Home Theater AV Rack Best Practices & Setup | Layout, Wiring, Cable Management

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When you start planning your ultimate home theater an important aspect to consider is where you will set up all your home theater equipment. If you have separate components and multiple gaming consoles, you’ll find that you might need a considerable amount of space. One of the best ways to house your gear is in a commercial-like equipment rack. These types of racks have been used for decades in data centers, studios, concert halls, and high-performance home theaters. We like them because they are very easy to service and make changing things out as you upgrade super simple. This video will go over how to plan out your ultimate rack setup and give you some tips that will help make you really proud of the outcome.
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[@harrisonlainhart8754]

I really like the idea of making a spreadsheet first for all the components. Great trick!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@webberfan1234]

I like it too. I’m gonna try it

[@jessestone785]

@Dwight A. Spencer - LOL, way to make a simple solution wayyyyy too complicated!

[@RandyMarsh303]

Concise, eloquent, well paced, and great advice. The perfect 5min youtube video!

[@AudioAdvice]

Wow, thanks!

[@paulcarroll627]

Very professional and well laid out and installed.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks very much!

[@chrisgargiulo304]

Very informative video on a mostly overlooked, but necessary A/V component.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it

[@StaK_1980]

Good, old-school teaching video. I kind of miss those. I'm usually looking at PC stuff when looking at racks, nice to see most of the tips there are interchangable with AV . Thank you for this video!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ray__E]

This was a very informative video. My family is getting a new home built near Charlotte. I'm definitely visiting you guys to help me set up our home theater system.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you. The team at our Pineville store will be happy to help you out.

[@brazillm10]

Great video. Thanks for providing content on this subject. Oftentimes the the rack is overlooked.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@collinbrown4726]

Excellent video on rack wiring..

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it!

[@SmartAVControl]

nice design and structure, this rack really cool!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you very much!

[@PWingert1966]

I also label the shelves and the equipment so I can log changes and updates as well as repairs. In my case I have to change apartments on a regular basis every couple of years as rents increase. So, its nice to have shelves and equipment labels so it can be put back together very quickly after the move.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great tips again! Thanks!

[@confirmhandle]

Ha I knew blue would be master network in 😅. Good choice!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks!

[@cliftonprofessorxmcpherson9960]

Excellent advice and very well said.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you!

[@jeremiahglass8262]

Excellent videos guys! Keep them coming…

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks! We have a great time producing these, there are plenty more in the works!

[@decalsnstuff9444]

i worked for best buy's Magnolia division till I had 10 heart attacks n 3 strokes. I watched a few video's and they are AMAZING!!!!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@aggielonghorn]

I have wire and cable purgatory behind my 15 device setup. The shelf is open back. Fortunately, the devices somewhat mask all the wires, but at some point, I would like to tie up those cables and make them beautiful like your setup.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it, it does take time and patience to get it looking nice. Thanks for watching

[@PWingert1966]

There are rack systems on rails that can slide out the entire rack or you can get a platform to put the rack on that slide out as well. I prefer a panel in the rear wall behind the rack that leads to another room, and you can get to the rack from there instead. A light switch on the door panel to turn on the rack cabinet lights when it opens or a motion sensor under the cabinet light works well. Make sure it is USB rechargeable.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing! Great tips!

[@colincrandall8799]

Great video. Can a A/V rack share space with a networking rack?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you. Yes that should be fine

[@kdm313]

Wow that’s was interesting. Thank You

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching

[@Espiritiv]

Whats crazy is that i really like that clients taste in mini Kitchen. Can you ask what backsplash and countertops they used!!!?

[@ryderholland]

What are your thoughts on having the cables terminated in patch panels on the wall with an umbilical coming off the rack and connecting to the panels? This allows you to completely detach the rack and makes for easier maintenance.

[@AudioAdvice]

That can work too, it is one or two more sets of connections, based on how the panel terminates, but is nice. Thanks for watching

[@santhosht9349]

VERY NICE PRESENTATION WAITING FOR NEST VIDEO

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you!

[@Dibbo1979]

Great video. I wish you did a full install video on how everything works

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks very much. Here is the video on the full installation kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGSuaHp8bNmtarM Thanks for watching!

[@confirmhandle]

Great job !

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks very much!

[@prjay]

Please show how to configure the remotes(controling in general) and make them work if the rack is out of sight

[@AudioAdvice]

You need a control system of some sort. Thanks for watching

[@Thros1]

@@AudioAdvice like what?

[@AudioAdvice]

@@Thros1 Control 4, URC, Savant etc.

[@dmark2639]

Rack casters are well worth the additional expense!

[@AudioAdvice]

Most certainly, and the bigger the better so they roll easy! Thanks for watching

[@shmulylehrer]

I’m curious what you do with power cords that have the bricks middle? Love how clean it is, I’m trying to get better at it and usually start off nicely but lose patience too fast and never get right. Would love a workshop for this.

[@AudioAdvice]

Those are always more challenging. You have to find a way to tie them down in the group of cables. Thanks for watching!

[@jessestone785]

What the heck is a “bricks middle”??

[@MellowMediaDesign]

Really like the video, so please don't take this the wrong way, but for a company of your status and size I was expecting a little better cable management. I'm sure your volume is much higher than ours, so maybe its just production time, and cant afford to dress it to the nines? Or in your experience have you found that to be more of a hassle? Maybe this is a moving target type project. Really just curiosity, the point is you can access all the equipment from the rear, understand cable paths and connections so it is definitely acceptable. With how beautiful your finish outs are in the theater, I guess I just expected that over the top attention to detail, would apply to the rack as well. Constructively, I think just adding lacer bars to this rack would have improved it significantly. Again, great project and I'm only asking from an objective stand point.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question- We used to dress everything to the nines going so far as custom making cables to the exact lengths. The racks were incredibly beautiful from the rear. We found those racks much harder to service over time and make changes to as the gear evolved. We moved to this method over 10 years ago and it has made servicing gear far simpler and faster. Plus in asking our customers, they could care less how it looked from the back in most cases, they prefer faster and less expensive service. Thanks for watching

[@gumbygreeneye3655]

I’ve done beautiful wire management under desks and in complex guitar pedal board and people would comment on how cool it looked. I hated servicing them or taking out a pedal. Don’t do it any more.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Thank you for the advices. I am awaiting a cabinet rack even though I am a headphone user but I have 4 dacs, 4 amps and a switcher (did I miss any 🤔) which are taking up desktop space hence the purchase of a rack cabinet.

[@AudioAdvice]

Sounds like quite the system. Good luck with the rack build!

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@AudioAdvice wanted different sound from the chips but sold the Topping D90SE as it was too bright for me. My favorite is currently the Gustard R26.

[@eflizotte]

I use colored zips to label cables… every piece of gear gets a color and it’s HDMI, network and power cables get the same color zip on the end of the cable to easily ID it

[@AudioAdvice]

You are doing it right!

[@Hondasociety92]

How long does it take you to build a rack like this from beginning to end?

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question. Usually a day or two. Thanks for watching

[@bumboclawd1542]

Not gonna lie this rack needs some love

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching.

[@johnkilkenny9747]

Thanks for the video. What brand of Rack is this. Do you sell stand-alone for DIY?

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it. The brand is Strong. Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to get more information.

[@ZackCrain]

what is the power supply/fan system used in your unit?

[@AudioAdvice]

There is both a power conditioner with surge protection and an active fan system for cooling in the rack. Thanks for watching

[@ramsayzaki]

Any thoughts on grounding the rack on the components in it?

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question. Typically, you don't need to do that. However, we recommend you chat or call with our experts at audioadvice.com for more info.

[@extramail850]

Is it preferred to bring in the main wire trunk through the bottom or the top?

[@AudioAdvice]

It really depends on the situation. Thanks for watching

[@nachowifi2181]

I love this!! Question though, If the rack door is closed, where does the intake fan draw cool air?

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you like it. The rack has active ventilation that draws from the bottom and rear and sends it out the top. We used a brand called Cool Components. Thanks for watching

[@nachowifi2181]

@@AudioAdvice audio advice rocks!! Thank you!!

[@AudioAdvice]

@@nachowifi2181 Glad we could be helpful.

[@hiramb7956]

Any recommendation on the type (Make/Models) of Ethernet Switch to use for AV Rack Equipment?

[@AudioAdvice]

There are many great options! We recommend you chat or call one of our home theater experts at audioadvice.com to get the best one for your system!

[@brothergrubenski2603]

Whats the cooking system you use ? Are the rack mounted ? With the glass door closed. I guess it takes air from underneath the rack and there is an exhaust fan at the top.

[@AudioAdvice]

Cool Components is the brand, it is active rack ventilation. Thanks for watching

[@FrankieKennethL]

Can you link to the cabinet cooling apparatus that’s mentioned that does the push pull of air please

[@AudioAdvice]

www.coolcomponents.com/

[@sammy8768594]

So if you trying to change the channel or adjust the audio do you have to open the door and go back to the rack?

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question. No- the Control 4 remote talks to the C4 processor in the rack which issues all the commands. Thanks for watching

[@hsuroy2393]

Thank your video. I really like this Rack, can you share more information about that or website ?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks! This is the rack we used www.snapav.com/shop/en/snapav/floor-standing/strong-trade%3B-signature-series-premium-enclosure---25-depth-32u-sr-av-cab-32u-25in Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com for more information, thanks for watching

[@olugbengaatilola7695]

​ @AudioAdvice Curious - What specific cooling fan system was used in the rack?

[@AudioAdvice]

There are a couple of pieces from Cool Components in there. www.coolcomponents.com/ Thanks for watching

[@olugbengaatilola7695]

@@AudioAdvice Thanks for the reply. Would you mind sharing what pieces were used where and why?

[@jsmith5298]

Do you know of any good memorial weekend sales for AV equipment?

[@AudioAdvice]

Check out our website audioadvice.com and subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss any content or sales! Thanks for watching!

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

I need some assistance. I have cable box and a Roku, should both connect through the receiver first. But, when we want to just watch news or a TV show without going through all of our speakers how would we make this connection? We’d just like to use the TV’s speakers for news programs and regular TV shows. And is it possible to set up the receiver so that when we turn on the Roku box it “triggers” the receiver to come on automatically? Our receiver is a Marantz SR5010. Thx

[@AudioAdvice]

Some of the things you want to do can be done, but you would need a receiver with CEC control, which the SR5010 probably does not have or is too early to work well. You might be best to contact a local home automation company for help. Thanks for watching

[@ekkojohn]

If I may ask, what is the Apple TV sitting on?

[@AudioAdvice]

Its a Roku player, thanks for watching

[@Espiritiv]

What label maker do you guys use when installing cables?

[@AudioAdvice]

We like the Brady label makers. Have used them for years. Thanks for watching

[@Espiritiv]

@@AudioAdvice thank you!

[@CharizardSnyper]

Do you have any videos that explains what audio equipment does what? I see a lot of people on reddit with 3-5 additional amps along side their high end av receiver

[@AudioAdvice]

At this time we do not, but what you are referring to are when people add separate power amps to the home theater receiver. Some home theater receivers have the connections that allow you to bypass the internal amp and upgrade to a bigger, separate power amp, which makes your speakers really come alive. Hope this helps and thanks for watching

[@CharizardSnyper]

@@AudioAdvice it helps. I don't know how to phrase this question in a way Google would understand it but I was wondering if the total output wattage would be 200 watts (100 watt receiver + a 100 watt amp using banana plugs/speaker wire)?

[@jorgeguzman6563]

How many designated outlets did you use for the rack?

[@AudioAdvice]

It’s been a while since we did this video but we think it was 4 Thanks for watching

[@mskiby]

how do you play / control PS5 remote when in the AV rack? (assuming rack is away in closet from display)

[@AudioAdvice]

It is actually very close to the room and the handsets work fine

[@testthisfordecficiencies]

Love AV vids! Keep at it! From a pro, this rack could be improved. Lacing bars are needed. No zipties on twisted pair. Its over populated. Labels aren't even. Cables should come from the top. I am sure I can come up with more but I am a programmer and I like to nit pick the techs when I can.

[@athradian4752]

Reasoning for the wires coming from the top? Just curious thanks!

[@squared80]

Why put the heavier items on the bottom? My AVR will weigh about 70lbs. and I plan to put it on top for easy access.

[@AudioAdvice]

It keeps the rack from being top heavy when you try to roll it around. We were mainly referring to when you use many heavy power amps though, your plan is fine

[@passwordistequila5004]

Great video. Can you provide a link or model number for the rack used in the video?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching! Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com if you are interested in purchasing or would like more information. www.snapav.com/shop/en/snapav/racks-signature-series/strong-trade%3B-signature-series-premium-enclosure---25-depth-32u-sr-av-cab-32u-25in

[@applikai]

Is it ok to put the rack in the media room?

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question. It really depends on how much noise is coming from the rack. In many cases we do it this way when it is a home theater receiver and source gear as none of those usually have any fans that make noise. When you get into one like we show here, the amps do have fans which are a bit noisy. Thanks for watching

[@WAWAWEEWA56]

Alright I have a new build house. The rack is upstairs in my master closet. The house was prewired. I have two Ethernet cables running to my main tv. How do I get my PS5 to stay in the server rack like this but have it running on the downstairs tv. I have a 24 port POE+ switch.

[@AudioAdvice]

You probably can not as in this application the system is just a few feet away and the controllers can talk to it. You should probably reach out to an installation professional in your area to come have a look

[@HoundDogCatia]

How loud does this rack get with the active cooling?

[@AudioAdvice]

Not loud at all, the fans are very quiet.

[@HoundDogCatia]

@AudioAdvice thanks, appreciate the quick reply. Good to know as I'll be throwing in the back of my theater but will be a good 12 feet from the main listen positions.

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

what size was the rack .?.and how many u was it..?..

[@AudioAdvice]

This was just used as an example but if we remember right it was 27U. Thanks for watching

[@HoundDogCatia]

He says that it is 32U in the beginning of the video.

[@Ghostman1846]

Lose the multi-color swipe between scenes. Holy Epilepsy Batman!! More horizontal cable management would be beneficial. And I'd be fired for using Electrical Twist Caps for the speaker runs. Someone didn't plan ahead. :(

[@jessestone785]

Two observations: FIRST, a rack unit is 1-7/8”, NOT 1.75”; SECOND, any power conditioner or battery/surge protector equipment should be on the top shelf! .. for two reasons: if it is a battery backup/surge protection unit such as the APC J35B, the hot-swappable battery pack is heavy and difficult to replace if not at shoulder level AND the voltage meter isn’t visible if on a low shelf; if it’s a line voltage conditioner such as a Furman Elite it has lighting “pullouts” that can help you see your equipment under poor lighting conditions. Always put this type of equipment on the top shelf regardless of weight (they don’t weigh that much!) The rest of this video is great advice!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sonyx5332]

The only thing here that worries me inside such rack is the PS5. It is going to get heated very fast if used a lot and inside such rack.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, without ventilation that would be problem, fortunately this rack has active fans. Thanks for watching

[@victorpulos823]

For me I only have avr and 4k Blu-ray player also I save $$$

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, 4k Blu-ray is by far the best value and performance for the money

[@bingdong8571]

My best practice was to not spend 1000 dollars on a professional rack.. Amazon basics has a black steel wheeled shelving rack, exactly 19" wide! Its only like 3 feet tall so I bolted 2 together. 80 bucks for 2, changed the casters for more beefy ones, 20 bucks, so 100 bucks total. Holds 2 emotive xpas, an rmc1, another 2 smaller amps, 4k player, ps, etc. If I have to save money anywhere it will be for non performance equipment

[@AudioAdvice]

We love a good DIY project! Sounds like it worked out well.

[@rjdp3]

They put the rack in the place of the fridge?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, it was the perfect spot for it! Thanks for watching

[@rjdp3]

@@AudioAdvice solid tips… keep going 😃

[@TheZeus168]

Velcro ties - ALWAYS! Zip ties are great until you want to move stuff around.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, combos of each type are a good way to go. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@googoo-gjoob]

0:01 thats the closest anyone has come to pronouncing all 5 syllables!!!

[@Immortan_Bob]

4:31 Exactly where that PS5 belongs, where no one will ever have to actually look at it.

[@AudioAdvice]

Ha Ha, thanks for sharing

[@jackhildebrand4323]

I was watching the video until I saw the wire nuts...... :o(

[@crypto_demon]

I do not understand why would someone place XBOX and PS5 in the rack which is in the kitchen? How can they play PS or XBOX from living room then?

[@AudioAdvice]

In this particular example, the seating is just on the other side of the right wall in the theater, it all works fantastic. Thanks for watching

[@joeydavis503]

that back is a lil messy..

[@nickz6143]

I don’t know, these racks look like a giant pain in the ass when adding or re wiring. Everything looks too compact and tight.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, it is harder than a shelf system, but if you plan properly for future upgrades, its not too bad

[@thebigdoghimself]

I did 2x 42u units bolted together last year. I was shocked at the accessory cost. The price of high quality shelves is ridiculous. Even with two racks I ran into space issues so I mounted all my network gear on the back rail, which works out since I can access the rack from all four sides. Your wiring looks really nice, I have so many wires it looks like a rat's nest.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes 2 42U racks is a lot of gear and makes for quite the challenge to keep the wiring neat. Thanks for watching

[@dmark2639]

To save money, look for rack ear kits from the manufacturer of the gear you are using. Not every piece of gear will need its own shelf if it is able to be rack mounted directly to the rails... Also, you can stack a few components on top of each other on one shelf if you have to...

[@thebigdoghimself]

@@dmark2639 thx, I did try to mount things like the apc battery backup units as well as my Furman and apc voltage regulators. Overall the racks turned out great, it was just a shock because I budgeted $2300 for the two racks and it just never occurred to me that I then needed to add in another 1k for shelves!

[@testthisfordecficiencies]

@@thebigdoghimself LOL yeah, one pro rack like Middle Atlantic is over 2000 dollars.

[@thebigdoghimself]

@@testthisfordecficiencies I'm sorry Ted, what's your point?