Which Rack Is Better?

one of the best roack is COPULARE from germany

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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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.

I've been trying to choose a rack for a couple of months now and have found it one of the most frustrating audio system decisions I've ever faced. There are so many conflicting opinions as to which approach is best sonically--three different camps. It's not practical to audition these things. (Perhaps Ken Lyon will come by this thread and shed some light on the debate between the three different camps.)

I considered Zoethecus, Salamander Synergy, Billy Bags, Polycrystal, RixRax, Standesign, you name it. In the end, I punted and bought a discounted, discontinued Target rack as a stop-gap. The thing rings like a church bell when you knock it, but it's plenty rigid.

If I could be convinced that the Synergy stuff is not a major sonic compromise, that would probably be my first choice because of the combination of looks, price and flexibility it offers (I like the option of adding drawers). Eventually I want a RixRax, but only if I'm convinced that its sonics are good. Too expensive if it's mediocre-sounding, even if it's gorgeous furniture.

---dan

Everyone--check out the Sistrum rack by Starsound Technologies (email me for Robert's phone no. in Ohio). There are reviews available also. It is stunning looking and suspends all equipment on top of brass Audiopoints. The rack itself is carved metal shelves bolted to stainless steel rods filled with minute steel particles (like black sand, it will destroy your carpet so fill the rods outside, and don't breathe the dust!), with Audiopoints screwed onto the bottom of each rod. This rack sounds like getting a new component. Bass and detail are articulated, background is utterly silent. I bought a pair of their smaller stands designed for floorstanding speakers as well, for my Genesis 500s, and the bass and detail in recordings were even further enhanced. I think the Sistrum stands and platform and going to get a LOT of positive press, try them before the prices skyrocket. 5-shelf stand, including all Audiopoints and the steel fill, is approx $1600. I was using a Bright Star Rack of Gibraltar and a Solidsteel 5 shelf rack before the Sistrum. Big, big improvement.