Little HiFi Racks Artisan Modular Hi-Fi Rack

The Artisan is a full-width modular equipment rack handmade in the UK by Little HiFi Racks, part of Simon Little Fine Furniture.

Rather than purchasing a fixed three, four or five-shelf structure, you build the Artisan one level at a time. Each level can be ordered with Standard, Medium or Large equipment clearance and in Hard Rock Maple, White Oak or Black Walnut.

Further levels can be added as your system grows, making the Artisan suitable for changing Hi-Fi systems, additional power supplies, new source components or a future turntable.

Build the Rack Around Your System

A modular design allows the rack to be planned around the actual dimensions of your equipment rather than forcing every component into identical spaces.

A slim streamer or phono stage may need only a Standard level, while a larger integrated amplifier may require Medium clearance. A turntable, valve amplifier or unusually tall component may be better suited to a Large level.

Each module shares the same overall width and depth, so different heights can be stacked while retaining a consistent external appearance.

Two-Stage Isolation on Every Level

Each Artisan level incorporates two different approaches to supporting and isolating Hi-Fi equipment.

Spikes between the timber legs reduce the contact area between adjoining modules, creating a firm and precisely located connection between levels.

The equipment platform is also softly decoupled within each module. This is designed to interrupt the path travelled by vibration entering through the floor, rack structure or surrounding room.

The two systems work together to provide a stable foundation while reducing the direct transfer of unwanted vibration towards the supported equipment.

Suitable for Turntables and Sensitive Sources

Record players, CD mechanisms and some electronic components can respond to vibration entering through their supporting furniture.

The Artisan’s substantial timber construction and decoupled equipment platforms make it particularly relevant for systems containing a turntable or other mechanically sensitive source.

Good rack design cannot compensate for a springy floor, unstable furniture or unsuitable turntable positioning, but it can provide the equipment with a consistent and purpose-made foundation.

Support for Amplifiers and Digital Components

The Artisan is not limited to turntables. Integrated amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, power supplies, CD players, streamers, DACs and power conditioners can all benefit from secure and properly spaced support.

Amplifiers should be given enough open space for heat to escape. Check the manufacturer’s ventilation requirements rather than selecting a shelf solely because the component physically fits within the opening.

Rear cable plugs must also be included when measuring equipment depth, particularly where large mains connectors, speaker cables or interconnects extend beyond the component casework.

Handmade in the UK

Little HiFi Racks are made by Simon Little Fine Furniture, an independent British cabinetmaking business with extensive experience producing furniture for Hi-Fi systems.

Each Artisan module is made using traditional woodworking techniques rather than being assembled from mass-produced flat-pack panels.

Natural variations in colour, figuring and grain are part of the character of real timber and mean that no two racks will appear completely identical.

Three Solid Timber Options

The Artisan is available through Audio T in Hard Rock Maple, White Oak or Black Walnut.

All three timbers receive a hard-wearing satin finish. Custom timber or finish requests may be possible, but these should be discussed with Audio T before ordering.

Simple Modular Assembly

Each completed shelf module is designed to connect directly to the next level without complicated cabinet assembly.

The connecting spikes are fitted before the modules are stacked in the chosen order. The rack should be assembled on a level floor and checked for stability before any equipment is installed.

Heavier equipment should normally be positioned towards the lower part of the rack, provided the selected clearances and ventilation requirements remain suitable.

Planning the Correct Configuration

Before ordering, list every component that will be placed on the rack and measure its width, height and overall depth.

Include feet, aerials, valves, raised lids and all rear cable connections. Turntables may also need extra vertical clearance so that their dust covers can open fully.

The manufacturer publishes an overall rack width of 660mm and depth of 420mm but does not state the precise usable dimensions of the decoupled platform. Compatibility with unusually wide, deep or heavy equipment should therefore be confirmed before purchase.

Cable Management and Access

The open-sided construction gives easy access to signal, speaker and mains connections.

Leave enough slack in each cable to avoid pulling on component sockets or transferring unnecessary tension through the rack.

Where practical, keep mains leads and low-level analogue, keep mains leads and low signal cables apart. Turntable and phono-stage cables are particularly sensitive and should be routed away from power supplies and mains transformers.

Care and Maintenance

Dust the timber using a clean, soft and dry cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, silicone sprays and conventional furniture polish unless Little HiFi Racks has confirmed that the product is suitable for its satin finish.

Spills should be removed promptly, and hot equipment should never be placed directly against the timber without the required ventilation clearance.

Key Features

• Full-width modular Hi-Fi equipment rack
• Priced and supplied per individual level
• Add further levels as the system grows
• Mix Standard, Medium and Large shelf heights
• Two-stage isolation on every level
• Spiked connections between adjoining modules
• Softly decoupled equipment platform
• Substantial timber construction
• Suitable for turntables and electronic components
• Open design for ventilation and cable access
• Handmade in the UK
• Traditional cabinetmaking construction
• Hard-wearing satin finish
• Hard Rock Maple, White Oak or Black Walnut
• Custom timbers and finishes may be available

Frequently Asked Questions