Audio T Verdict
The Blok Stax 2G Shelf 170 is the most versatile expansion shelf in the Stax 2G range, providing useful clearance for many standard Hi-Fi separates without making the completed rack unnecessarily tall.
Its 40kg capacity accommodates substantial equipment, while integrated silicone isolation, optional mass filling and rigid glass or plywood construction provide a carefully engineered supporting platform.
It is an excellent choice for CD players, streamers, preamplifiers and many integrated amplifiers, although equipment height and ventilation requirements should always be checked before installation.
Blok Stax 2G Shelf 170 Hi-Fi Rack Shelf
The Blok Stax 2G Shelf 170 is a medium-height expansion module for the modular Stax 2G equipment-rack system.
It adds one supporting surface and creates 170mm of usable vertical clearance above the shelf beneath it.
This makes it suitable for a broad selection of standard-width Hi-Fi components, while allowing the rack to be expanded or reconfigured as the system changes.
An Expansion Shelf, Not a Complete Rack
The Shelf 170 is supplied as one modular shelf and cannot stand directly on the floor.
It must be fitted above a Blok Stax 2G Base Shelf or added to an existing compatible Stax 2G rack.
170mm Equipment Clearance
The module provides 170mm of usable vertical clearance between the supporting shelf and the shelf positioned above it.
Potentially suitable equipment includes:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Preamplifiers
- CD players and transports
- Network music streamers
- Digital-to-analogue converters
- Phono stages
- Headphone amplifiers
- Music servers
- Separate power supplies
- Radio tuners
The equipment must fit securely within the usable shelf area while leaving sufficient room for ventilation, controls and rear connections.
Allow Room for Ventilation
The 170mm measurement is the complete usable opening and should not be treated as the recommended maximum component height.
An amplifier measuring almost 170mm high would leave little useful space for cooling and may require the taller Shelf 220 instead.
Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s installation guidance and leave room for:
- Heat to escape from upper ventilation grilles
- Air to circulate around the cabinet
- Rear plugs and cables
- Top-mounted controls
- Safe installation and removal
Check the Component, Not Just the Cabinet
Include protruding feet, aerials, controls and connectors when measuring the equipment.
The Blok Stax 2G Shelf 220 is preferable where a larger air gap or easier cable access is required.
40kg Load Capacity
The Shelf 170 can support equipment weighing up to 40kg.
This makes it suitable for many substantial integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power supplies and source components.
The component should be positioned so that all of its normal supporting feet remain securely within the usable shelf area. Do not exceed the 40kg limit or concentrate excessive weight on the edge of the shelf.
Tempered Black Glass
The Black Glass version uses a 10mm tempered-glass shelf with High Gloss Black support sections.
Tempered glass provides a rigid and consistent supporting surface with a contemporary reflective finish.
The complete glass module measures 183mm high, 602mm wide and 402mm deep and weighs approximately 8.9kg.
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 structure with useful damping characteristics.
The plywood modules measure 185mm high, 602mm wide and 402mm deep.
Three Coordinated Finishes
The Shelf 170 is available in:
- 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 Stax 2G rack. The shelf and support finishes are supplied 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 every equipment foot must remain supported by 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 helps the rack sit closer to a wall while reducing tight cable bends and strain on the equipment sockets.
Leave sufficient slack for components to be installed and removed safely, and avoid trapping cables between the rack and wall.
Integrated Silicone Isolation
Silicone isolation pads are positioned between the Stax 2G shelf and its support sections.
Blok specifies these pads to help absorb vibration and reduce the transmission of resonance through the completed rack.
The isolation components and shelf fixings are concealed after assembly, maintaining the range’s clean appearance.
Optional Mass Filling
The hollow Shelf 170 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 2.2 litres, accessed through a concealed removable bung.
Mass filling is optional. The module can be assembled and used without adding any filling material.
Use a Clean and Dry Filling
Use a stable material intended for audio furniture or speaker stands.
Do not use wet sand, liquids, expanding foam or building materials that could retain moisture, damage the supports or prevent later disassembly.
Concealed Modular Fixings
The Shelf 170 connects to the shelf beneath it through four concealed M10 fixings.
Four M10 bolts are included with the module. Once assembled, the connections are hidden from normal view.
The dedicated Blok assembly tool supplied with a Base Shelf or complete Collection is required when adding or rearranging modules.
What Is Included?
The individual Shelf 170 includes:
- One glass or plywood equipment shelf
- Four matching support sections
- Integrated isolation components
- Four M10 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 its cables before changing the rack configuration.
Build the rack on a clean and protected surface, following Blok’s instructions and supporting each module while its fixings are loosened or tightened.
After installation:
- Check that every fixing is secure
- Move the empty rack into its final position
- Check that the base is level and stable
- Confirm that the completed height is suitable
- Reinstall heavier equipment on the lower levels where practical
Planning the Shelf Order
Stax 2G allows different shelf heights to be combined according to the dimensions of the equipment.
The Shelf 170 provides a useful middle ground between the low-profile Shelf 120 and the taller Shelf 220.
A typical rack 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
Maximum Recommended Rack Height
Blok recommends that a completed Stax 2G rack should not exceed 1100mm in overall height.
Every additional module raises the rack’s centre of gravity and increases its total weight.
Plan the complete structure carefully, keep heavier equipment towards the lower levels and avoid placing a tall rack where children, pets or passing traffic could knock it.
Part of the Collection 3 and Collection 4
The Shelf 170 forms an important part of Blok’s preconfigured racks.
The Stax 2G Collection 3 includes a Base Shelf and two Shelf 170 modules.
The Stax 2G Collection 4 includes a Base Shelf, two Shelf 170 modules and one Shelf 220 module.
Care and Cleaning
Remove equipment before carrying out extensive cleaning or making structural adjustments.
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
- Medium-height expansion shelf for Blok Stax 2G racks
- 170mm 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 2.2-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 170 be used by itself?
No. It must be fitted above a Stax 2G Base Shelf or added to an existing compatible Stax 2G rack.
How much vertical clearance does it provide?
It provides 170mm of usable clearance between shelves.
Can I install equipment that is exactly 170mm high?
No useful space would remain for ventilation or installation. Choose a Shelf 220 or the open upper shelf instead.
How much weight can it support?
The maximum published equipment load is 40kg.
What are the external dimensions?
The glass version measures 183 × 602 × 402mm, while the plywood versions measure 185 × 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 8.9kg, Black Ash Plywood 5.2kg and Natural Ash Plywood 5.3kg.
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 2.2 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 170 provides sufficient clearance and ventilation for your equipment.