Comparison Guizu SRW-3A vs NorStone Stabbl HIFI

The number of individual shelves provided in the design of the Hi-Fi pedestal or its extension (see "Type"). However, extensions, by definition, consist of one shelf, but in cabinets this number can be different (in some models — up to eight). At the same time, we recall that most of the cabinets are made single-section, and the number of shelves in such structures is actually equal to the number of tiers. In two-section models, respectively, there are half as many tiers as shelves.

Anyway, this figure actually describes the capacity of the product: it is assumed that each shelf will be used for a separate component of the Hi-Fi audio system.

The presence of acoustic spikes in the design of the stand.

Such spikes are pointed protrusions on which the structure rests during installation. To avoid damage to the floor, you can use special protective pads with such protrusions (colloquially — "pyataki"); some models are initially equipped with similar overlays, for others, protection must be purchased separately.

Anyway, both acoustic stands and various designs for Hi-Fi equipment can be equipped with spikes (see "Type"). Depending on the application, the function of such devices will also be different. So, in models for speakers, spikes reduce the area of contact with the floor, increasing pressure and providing the most rigid connection of the rack (and, through it, the speaker cabinet) with the supporting surface. Due to this, unnecessary ("parasitic") vibrations that occur in the speaker cabinet are extinguished, and the sound quality improves; more details about the specific nuances of using spikes for speakers can be found in special sources. In extensions for Hi-Fi cabinets, spikes can also perform another function — they work as clamps (for more details, see "Type"). And in fact, in the cabinets, this piece of equipment plays a predominantly decorative role. Also, in all cases, the spikes are usually made adjustable in height, which allows you to adjust the fulcrum to the unevenness of the floor.

The largest weight of equipment that can be placed on a given piece of furniture.

It is worth considering that in multi-tiered Hi-Fi cabinets (see "Type") the allowable weight may be indicated in different ways. If this paragraph indicates one number without additional clarifications, then it should be considered as the maximum load on the entire structure, which is divided “equally” between the shelves. For example, a cabinet with a 30 kg limit and three shelves will have a 10 kg limit per shelf. In some models, it may be specified that we are talking about the load on each individual shelf. Sometimes in such cases the load is distributed unevenly — most often the lowest tier is the most “hardy”, and it is its characteristics that are indicated as the main ones. Similar points in our catalog are specified in the notes.

The height of the shelves provided in the design of the Hi-Fi pedestal, in other words, the vertical distance between the individual tiers of the structure.

This information (along with the effective width and depth, see below) allows you to determine whether a particular audio system component will fit on the appropriate shelf. At the same time, this paragraph can indicate both one number and several. The first option means that the distance between all the shelves is the same. In the second case, the numbers indicate the height of individual shelves from highest to lowest; while the lower shelves are usually higher than the upper ones. For example, in single-section models (see “Number of sections”), the entry “1x280, 2x160” usually means that the second shelf is located at a distance of 280 mm from the first, and the distance between the shelves above is 160 mm. In two-section products, there are two shelves for each tier, so such a record must be “divided into two”. For example, the formula "2x260, 2x180" for such a model means one gap of 260 mm (between the first and second tiers) and one of 180 mm (between the second and third).

The effective width of the shelves provided in the design of the Hi-Fi cabinet or Hi-Fi stand (see "Type").

This term refers to the width of the space available to accommodate the equipment. In other words, the effective shelf width is, in fact, the largest width of an audio device that can be placed on it. This size is inevitably smaller than the total width of the structure (since part of the total width falls on the supports), but it is of great practical importance, and therefore it is specified in the characteristics.

Separately, we note that in two-section pedestals (see "Number of sections"), this paragraph gives the size of each individual shelf, and not the entire tier. And since the shelves in each tier of this design are arranged side by side, the effective width of each level is twice as large as the corresponding width of the shelf.

The effective depth of the shelves provided in the design of the Hi-Fi cabinet or Hi-Fi stand (see "Type").

Depth in this case refers to the size from the front to the back. And “effective” refers to the depth of space available for equipment placement. In other words, this is the greatest depth of an audio device that can be placed on a shelf. This size is inevitably less than the total depth of the pedestal (since part of the total size falls on the supports), however, it is of great practical importance, and therefore it is specified in the characteristics.

The thickness of all the shelves included in the design of the Hi-Fi cabinet, or the only shelf in the Hi-Fi stand (see "Type").

Other things being equal, thicker shelves have a positive effect on the strength and reliability of the structure; and in the case of Hi-Fi stands used with speakers, a large thickness helps dampen extraneous vibrations and improve sound clarity. On the other hand, this parameter directly affects the weight and cost of the structure. So manufacturers select the thickness based on a reasonable compromise between these points. And this size is practically significant only for the mentioned coasters; for Hi-Fi pedestals, it is more of a reference, and when choosing such a product, you should pay attention to more "close to life" characteristics — such as maximum load (see above).

The main material used in the construction of furniture.

Note that in different brands (and even in different models of the same brand), this characteristic can be designated differently. For example, for cabinets with metal shelves with wooden lining, one manufacturer may indicate the option "metal / wood", the other — only "metal". So if this parameter is fundamental for you, it's ok to further clarify the composition of the design using illustrations, reviews and other special sources.

In terms of specific materials, metal, wood and plastic are the most popular in modern acoustic furniture. However, they can be used both individually and in various combinations. Here is a more detailed description of the different options:

— Metal. The most popular material for furniture of all types nowadays; the only exception is Hi-Fi cabinets, where wood is more common — however, here it is often combined with metal. The specific composition of the metal may be different, but almost all options have a common set of advantages, which led to the prevalence of this option. Firstly, metal structures with the same allowable load have a smaller thickness and weight than wooden ones. Secondly, they are extremely durable and reliable, which allows you to create products for almost any weight (and in the case of wood, this is difficult). Thirdly, by properly...combining different metals and alloys in one construction, very good acoustic characteristics can be achieved (which is especially important for speaker stands). Fourthly, due to the variety of metals, furniture of any price category can be created from this material — from low-cost to elite. The design of metal products can be different, but most often it is a strict minimalist "hi-tech"; in this matter, the choice depends solely on the tastes of the user.

— Wood (MDF). Racks and pedestals made entirely or almost entirely of wood, more specifically medium density fibreboard. It is this material that is designated by the abbreviation "MDF". In acoustics, it is considered a good alternative to natural wood: MDF is almost as good as it in terms of acoustic properties, but it costs much less. On the other hand, this material is less durable and reliable than metal, which is why MDF products must be quite thick — otherwise they will not achieve the necessary strength. Accordingly, such models are quite heavy and more expensive than most metal counterparts. In light of all this, solid wood products are relatively rare nowadays, and they are chosen for two reasons. The first is the subjective preferences of the listener: some music lovers believe that a wooden speaker stand gives the sound a special warm colour that is inaccessible to metal (although this is more a matter of self-hypnosis than objective advantages). The second is an aesthetic point: some models use MDF with a veneer finish that mimics the texture of natural wood. However, note that such material may require special care.

— Metal / wood. Models in the design of which both materials described above are used. At the same time, specific combinations of wood and metal can be different. So, the standard option in Hi-Fi cabinets (see "Type") is a combination of wooden shelves with metal supports, and among acoustic stands there is both this option and the opposite — a wooden column with a platform and base made of metal. Anyway, from an objective point of view, the meaning in such a combination is more aesthetic than practical: the working properties of such products may be different, depending on the design features and selected materials. However, as with the all-wood constructions described above, some users find that the use of wood in speaker stands has a positive effect on sound coloration; this moment is purely subjective, but it can also significantly affect perception.

— Metal / glass. A relatively rare option is a combination of metal parts with glass. Usually, horizontal elements are made of glass (platforms and/or bases of racks, shelves of Hi-Fi pedestals), and vertical supports are made of metal, which bear the main load during use. The main advantage of such structures is a characteristic style that is perfect for high-tech interiors. On the other hand, even the thick tempered glass used in such structures does not withstand strong impacts well. In addition, such surfaces are easily contaminated, and to maintain cleanliness they need to be constantly wiped. That is why this combination is not popular. Note that most products in this design refer to racks (see "Type").

— Plastic. Plastic structures, sometimes supplemented with metal elements in the most "critical" places. The key advantage of plastic is its low cost, but this, in fact, exhausts its advantages. But the reliability of this material is rather low, it does not tolerate high loads; the situation can be corrected by the mentioned metal inserts, however, they significantly affect the cost. Also note that there are high-strength varieties of plastic, but they are also expensive, so in fact it is more reasonable to use metal instead of such materials. As a result, there are very few plastic products on the market — mainly wall-mounted models (see "Type") for home use, designed for light and low-power speakers.

General dimensions of the Hi-Fi pedestal (see "Type") in width and depth.

Recall that the depth in this case is the size from the front to the rear edge of the structure. In general, information about the dimensions is needed primarily in order to assess how much space you need to prepare for placing the cabinet and where it is better to put it. In addition, the overall width and depth determine how much shelf space will actually be available for mounting various equipment. However, the dimensions of this space are often specified separately in the characteristics — as the effective width and depth (see above); and when evaluating compatibility with various devices, it is best to use specialized dimensions rather than general dimensions. If the effective width and depth are not indicated in the specifications, it is worth proceeding from the fact that they are somewhere 150–200 mm smaller than the corresponding overall dimensions, and take the appropriate margin when selecting a cabinet for the existing components.