If you had a choice of hiding a rack completely vs making it visible which one would you choose?

If you chose the hidden rack would have spend less money on the rack as it is not visible or will you spend the same amount of money on the rack whether it is visible or hidden.

I will have the following components:

1. Furman Power Conditioner
2. Denon 3311Ci
3. Bluray TBD
4. May be Apple TV
5. May be XBox
I do want to leave room for expansion

Given these components can you recommend a hidden floor standing rack with wheels and an in wall rack.

I have heard good things about MidAtlantic Slim 5 rack but I am not sure if it will meet my needs and I am not sure how deep and wide of a rack I should choose.


Thanks

What about something like this?

[Link: sanus.com]



[Link: sanus.com]

A visible built in rack is really cool, if the details are done correctly. I've done it with the slim 5. But even that model is 20" wide and requires having an opening specially framed for it. On one project we did an in wall rack with a painting in front of it. the painting was mounted on hinges so you could access the rack.

I'd hide it but the correct answer can only be answered by you. Do you want to impress the girls or do you want the stuff out of the way? I typically hide all my clients racks but get custom faces for the ultra clean look. The way I see it, the novelty of seeing the gear wears off in a week. YMMV

The blank plates and special shelves add up. I really don't know how much money you'd save.

If you put a lot of effort and money into making it look nice, you might want to show off your handiwork.

The most important thing to remember is the wife. My wife doesn't mind seeing the equipment but hates all the lights.

Just unplug the fans!!!! From 30' feet away behind a closed door they're still way too loud. Also make sure to remove the sides and go over every single nut to make sure they're tight and check the rails to make sure they're level.

Other than that, not bad!

The Mid Atlantic RDR series is nice! Comes complete with wheels and all the trimmings. Can add to it later if you want face plates etc.

Hide it......most people don't appreciate it anyway!

Should work fine for the CE products listen in the OP. I would have suggested an "AV Stand" but he asked for something with wheels.

Based on your suggestions and Wife Approval Factor I have decided to hide the rack.
I wanted a rack with wheels because the rack will go in a closet and I wanted the ability to move it so I can get behind it.
Both Sanus and Mid Atlantic RDR seriers look great.
If I go with Mid Atlantic RDR and if the fans are loud I will not order the fan kit.
I will check the Sanus racks to see if the fans can be turned on and off.

Thank you so much for your suggestions.

If in a closet, you may have to have ventilation.

What's above or adjacent to the closet? Attic?

The question is where would it go if you had to hide it? What would the access be like?
You still need to get to the blueray player and Xbox. Make you can do so very easily, as this will trump any other decision.

I am finishing my look out basement.
The living room is 27 by 17. This is where the theater will go.
It shares a wall with a bedroom that is 18 by 17.
So my plan is to put the rack in a closet in the bedroom.
The equipment is easily accessible so I have no problem in putting the bluray disc in it. Since I plan to have a rack with wheels it will help me in gain access to the rear of the rack to make changes.
The bedroom also has a wall that is next to unfinished area.
I have never put my AV rack in a closet this is why I am confused by the ventillation needs and methods.

Thanks for taking the time to make comments.

Both.

Built in with a door that you can close when you want to show it off.

Ventilation will probably be required, so you should investigate fan noise levels before you start.


Or open when you want to hide it.