rack system

im going to start building a rack system, but not exactly sure how to put everything together. i plan on getting mesa triaxis preamp and a mesa 2:100 stereo power amp and i've been told that you connect everything in a rack system with instrument cables except for cabinets, which you use speaker cables...am i correct? i also plan to get a midi foot controller, but don't know which one to get...any suggestions? and also, do u use an instrument cable when connecting the midi controller to your amps,effects, etc? does anyone know about how much money a mesa triaxis preamp and 2:100 rectifier stereo power amp costs? and also, does anyone have any opinions on marshall power amps vs mesa power amps?

You're lookin' at around ~$2,000 for the traxis and 2:100. Throw in another $500 for a Ground Controll midi foot controller. Then another $300-1,000 for an effects unit if you need one (something like a G-Major). Then about $150 for the rack. Use high quality instrument cables, such as George L's or Mogomi to connect the effects processor to the preamp and the preamp to the power amp, and use speaker cable from the power amp to the cab. I'm not sure how the triaxis, effects processor, and midi controller would all be connected. Since the triaxis and processor are both controlled by midi. Whichever way, midi cable will connect all that together. You might also want to look into a rack mounted tuner and power conditioner.

You're looking at around $4,000 right there (and that's if you buy used).

I was into the rack setup once. I had about $1,000 in mine though. I had a Peavey Rockmaster preamp (this is one bad ass mofo), a Peavey Classic 50/50 power amp, G-Major, Furman power conditioner, some midi buddy footcontroller, and an SKB rack. This was one rockin' rig that I would have put up against any high doller rack system. Just something else for you to think about.

ok, thnx. i think im gonna get a marshall power amp instead because my friend said he'd sell his to me. would a marshall power amp work with a mesa cabinet? and is a midi cable the same as an instrument cable? i also have some foot pedals that i would like to still use, if i get a power conditioner, would those be able to power my pedals?....i have a DC brick power supply, which i use to power my pedals right now

Yes, you can use a Marshall amp with a Mesa cabinet as long as you make sure the impedence matches, i.e. 4ohm amp with 4ohm cab. Midi cable is not the same as instrument cable. A power conditioner is not much different than a surge protector/power strip. I would still use the DC Brick. Feel free to use www.google.com to search for this stuff anytime. It's quite easy to find some of the info you seek.

First of all, DON'T get a 2:100, that was designed with the Rectifier Recording Preamp in mind. The 2:90 is the one configured especially for the Triaxis. Also, go to Eurotubes.com and email Bob. Ask him to quote you for a full retube of both units. The tubes Mesa install are cheap as hell and far too cold. Bob will hook you up with the same set used by Petrucci, Hettfield, Satriani or whatever sound you specify. As far as a midi foot controller goes, the standard for the Triaxis is the Abacus.
Prices (I've spent the past few months hunting the same rack down) are as follows:
Triaxis V.2 with Fat Mod $950-$1100 depending on how old it is and whether it has been retubed or not.
Simil-Class 2:90 $650 - $850 depending again on tubes and age.
I did a lot of research and most independent reviews say to go with the 2:90 rather than a Marshall or someother poweramp. I ran my Triaxis through a Samson Servo 170 and it sounded crap compared to the 2:90. No comparison.
You should also look at getting a noise reduction unit as the Triaxis is quite noisy 9AC hum and electrical frequencies). The BEST you can get is the ISP Decimator. It's the latest from the guy who invented the Rocktron Super Hush C but is leagues ahead in technology.
Good luck on E-Bay!!