This looks interesting, I have so many questions!
I assume it takes up two slots that way instead of one right?
Did you screw through the rubber stoppers? Or are you just using pressure from the knots to keep the HDD in place? I see screws resting on the stoppers but it doesn't look like they go through it.
How well has it been holding up? Looks like you've had it for over a year now. And would something like this work?
Thanks for the detailed response. I currently only have one drive that I hear audibly when it spins up, so I guess I'd continue to hear that. I might end up moving it to the closet like you did depending on what the noise profile is like. Only other consideration now is that I can buy a new 7 XL off FB marketplace with TG side panel for C$190 or buy the solid side panel version new for C$372 (+tax and shipping). I might end up with the TG version and store it in the closet for the cost savings.
I eded up going with the Define 7 XL with dark TG side panel because of the deal I got on it. So far I have 4 HDDs (including an X16 Exos drive) and 4 fans in it. Like u/ben7337 suggested, I put it in a closet about 15ft from me and I can't hear anything at all so this worked out pretty well. Will be adding more exos drives now that I'm more confident in the noise isolation.