General Asylum: REVIEW: Studio Tech HF-4 Rack by Big Dave

Model:	HF-4
Category:	Rack
Suggested Retail Price:	$199
Description:	4-shelf rack with 23.75" X 18.5" shelves, tubular steel supports
Manufacturer URL:	Studio Tech
Model Picture:	View

Review by Big Dave ( A ) on September 13, 2002 at 17:02:47
IP Address: 68.4.139.85

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for the HF-4

I bought this rack in December, 1991. The version I got is all-black; they also make a version with silver-colored supports. I paid $139, plus shipping -- a 35% discount off the list price. Assembly was fairly easy; you just insert threaded bolts through the shelves and screw them into the tubular supports. The only tricky part is that the inserts inside the tubes which accept the bolts are open; there's nothing to stop the bolts from going too far!
Once I got the rack assembled I noticed that the supports "rang" when I tapped them. So I took the rack apart again (about 15 minutes) and went to the hardware store for a can of expanding foam, which I squirted into each segement of the supports. I let this dry overnite, and reassembled the rack. Ringing reduced by 95%!
The shelves have a nice satin black finish, and a curved front edge that gives them a slightly retro-cool look. The rack is very solid, and Studio Tech supplies both spikes (with little tiny brass "cups" to set them in if desired) and plastic disc feet. Overall I am pleased with this purchase, especially for the price.

Product Weakness: Supports "ring" -- inject expanding foam BEFORE assembling the rack! Flimsy black plastic "cable router" is worthless! Throw it away!
Product Strengths: Good looking, solid, fairly easy to assemble, very reasonable price

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Anthem INT-2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Dynaco CDV-PRO; Thorens TD-160
Speakers:	ADS L810
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest; DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, jazz, electronic, some classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	20.7 ft x 17.5 ft x 8 - 16 ft
Time Period/Length of Audition:	9 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	See Inmate Systems for photo (Main System)

Product Weakness:	Supports "ring" -- inject expanding foam BEFORE assembling the rack! Flimsy black plastic "cable router" is worthless! Throw it away!
Product Strengths:	Good looking, solid, fairly easy to assemble, very reasonable price