MDF Rack dampening question

The MDF itself is on the verge of providing to much damping,all that saw dust and glue. I once had a Michael Green stand which came with steel all thread rods that made the shelfs adjustable. Replacing the steel with brass made for a dramatic improvement in stage and dynamics,the rods where grounded/coupled with Audipoints. As Stan suggested I would not shut your system down with the use of sand or lead shot. Steel or brass bearings would be much better but costly. The kitty litter maybe the best value. I would fill the tubes only 1/3 at a time and then listen to the same familar recording at the same volume level, adding more each time until you hear the stage dynamics begin to shut down...and then stop. You may not get to fill the rods to the top. You will hear a difference with each additional pour. Tom

I filled the vertical tubular columns with sand. They used to ding like a bell when tapped, now it's a thud.

The shelves are relatively thin, and transmit vibrations easily. I'm going to try some dampening sheets under each (Dynamat Extreme)

How can I tell if the shelves are MDF or particle board? They're completely painted smooth flat black. How does that make a difference in my strategy?

I see many put their equipment on top of butcher block or other thick wood platforms with some isolators (cones, etc.)

Thanks!

Can you supply the manufacturer and model name/ number?

StudioTech hf-4

Just looked at the specs, says its medium density fiber board.

Wondering how much a low end rack is really affecting the sound..

What type of sand did you use?