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Which Rack Is Better?

I am in the market for an audio rack, and I've narrowed my options down to three: in order of increasing cost, the Atlantis Reference, the Polycrystal, and the Zoethecus Reference. As I see it, the advantages of each are as follows:

1) The Atlantis Reference is very heavy and sturdy, it has a larger space at the bottom for a power amp, all shelves are 3/4-inch MDF and are spike-decoupled, and the price is only around $500.

2) The Polycrystal has anti-resonant shelves, and has adjustable spacing between shelves. It has been very well reviewed, and costs a lot more money.

3) The Zoethecus has the anti-resonant z-slab shelves, is superior aesthetically to the Polycrystal, and is even more expensive. I would need to special-order it, unless I could find one with a larger space at the bottom on Audiogon.

I believe that my system (Denon 1650AR/Bryston BP-20/Aragon 8008BB/Thiel 3.6/Pro-SilwayII/Oval9) is good enough that I would hear any significant sonic differences between the racks.

Which of these racks would be the better choice, i.e., would there be enough of an improvement over the Atlantis Reference to justify the higher cost?

Thanks for your input.

Alan
a_hayman
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
Two months ago I was in the market for a rack, so I did alot of research and narrowed it down to the Arcici Suspension and the Polycrystal. A local dealer who carries both claims they're both good, but that the Arcici is better. I saw 2 demo Polycrystals for sale at fatwyre.com.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I like the Salamander Synergy racks. Easy to customize (lots of optional configurations).
adsal7e18
250 posts
 
one of the best roack is COPULARE from germany
sean
6,229 posts
 
I would avoid really thick and / or heavy shelves. Contrary to what common sense would say about wanting the rack / shelf as heavy and rigid as possible, i've found otherwise. Sean
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objective-a260
1 posts
 
seems like your not getting any real feedback on experience except for the Atlantis discussion. I have a 5 shelf Zoethecus reference. Three Z-slabs, a Z-pod, and a Z-shelf. I purchased it used on Audiogon - an excellent deal. But enough of that. Contrary to the aesthetic appeal, the rack is constructed with knock down hardware that is hidden when the shelves are installed. The shelves themselves are suspended on thin composite strips attached to secure the corners of each shelve by 2 small screws at each end. I was not impressed with the construction. The unit I purchased had almost all of the cam locks loose when I received it, and 2 were completely missing. I'm very happy with the way the unit looks, but I can't really say I've noticed a sonic difference over the rack it replaced (Michael Green -just-a-rack deluxe) (components on the rack-proceed AVP/BPA3, PE DV-05, transparent audio cables). Another thing, Sugarbrie recommended the Synergy above for flexibility. I have one of those for my 'family' system. It certainly has some short comings for that application. But aestheically it looks pretty good (cherry, glass doors, cherry sides). The strips that hold the glass in place fall off regularly. The back doesn't really allow for much in the way of cable hiding (so it's in storage). Can't comment on the sonics due to the system that's contained in it. Newcastle receiver, Sony 6-DVD changer, thorens table).

Hope this epistle proves helpful.
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