Audio T Verdict
The Blok Stax 2G Shelf 220 is the tallest conventional equipment shelf in the modular Stax 2G range, making it the natural choice for substantial amplifiers and other components that need more breathing space.
Its 220mm clearance provides greater room for ventilation and bulky rear connections, while the 40kg capacity accommodates many heavy integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers and source components.
Integrated silicone isolation, optional mass filling and a choice of rigid glass or plywood shelves make it a thoughtfully engineered expansion for an existing Stax 2G rack.
Blok Stax 2G Shelf 220 Hi-Fi Rack Shelf
The Blok Stax 2G Shelf 220 is a tall expansion module for the modular Stax 2G equipment-rack system.
It adds one supporting surface and creates 220mm of usable vertical clearance above the shelf beneath it, providing more installation and ventilation space than the Shelf 120 or Shelf 170 modules.
Each Shelf 220 is sold individually, allowing a Stax 2G rack to be configured around the dimensions of the equipment rather than forcing every component into an identical space.
An Expansion Module
The Shelf 220 is not a freestanding equipment rack and does not include floor feet.
It must be installed above a Blok Stax 2G Base Shelf or added to an existing compatible Stax 2G rack.
220mm Equipment Clearance
The module provides 220mm of usable vertical clearance between the supporting shelf and the shelf fitted above it.
This makes it particularly suitable for:
- Large integrated amplifiers
- Stereo power amplifiers
- Class AB amplifiers
- Preamplifiers with tall casework
- Large CD players and transports
- Music servers and network players
- Substantial power supplies
- Home cinema source equipment
- Components with large plugs or rigid cables
The equipment must fit securely within the usable shelf area and remain below the published 40kg load limit.
Greater Ventilation Space
The Shelf 220 is well suited to warm-running equipment because it provides a larger air gap than the shorter Stax 2G modules.
It is still important to follow the equipment manufacturer’s ventilation guidance. The available 220mm must include enough room for:
- Heat to escape through upper ventilation grilles
- Air to circulate around the casework
- Rear plugs and cable bends
- Top-mounted controls
- Safe installation and removal
Do not obstruct ventilation openings or place another product directly against the top of an amplifier.
Measure More Than the Cabinet
Include the equipment feet, controls, aerials and protruding connectors when measuring the component.
A product that is almost 220mm high may still require the open upper shelf rather than an enclosed equipment space.
40kg Load Capacity
The Shelf 220 can support equipment weighing up to 40kg.
This makes it suitable for many substantial amplifiers, high-mass source components and separate power supplies.
Place the component so that all of its normal supporting feet remain securely positioned on the usable shelf surface. Do not exceed the load limit or allow heavy equipment to rest on an unsupported edge.
Tempered Black Glass
The Black Glass version uses a 10mm tempered-glass shelf with High Gloss Black supports.
Tempered glass provides a rigid and consistent supporting surface with a contemporary reflective appearance.
The complete glass module measures 233mm high, 602mm wide and 402mm deep and weighs approximately 9.4kg.
Ash-Veneered Plywood
The two timber-finished versions use 13mm plywood shelves with real ash veneer.
Plywood is formed from several bonded layers with alternating grain directions, creating a strong and rigid supporting surface with useful damping characteristics.
The plywood modules measure 235mm high, 602mm wide and 402mm deep.
Three Coordinated Finishes
The official Stax 2G finish combinations are:
- Black Glass with High Gloss Black supports
- Black Ash Plywood with Natural Walnut supports
- Natural Ash Plywood with Satin White supports
Select the combination that matches the existing rack. The shelf and support finishes are supplied together as coordinated sets.
Usable Shelf Area
Every version provides approximately 480mm of usable supporting width.
Usable depth to the beginning of the rear cable cut-out is:
- Approximately 387mm for Black Glass
- Approximately 379mm for both plywood versions
A component’s casework may extend towards the cut-out, but all of its supporting feet must remain safely positioned on the solid shelf surface.
Rear Cable Management
The rear edge of the shelf has a smoothly shaped cut-out that provides additional clearance for mains leads, interconnects and larger connectors.
This can help the completed rack sit closer to a wall while reducing tight cable bends and strain on the equipment sockets.
Leave enough slack for components to be installed and removed safely, and avoid trapping plugs or cables between the rack and wall.
Integrated Silicone Isolation
Silicone isolation pads are positioned between the shelf and its support sections.
Blok specifies these pads to help absorb vibration and reduce resonance transmission through the completed rack.
The isolation points and modular fixings are concealed once assembly is complete, preserving the range’s clean appearance.
Optional Mass Filling
The hollow Shelf 220 support sections can be filled with a suitable acoustically inert material to increase their mass and damping.
Each support has an approximate internal capacity of 3 litres, accessed through a concealed removable bung.
Mass filling is optional. The shelf can be assembled and used without adding any filling material.
Use a Suitable Dry Material
Use a clean, dry and stable filling product intended for audio furniture or speaker stands.
Do not use liquids, wet sand, expanding foam or building materials that could retain moisture, damage the supports or prevent future disassembly.
Concealed Modular Fixings
The Shelf 220 connects to the Stax 2G module beneath it through four concealed M10 fixings.
Four M10 bolts are included with the shelf. Once assembled, the connections are hidden from normal view.
The main Blok assembly tool supplied with a Base Shelf or complete Collection is required when adding or rearranging modules.
What Is Included?
The individual Shelf 220 includes:
- One glass or plywood equipment shelf
- Four matching support sections
- Integrated isolation components
- Four M10 modular connection bolts
Floor feet, finishing caps and assembly tools are supplied with the Base Shelf and complete Stax 2G Collections rather than with each expansion shelf.
Adding the Shelf to an Existing Rack
Remove all equipment and disconnect every cable before changing the rack configuration.
Build the rack on a clean and protected surface, supporting each section while its fixings are loosened or tightened.
After installing the new module:
- Check that every fixing is secure
- Move the empty rack into its final position
- Check that the base remains level and stable
- Confirm that the completed height is suitable
- Reinstall heavier equipment on the lower levels where practical
Planning the Shelf Order
The modular Stax 2G system allows different shelf heights to be combined according to the dimensions of the equipment.
A practical arrangement might use:
- A Shelf 220 for a large amplifier
- A Shelf 170 for a CD player or streamer
- A Shelf 120 for a compact DAC or phono stage
- An open upper shelf for a turntable
Place heavier equipment towards the lower levels wherever practical to maintain a low centre of gravity.
Maximum Recommended Rack Height
Blok recommends that a completed Stax 2G rack should not exceed 1100mm in overall height.
Every additional module increases the rack’s height, weight and centre of gravity, so the complete arrangement should be planned before several shelves are added.
Avoid positioning a tall rack where children, pets or passing traffic could knock it, and never move the rack while it is loaded with equipment.
Part of the Stax 2G Collection 4
The Shelf 220 forms part of the preconfigured Blok Stax 2G Collection 4.
That rack combines one Base Shelf, two Shelf 170 modules and one Shelf 220 module, creating four equipment surfaces with a mixture of medium and tall spaces.
The Shelf 220 can also be added separately to a Base Shelf, Collection 3 or another compatible custom-built Stax 2G configuration.
Shelf 220 or Shelf 170?
The Shelf 170 offers a more compact space for many conventional source components and moderately sized amplifiers.
The Shelf 220 is preferable where the equipment is taller, runs warmer or uses particularly large rear connectors.
Choosing the correct clearance from the outset is better than enclosing equipment too tightly and restricting airflow.
Using the Shelf for an Amplifier
The Shelf 220 is particularly appropriate for integrated and power amplifiers that need more cooling space.
Check the amplifier’s weight, complete height and required air gap before installation. Components using large heat sinks or top ventilation may still benefit from the open upper shelf.
Allow enough rear clearance for speaker cables, balanced XLR plugs, substantial mains leads and other rigid connections.
Care and Cleaning
Remove equipment before carrying out extensive cleaning or structural adjustment.
Use a soft, dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth on the supports and plywood shelves.
Apply glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it directly towards equipment, shelf joints or flooring.
Avoid abrasive pads, solvent-based cleaners and excessive moisture.
Key Features
- Tall expansion shelf for Blok Stax 2G racks
- 220mm usable vertical clearance
- 40kg maximum equipment load
- 602mm overall width
- 402mm overall depth
- 480mm usable shelf width
- 387mm usable glass depth to cable cut-out
- 379mm usable plywood depth to cable cut-out
- Choice of 10mm tempered glass or 13mm plywood
- Integrated silicone isolation
- Mass-fillable support sections
- Approximately 3-litre internal capacity per support
- Rear cable-management cut-out
- Four concealed M10 fixings
- Four M10 connection bolts included
- Compatible with the modular Stax 2G range
- Three coordinated finish combinations
- Recommended maximum completed rack height of 1100mm
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Shelf 220 be used by itself?
No. It must be installed above a Stax 2G Base Shelf or added to an existing compatible Stax 2G rack.
How much vertical clearance does it provide?
It provides 220mm of usable clearance between shelves.
Is it suitable for an amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier fits safely, weighs no more than 40kg and receives the ventilation specified by its manufacturer.
Can I install equipment that is exactly 220mm high?
No useful space would remain for ventilation or installation. Use the open upper shelf instead.
How much weight can it support?
The maximum published equipment load is 40kg.
What are its external dimensions?
The glass version measures 233 × 602 × 402mm, while the plywood versions measure 235 × 602 × 402mm in height, width and depth order.
What is the usable shelf area?
Usable width is approximately 480mm. Depth to the cable cut-out is 387mm for glass and 379mm for plywood.
How much does it weigh?
Black Glass weighs approximately 9.4kg, Black Ash Plywood 5.8kg and Natural Ash Plywood 6kg.
Which finishes are available?
Black Glass with High Gloss Black, Black Ash Plywood with Natural Walnut, and Natural Ash Plywood with Satin White.
Can the supports be mass filled?
Yes. Each support has an approximate internal capacity of 3 litres.
Are assembly tools included?
The shelf includes four M10 bolts. The main assembly tool is supplied with the Base Shelf and complete Stax 2G Collections.
What warranty is included?
Blok provides a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, subject to its terms and proof of purchase.
Related Blok Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help measuring equipment and checking shelf clearance
- Advice choosing between 120mm, 170mm and 220mm modules
- Amplifier ventilation guidance
- Glass and plywood finish comparisons
- Custom Stax 2G rack planning
- Mass-filling guidance
- Safe installation of heavy equipment
- Future expansion and vinyl-storage planning
- Ongoing after-sales assistance
Contact your local Audio T store to check that the Blok Stax 2G Shelf 220 provides the correct space and ventilation for your equipment.