Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Mar 20, 2004 05:32am | #1

   I can't think of a complete solution right off the bat.  Here are a few thoughts which come to mind.

   Can the CD's be layed in drawers like spices in a spice rack drawer?  In other words, the CD's, rather than being layed flat, are tilted up at an angle, say, 30°, with the one behind tucked underneath a little bit.  They lay on a zig-zag sort of rack.  You would not be able to see the complete front, but most of it, and that may be enough to recognize them.

   Another idea might be a drawer where you flip through CD's stacked front to back, much like they are arranged in stores.

   Maybe something other than a cabinet.  How about a circular rack which spins like a lasy susan.  It could contain frames which would hold say 9 or 12 CD's and flip like pages in a book, like the display racks where you flip through posters in a poster store.

   If bright lighting helps, you may be able to incorporate it into the design or nearby.

   I believe they also make CD changers which hold near 100 CD's.  But, I don't know what they cost, nor whether any come with a display which is clearly readable.

   There may be associations and other web sites which can put you in contact with people more familiar with design requirements for special situations.

1. 
   LeeEschen | Mar 20, 2004 09:16am | #2

   Actually, they make them to hold as many as 400 CD's/DVD's, any mix. Crutchfield carrys them: http://www.crutchfield.com/ Here is quoted text from the online catalogue description.

   "The Sony DVP-CX985V is a terrific multi-purpose addition to any A/V system. It combines top-notch progressive-scan DVD picture quality with the ability to store and organize an entire collection of DVDs and music discs — up to 400 discs total! In addition to regular CDs, the DVP-CX985V plays both stereo and multichannel SACDs (Super Audio CDs) — a new disc format that reproduces music with greater realism. Sony's Disc Explorer™ displays a list of every loaded disc on your TV screen, and lets you access discs either alphabetically by title or by slot number."

   This is the way to for keeping your DVD's and CD's organized.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon;

   Gateway to the Oregon Caves

2. 
   ian | Mar 22, 2004 12:16pm | #3

   Alan

   I think Wayne has the way of it, a CD stacker/changer or two or three !

   The only thing I'd add is take the inserts out of the CD cases and place in an album in the same order that the disks are in the changer or any other order so long as you know what position in which changer the Stones "Black & Blue" is stored. 

   Ian

3. 
   CheekyMonkey | Mar 22, 2004 11:05pm | #4

   Building on what said, you might consider removing both the CDs and the liner notes from the plastic jewel cases and putting them into CD albums. Once you get rid of all the plastic jewel cases, it is amazing how many CDs can be stored in a small space, and be accessed more easily. If you go this route, and alphabetize them, remember to leave some open slots, so adding new disks does not require a comeplete re-alphabetization.

1. 
   RoyinMD | Mar 23, 2004 12:49am | #5

   My CD collection is approaching the 500 mark. Your right, thats a lot of space. I would never consider getting rid of the jewel cases because some are always being moved around to the different places they are used. I rotate 10 to 12 to work, 6 to 8 to the family/wifes car and 3 places in the house (diningroom/kitchen, den and son's room). I store around 340 on two black walnut wall shelves/cases (multi-shelves). The CD's sit on the shelves like books (vertical). I'll guess the sizes, one at 9 1/2 wide x 4 shelves and the second 16 1/2 wide x 6 shelves.  I organized them on the dining room table before filling the shelves. And right, leave blank spaces.

   Enough background, back on topic. I think 12 drawers would be a real pain. Maybe 3 or 4 larger drawers with 3 or 4 rows of CD's per drawer.

   I thought about the multichangers a few times. The newer models have a USB interface to the computer. They come in a bunch of capacities but they are slow to change disks, a pain to fill up and hard to get back at a certain disk for transport. IMHO

   Turn up the tunes!

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   Alan | Mar 23, 2004 02:04am | #6

   Roy, and all others,

   For many reasons ,right now a "fix" of my design problem won't include acquisition of another piece of audio equipment.

   I've thought about using fewer drawers.  If I used one 18" or 24" wide drawer per tier, the cabinet would likely look less top-heavy.  But I'm worried that when one wide drawer is pulled out, the shift of weight might cause the cabinet to tip.  I've seen what can happen when the weight of CDs isn't  taken into consideration.

   Thanks again to all.  I guess I'll keep trying different arrangements of the necessary elements of the cabinet.

   Alan

1. 
   jasonmcbain | Mar 23, 2004 04:38pm | #7

   i would look into more of a side board or credenza design rather than a verical cabinet you could lower the center of gravity and the effect of one drawer being pulled out. this is what i did and i like how it turned out. i used pull out shelves with cd flippers that you can buy from rockler in the side doors and equipment in the middle doors.