Audio T Verdict
The Solidsteel S3-3 is a very sensible size for the sort of separates system we see every day. Three individual platforms give a turntable or source, another source component and an amplifier somewhere proper to live without making the rack unnecessarily tall or complicated.
There is plenty of proper engineering beneath the relatively simple appearance too. The aluminium uprights are internally damped with StratoCell material, the substantial 30mm MDF shelves can support up to 60kg each, and individually adjustable stainless-steel spikes allow the complete rack to be levelled accurately.
The standard S3-3 provides two equal 245mm equipment intervals. That works particularly well with conventional source components and many integrated amplifiers, while the completely open top shelf gives a turntable, valve component or particularly hot-running piece of equipment unrestricted space above it.
Its modular construction is another important advantage. Different upright heights are available if the standard spacing does not suit your system, and additional shelves can be incorporated later. For a conventional three-box system, the S3-3 hits a particularly useful balance between sensible size, good engineering and long-term flexibility.
Check Amplifier Height Before Ordering
The standard S3-3 provides approximately 245mm of vertical clearance in each enclosed equipment interval. This is less than the 325mm gap of the two-shelf S3-2, so particularly tall integrated, power or valve amplifiers should be checked carefully. Remember to include the ventilation space recommended by the amplifier manufacturer rather than considering chassis height alone.
Solidsteel S3-3 Three-Shelf Hi-Fi Rack
The Solidsteel S3-3 is the three-level model within the company's current S3 Series of specialist hi-fi and AV furniture.
Designed and manufactured in Italy, it combines three substantial 30mm MDF platforms with damped aluminium support poles, steel structural hardware and adjustable stainless-steel floor spikes.
The standard configuration provides two approximately 245mm equipment intervals, giving three major system components their own individual platforms while keeping overall rack height to around 670mm.
- Three-shelf specialist hi-fi equipment rack
- Current Solidsteel S3 Series
- Designed and manufactured in Italy
- Fully modular construction
- Three 30mm MDF equipment platforms
- Premium polymer-laminate finish
- Approximately 580 x 430mm physical shelf dimensions
- Approximately 584mm complete external width
- Approximately 500mm usable width between supports
- Two approximately 245mm equipment intervals
- Approximately 670mm overall height
- 60kg maximum load per shelf
- Anodised aluminium support poles
- StratoCell damping material inside the uprights
- Galvanised-steel frame and fixing components
- Powder-coated metal finish
- Adjustable M8 stainless-steel floor spikes
- Stainless-steel protective floor discs
- ABS shelf-interface discs
- Custom upright heights available
- Additional shelves can be incorporated
- Black finish
- White finish
- Walnut-effect finish
The Solidsteel S3 Series
Solidsteel describes S3 as its reference range of traditional hi-fi racks.
The range is intended to provide specialist equipment support without moving into the considerably larger, heavier and more expensive construction of Solidsteel's high-end HF Series.
Current S3 options include:
- S3-2 two-shelf rack
- S3-3 three-shelf rack
- S3-4 four-shelf rack
- S3-5 five-shelf rack
- S3-A amplifier stand
- S3-B compact amplifier stand
- Alternative upright kits
Three Shelves for a Conventional Separates System
Three equipment platforms suit a wide variety of everyday hi-fi systems.
Typical combinations could include:
- Turntable, streamer and integrated amplifier
- Turntable, phono stage and amplifier
- CD player, streamer and amplifier
- Streamer, DAC and integrated amplifier
- Digital source, preamplifier and power amplifier
- Turntable, CD player and integrated amplifier
Giving every major component its own level also avoids the compromises associated with stacking equipment directly on top of one another.
Two 245mm Equipment Intervals
The standard S3-3 uses two equal approximately 245mm shelf gaps.
This gives plenty of room for most conventional source and control components, including:
- Network streamers
- CD and SACD players
- DACs
- Preamplifiers
- Phono stages
- Tuners
- External power supplies
- Many integrated amplifiers
Using two identical intervals also makes the standard configuration simple and flexible when component positions change.
Will My Amplifier Fit?
Many integrated amplifiers will fit comfortably within a 245mm equipment interval, but particularly tall or hot-running designs need more consideration.
Check:
- Overall chassis height
- Feet beneath the chassis
- Top-panel ventilation openings
- Manufacturer-recommended free space
- Heat output during normal operation
The Open Top Is Another Option
If your amplifier fits the shelf footprint but needs more vertical breathing room than the standard 245mm interval allows, placing it on the open top platform may be a better solution. The system layout does not have to follow the conventional idea that the amplifier belongs on the bottom shelf.
Approximately 580 x 430mm Equipment Platforms
Solidsteel's current S3 specification gives each physical MDF shelf as approximately 580mm wide by 430mm deep.
The complete assembled rack measures approximately 584mm across, while Audio T's model-specific specification gives around 500mm of clear equipment width within the supporting structure.
Approximately 500mm Usable Width
The support poles occupy part of the shelf area, so approximately 500mm is the more useful figure when checking particularly wide equipment.
That accommodates most conventional 430mm to 450mm hi-fi components comfortably, while still leaving some room around the sides.
Overall Width vs Equipment Width
The complete rack is approximately 584mm wide, the physical shelf approximately 580mm wide and the clear space available between the support structure approximately 500mm. Use the 500mm figure when checking whether an unusually wide component will sit comfortably within the rack.
430mm Shelf Depth
The S3 platform is approximately 430mm deep.
This suits a large proportion of conventional hi-fi components, but particularly deep integrated amplifiers, AV receivers and power amplifiers deserve careful checking.
Remember the Cables
Published equipment dimensions usually describe the chassis itself rather than the complete installed depth.
Additional space may be required for:
- IEC mains plugs
- Heavy mains cables
- XLR connectors
- RCA interconnects
- Speaker binding posts
- Banana plugs
- Spade connectors
- Network and HDMI cables
Check the Complete Installed Depth
A component that is 410mm deep on paper can require considerably more room once cables are attached. Make sure there is sufficient space for connectors and cables to leave the rear panel naturally without being forced into sharp bends.
30mm MDF Shelves
Each S3 equipment platform uses a substantial 30mm MDF construction.
Solidsteel currently describes the material as ennobled MDF finished with premium-quality polymer laminate.
MDF provides a relatively uniform engineered structure without the continuous grain of solid timber, while the generous thickness helps the platform remain rigid under substantial equipment loads.
60kg Load Capacity Per Shelf
Each individual rack shelf is rated to support up to 60kg.
That equates to approximately 132lb per platform.
The rating comfortably covers the vast majority of domestic source components and integrated amplifiers, although dimensions and ventilation requirements can still determine whether particularly large equipment is suitable.
60kg Is Per Shelf
The 60kg specification applies to each individual platform rather than being a total load allowance shared between all three levels.
Anodised Aluminium Support Poles
The vertical S3 supports are manufactured from anodised aluminium.
Aluminium provides a useful balance of rigidity and manageable weight and has long formed part of Solidsteel's S Series construction.
StratoCell Internal Damping
The aluminium poles are internally filled rather than being left as completely hollow tubes.
Solidsteel currently specifies StratoCell sound-absorbing foam inside the uprights to help reduce unwanted resonance within the support structure.
This is one of the more important engineering differences between a purpose-designed audio rack and ordinary shelving that simply happens to be capable of carrying the equipment.
Why Damping the Supports Matters
A hollow metal tube can itself exhibit resonant behaviour when excited mechanically.
Internal damping helps control that behaviour instead of relying solely on the stiffness of the supporting structure.
The rack still needs to be rigid enough to hold the equipment securely, so the design combines structural strength with damping rather than attempting to make the complete rack soft or compliant.
Current Solidsteel Frame Construction
Solidsteel's latest S3 information describes the main frame and fixing components as galvanised steel with durable powder-coated finishing.
The complete current construction therefore combines several different materials according to their job:
- Anodised aluminium support poles
- StratoCell damping inside the poles
- Galvanised-steel frame and fixing components
- Stainless-steel adjustable spikes
- Stainless-steel protective floor discs
- ABS shelf-interface discs
- 30mm MDF equipment shelves
Adjustable M8 Stainless-Steel Spikes
At floor level, the S3 uses independently adjustable stainless-steel spikes with an M8 thread.
These allow small differences in floor level to be compensated for so that the complete rack sits securely on all of its support points.
Accurate Levelling Matters
The most basic requirement of any equipment rack is that it should not rock.
Accurate adjustment of the support points provides a stable foundation for everything placed above and becomes particularly important with turntables.
A correctly levelled rack also makes subsequent turntable setup considerably easier.
Stainless-Steel Floor-Protection Discs
Solidsteel includes its S Series stainless-steel protective pads with current S3 products.
These sit beneath the pointed spikes where direct contact could mark the underlying floor.
Protect Delicate Flooring
Use the supplied floor pads on timber, laminate, tile, stone and other surfaces that could be damaged by direct contact with a metal spike. Position and level the rack before loading it fully wherever possible.
ABS Shelf Interfaces
Solidsteel also specifies ABS protective discs at the interfaces between each MDF shelf and the supporting structure.
These provide a defined interface between the furniture platform and the supporting hardware rather than allowing the shelf to sit directly against bare metal.
Why Use Dedicated Hi-Fi Furniture?
Hi-fi equipment operates in a room containing many potential sources of mechanical vibration.
These can include:
- Loudspeakers
- Subwoofers
- Footfall
- Suspended flooring
- Transformers
- Turntable motors and bearings
- Disc transports
A specialist rack cannot remove every source of mechanical energy, but it can provide individual components with a stable, accurately levelled and purpose-designed support.
Does a Hi-Fi Rack Really Affect Sound?
The scale of any audible difference depends heavily on the equipment, room, floor and furniture being replaced.
A turntable positioned on lightweight furniture over a springy suspended floor presents a very different mechanical challenge from a solid-state streamer in a room with a concrete floor.
There are also practical advantages regardless of any sonic change: better ventilation, easier cable access and individual support for every component.
Ideal for Turntable-Based Systems
A three-level rack lends itself naturally to a turntable system.
For example:
- Top: turntable
- Middle: streamer, CD player or phono stage
- Bottom: integrated amplifier
The open top leaves the record player easy to access while keeping it physically separated from the electronics below.
Ideal for Digital Separates
A digital system could instead use:
- Top: network streamer or CD player
- Middle: DAC or preamplifier
- Bottom: integrated or power amplifier
Again, each component receives its own platform rather than being stacked.
Avoid Stacking Components
Placing one component directly on top of another can cause several avoidable problems:
- Restricted ventilation
- Heat transfer between chassis
- Additional weight on the lower component
- Direct mechanical contact
- Difficult access to rear connections
The S3-3 provides enough individual levels for a conventional three-box system without requiring components to share the same platform.
Modular Shelf Spacing
The standard 245mm / 245mm arrangement is not the only possible S3 configuration.
Solidsteel currently offers alternative upright kits allowing shelf spacing from approximately 145mm to 365mm.
This can be useful where a system contains a particularly tall amplifier or several unusually compact source components.
Need More Than 245mm?
If one component requires more clearance than the standard S3-3 provides, speak to Audio T before ordering. We can check the equipment dimensions and investigate whether an alternative Solidsteel upright configuration would be more appropriate.
Expandable as Your System Grows
The modular construction also allows additional shelves to be incorporated later.
A three-box system can easily become a four-box system after adding:
- A phono stage
- A separate DAC
- An external power supply
- A headphone amplifier
- A second source component
Being able to expand the existing structure helps avoid replacing the entire rack after a system upgrade.
S3-2 or S3-3?
S3-2
- 2 shelves
- 475mm overall height
- 325mm standard equipment clearance
- 60kg per shelf
- Approximately 15kg rack weight
- Ideal for simple two-component systems
S3-3
- 3 shelves
- 670mm overall height
- 245mm / 245mm standard clearances
- 60kg per shelf
- Approximately 22kg rack weight
- Ideal for conventional three-component systems
When Should You Choose the S3-2?
The Solidsteel S3-2 is the neater option if your system genuinely contains only two major components.
It is also worth considering where one particularly tall amplifier needs the S3-2's more generous 325mm standard clearance.
When Does the S3-3 Make More Sense?
If three components are already part of the system, starting with S3-3 normally makes more sense than stacking equipment or immediately expanding an S3-2.
Its two 245mm intervals are also easier to use when the three components are broadly similar in height.
S3-3 or S3-4?
S3-3
- 3 shelves
- 670mm overall height
- 245mm / 245mm intervals
- Approximately 22kg rack weight
- Three major components
- Lower overall profile
S3-4
- 4 shelves
- 905mm overall height
- 245mm / 225mm / 225mm intervals
- Approximately 27kg rack weight
- Larger separates systems
- More space for future additions
When Should You Choose the S3-4?
The Solidsteel S3-4 becomes the logical choice if you already have four components or expect to add another box shortly.
For example:
- Turntable
- Phono stage
- Streamer
- Integrated amplifier
or:
- Digital source
- DAC
- Preamplifier
- Power amplifier
Dedicated Amplifier Stands
Particularly large, heavy or hot-running amplifiers do not necessarily need to occupy one of the main rack shelves.
The Solidsteel S3-A and Solidsteel S3-B provide dedicated floor-level amplifier platforms within the same family.
This can free an S3-3 shelf for another source while allowing the amplifier unrestricted vertical ventilation.
S3 Series or HF Series?
S3 Series
- Damped anodised aluminium uprights
- 30mm MDF shelves
- Polymer-laminate finish
- 60kg load per rack shelf
- 580 x 430mm physical platforms
- Black, White and Walnut-effect finishes
- Modular construction
HF Series
- Substantial stainless-steel structure
- 30mm MDF shelves
- 80kg load per shelf
- Larger 645 x 561mm platforms
- Greater usable equipment space
- Hyperspike architecture
- Higher-end overall construction
Which Range Should You Choose?
The S3 Series is very well suited to conventional full-width hi-fi components where a 500mm usable internal width, 430mm shelf depth and 60kg load rating are sufficient.
The HF range becomes increasingly attractive when equipment is exceptionally large or heavy, or when the more substantial stainless-steel architecture and considerably larger platforms are desirable.
Black, White or Walnut
The S3-3 is available in three shelf finishes:
Black offers the most traditional hi-fi appearance, White works particularly well in lighter contemporary rooms, while Walnut adds a warmer wood-effect finish.
Walnut Is Not Genuine Wood Veneer
The S3 Walnut finish is a decorative polymer laminate over the MDF shelf. If genuine timber veneer is important to you, consider Solidsteel's HF Series Elite instead.
Made in Italy
Solidsteel has manufactured specialist furniture and supports for hi-fi, home cinema and professional audio systems in Italy since 1990.
The S3 Series remains part of the company's current Made in Italy furniture range.
Who Is the Solidsteel S3-3 For?
- Three-component hi-fi systems
- Turntable-based systems
- Streamer and separates systems
- CD-based systems
- Conventional full-width hi-fi electronics
- Integrated amplifiers within the available clearance
- People wanting an individually supported shelf for each component
- Turntable users wanting an open top platform
- Customers wanting a modular rack that can expand later
- People wanting adjustable floor spikes
- Customers looking for Italian-made specialist hi-fi furniture
- Systems where the larger HF Series is unnecessary
Who Is It Not For?
- Two-component systems where the S3-2 is sufficient
- Systems already requiring four or more shelves
- Particularly tall amplifiers needing more than the standard 245mm interval
- Components wider than approximately 500mm between the supports
- Very deep equipment that cannot accommodate rear cabling with the 430mm shelf depth
- Individual components exceeding 60kg
- Customers wanting genuine wood veneer
- Very large high-end equipment better suited to the HF Series
Key Features
- Solidsteel S3-3
- Three-shelf hi-fi equipment rack
- Current S3 Series
- Designed and manufactured in Italy
- Fully modular construction
- Three 30mm MDF shelves
- Premium polymer-laminate finish
- Approximately 580 x 430mm physical shelves
- Approximately 584mm overall width
- Approximately 670mm overall height
- 430mm overall depth
- Approximately 500mm usable width
- 245mm lower equipment clearance
- 245mm upper equipment clearance
- 60kg maximum load per shelf
- Approximately 132lb capacity per shelf
- Approximately 22kg rack weight
- Anodised aluminium support poles
- Internal StratoCell damping
- Galvanised-steel frame and fixing components
- Powder-coated metal surfaces
- ABS shelf-interface discs
- Adjustable M8 stainless-steel floor spikes
- Stainless-steel protective floor discs included
- Alternative upright kits available
- Approximately 145mm to 365mm configurable shelf spacing
- Expandable with additional shelves
- Black finish
- White finish
- Walnut-effect finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Solidsteel S3-3 still current?
Yes. The S3-3 remains part of Solidsteel's current S3 Series.
How many shelves does the S3-3 have?
Three.
What are the overall dimensions?
Approximately 584mm wide, 670mm high and 430mm deep.
How tall is 670mm in inches?
Approximately 26.4 inches.
How large are the physical shelves?
Solidsteel's current specification gives approximately 580 x 430mm, with a thickness of 30mm.
What is the usable width between the supports?
Approximately 500mm.
What are the standard shelf clearances?
Approximately 245mm for each of the two enclosed equipment intervals.
How much weight can each shelf support?
Up to 60kg per platform.
How much is 60kg in pounds?
Approximately 132lb.
How much does the S3-3 weigh?
Approximately 22kg.
What are the shelves made from?
30mm ennobled MDF with a premium polymer-laminate finish.
Is the Walnut finish real wood?
No. It is a decorative wood-effect polymer laminate rather than genuine timber veneer.
What are the uprights made from?
Anodised aluminium.
Are the aluminium poles damped?
Yes. Solidsteel fills them internally with StratoCell sound-absorbing material.
What is the current frame hardware made from?
Solidsteel's current description specifies galvanised-steel frame and fixing components with powder-coated finishing, while stainless steel is used for items including the adjustable spikes and protective floor pads.
What are the ABS discs for?
They provide protective interfaces between the equipment shelves and their supporting structure.
Are the floor spikes adjustable?
Yes. The S3 Series uses adjustable M8 stainless-steel spikes.
Are floor protectors included?
Yes. Solidsteel states that stainless-steel S Series floor pads are included with current S3 products.
Is the S3-3 suitable for a turntable?
Yes. The open top platform is particularly well suited to a turntable. Very springy suspended floors can still make a dedicated turntable wall shelf worth considering.
Can I put an integrated amplifier on the lower shelf?
Yes, provided it fits the approximately 500mm usable width and 430mm platform depth, remains below the 60kg load rating and has sufficient ventilation within the 245mm interval.
Can I use a valve amplifier?
Potentially, although many valve amplifiers require substantial free space above their valves. The open top shelf may be more suitable than one of the enclosed 245mm intervals.
Can I change the shelf spacing?
Yes. Solidsteel offers alternative upright kits allowing shelf heights from approximately 145mm to 365mm.
Can I add another shelf later?
Yes. The S3 structure is modular and additional levels can be incorporated as the system grows.
What is the difference between S3-3 and S3-2?
S3-3 adds a third platform but uses two 245mm equipment intervals. S3-2 has only two shelves but provides a larger standard 325mm gap between them.
What is the difference between S3-3 and S3-4?
S3-4 adds a fourth platform, increasing overall height to approximately 905mm. Its standard equipment intervals are approximately 245mm, 225mm and 225mm.
What is the difference between S3 and HF?
S3 uses damped aluminium supports, 580 x 430mm MDF platforms and a 60kg-per-shelf rating. HF uses a much more substantial stainless-steel structure, larger 645 x 561mm platforms and an 80kg-per-shelf rating.
What finishes are available?
Black, White and Walnut.
Where is the S3-3 made?
The S3 Series is manufactured in Italy by Solidsteel.
Does the rack require assembly?
Yes. The modular structure requires assembly and should be accurately levelled before equipment is installed.
Related Solidsteel Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy the Solidsteel S3-3 From Audio T?
Three shelves may sound straightforward, but equipment dimensions, amplifier ventilation, rear cable clearance and possible future upgrades can all affect whether the standard S3-3 configuration is right for your system.
Audio T can help check your equipment against the rack, compare the S3-2, S3-3 and S3-4 and investigate alternative Solidsteel upright heights if one component needs more or less space than the standard 245mm intervals provide.
- Friendly specialist hi-fi advice
- Component dimension checks
- Amplifier ventilation guidance
- S3-2, S3-3 and S3-4 comparisons
- S3 and HF Series comparisons
- Turntable placement advice
- Amplifier stand guidance
- Custom shelf-height advice
- Future expansion guidance
- Spike and levelling setup assistance
- Floor-protection guidance
- Cable-clearance advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help checking whether the Solidsteel S3-3 is the right rack for your equipment and room.