Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Less is More with Lack


Materials: LACK Side table on casters

Description: We streamlined our computer, TV, and high-end stereo system into one elegant system and wanted a simple, modern, unobtrusive way to display the amplifier and monitor.

The Lack side table perfectly fit the amp, is sturdy enough hold the 24"iMac, and has wheels so we can roll it away when not in use or position perfectly for TV or stereo use.



1. Cut a whole in the top of the table so the iMac cables can run inside and be hidden. Cover with a standard computer desk grommet.

2. Cut a piece of matching melamine board to make a removable back panel. Cut a hole in the panel and cover with another grommet, allowing cables to come out the back. Line edges with thin felt so the panel fits securely in place but allows easy access. We bundled the power, speaker and cable line in a braided cable sleeve so they're neat and protected, giving a "tail" effect.

Voila! People love to see this and don't even understand how something so small and simple can work. Good-bye gigantic home electronics stations!

~ Gail Wilkins, New York, NY

24 comments:

  1. Really love it! Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really love it! Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. an overpriced computer, plugged into an overpriced amp
    and a lack table with some cable management...wow, "great
    hack".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How does this contribute constructively to the conversation? How would you improve this or make something better?

      This is using an item differently than advertised/intended by Ikea. Some of the best 'Ikea Hacks' are very simple.

      Delete
    2. Agreed, Jenny. I love how people who say "wow this sucks" are almost always anonymous.

      Not saying you need to give a true last name and street address, but anonymous? Really?

      Enough said. Glad this person submitted this. Someone around here once said "everyone hacks a lack at one point or another." Welcome to hackerville! :)

      Delete
  4. Love this idea. Two questions...

    Is the Mac secured to the table in anyway?

    Where do you get that braided cable sleeve?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually have the very same two questions…

      Delete
  5. What an interesting hack!

    An expensive Macintosh computer with an even expensive Mcintosh amplifier on a cheapest rack.

    I like your idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, My husband loves Mac, but after you get one, you find yourself needing to economize. A lack is a perfect solution! Much rather use the money to get the best computer I can, and then, as you say, economize on the rack.

      Delete
    2. ...more like the most overpriced piece of crap computer.

      Delete
    3. The Lack series may be cheap but it has excellent characteristics for audio/video equipment. Because of the structure of board and paper it doesn't "ring" like some of the very expensive audio racks with glass shelves do.

      I use a Lack table for my Rega record player: it never sounded so good and all vibrations are damped. And it matches to the Rega finish as well.

      Delete
  6. If I would have the money to buy McIntosh amps, I would never never never put im in such a small box where they will burn themselves to death. They produce a hell of heat. and it has like no breating space.. especially with this backpanel.

    but optic is great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's more than enough room above the amp, so I don't think space is an issue for cooling. Worst case it may be inconvenient if hot air is emitted from the front (lik e hot air output of my HP laptop on the right side, where you're hand and your mouse is....).

      Delete
    2. Unlike some of the commenters here, i also own McIntosh and Macintosh products. I bought my vintage McIntosh amps from a reputable reseller, used them for three years, and then sold them for more than what i paid. Try that with a Sony.

      Delete
    3. it's not that much space above.. maybe 7 8 cm? I would be affraid of overheating cause the air can just flow through the front.

      so where should the colder air come from? I suppose a heat accomulation.

      Delete
  7. I'm jealous of your amp, and the whole set-up looks really nice. I'd tend to agree about the heat issue, though....

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very clean and modern. Great idea!

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  9. Why are you running the power cable and the speaker cables for the amp right beside each other? Won't there be some kind of noise/interference, especially with the power a Mcintosh amp can draw? The single red cable conduit seems like form over function.

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  10. Where did you get the braided cable sleeve?

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  11. I really want to see more of the girl reflecting on the screen.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nothing says "elegant" like bright cords spewing out of the back ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow a lot of Mac haters out there... If you could afford to buy one - give it a week - then you would understand, my friends!
    Simply amazing. Unlike the glitchy windows pc.
    There's a reason why they're priced the way they are - because you aren't required to upgrade every year or two because they crap out on you! You're set for quite some time with a Mac!

    That's for you, Steve!

    ReplyDelete

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