn more about setting up your system, managing cables, or getting the most from your equipment rack? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
- Five-shelf audio and video equipment rack
- Infinitely adjustable shelf spacing accommodates components of different heights
- Strong 3/4-inch-thick Black Ash MDF shelves
- Each shelf supports up to 150 pounds
- Four 5/8-inch-diameter threaded steel support rods
- Neoprene spacers help isolate components from unwanted vibration
- Open architecture promotes airflow around warm-running equipment
- Open back provides quick access to cables and connections
- Modular design allows shelves and accessories to be added later
- Compatible with optional casters, spikes, drawers, bookends, and stacking hardware
- Available in Black Ash, real Maple, real Walnut, or real Cherry wood
- Made in the USA
- Some assembly required
- Product Type: Five-shelf audio/video equipment rack
- Available Finishes: Black Ash, real Maple, real Walnut, and real Cherry wood
- Shelf Material: Black-finished MDF or genuine solid wood, depending on the selected finish
- Number of Shelves: Five
- Shelf Thickness: 0.75 inch
- Shelf Dimensions: 23 inches wide x 16 inches deep
- Shelf Capacity: Up to 150 pounds per shelf
- Overall Dimensions: 23 inches wide x 36 inches high x 16 inches deep
- Usable Width Between Support Rods: Approximately 19.25 inches
- Support Rod Diameter: 5/8 inch
- Shelf Adjustment: Infinitely adjustable along threaded support rods
- Construction: MDF shelves, threaded steel rods, steel fasteners, and neoprene spacers
- Accessories: Optional shelves, drawers, bookends, casters, spikes, rods, and stacking couplers
- Assembly: Required
- Country of Manufacture: USA
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