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'Racks'. Important? Best bang for $$?

Hello, all you rack enthusiasts out there in Audioland. it has come to my attention, in pursuing ISOLATION devices, a rack can either add or detract from the sound one's gear is capable of producing... Wow!

I recently changed mine and went with something more esthetically pleasing, not knowing or even considering how it could affect the Sonics of a system! I found out the hard way. Things got worse. A lot worse! I imagined all sorts of issues and addressed them all, save the rack. .. and only by accident did I find it to be the source of the negative swing in sound quality to my system.

Being convinced, now, a good rack is an important & integral part of the 'system', I would like to prevail upon those of you who have found good quality racks, at affordable prices....

Should they have stone shelves, absorbant, wood, isolated, etc... Coupled or uncoupled?

I think several are in my future... one for preamp & amp. One for the sources, (3, no phono though), and another for proc & multi amp.... it would seem ..or some combination that supports those items. Access, cooling, and ease of assembly unless it/they come put together, are noteworthy too.

Sure would appreciate some other experiences here, if you please. Many thanks.
blindjim
szutinglee
91 posts
 
try the Finite Elemente Pagode or Grand Prix Audio racks. they are both technologically advanced, beautiful, and expensive. but think of all other isolation accessaries out here such as shelves and cones, which can also be very expensive, it is better bang for the buck to get a nice rack that benefits multiple components at once.
scott
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
thanks...

...apparently racks are NOT important. ..and here I was thinking, "Everything made a difference.", my bad.
osgorth
109 posts
 
Racks are certainly very important. As recommended already, check out the Finite Elemente racks, especially the Pagode which is simply excellent. Anybody hearing a demo on the Pagode racks (with vs without) will certainly leave their jaws on the floor..

The biggest improvement I've heard in quite awhile was when I got a Base Technology isolation platform and put my CD player on it (Nu-Vista 3D CD). Wow! The difference was night and day, and everything improved significantly. I highly recommend Base Technology platforms, if you can get them (they originate from Norway).
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
Osgorth

I do appreciate the input. I think racks are way important. however, given the influx or lack thereof, the input to the posed question, I'd have to say most audio nuts see racks as they see acoustic treatments. Last on the list, or very near it.

Super expensive racks such as the Elemente are simply not going to happen for me very likely.

I sought to find a more affordable path in initiating this thread. for myself, and surely for others too. My experience has shown me that some investment needs be made here and there, to bring a system up to a level that makes it special. i also know that expense doesn't always have to be outrageous. I feel that a well made, balanced rack that inherently has built into it a path for draining/containing resonance is sufficient. One with good mass. My plans are for one of wood and metal. Which wood and which metal? Beats me. but I suspect some of each to be a far superior solution to one without both.

Given the spindly contraption I have now, which I affectionately call the "Rack from a little south of heaven" and the results I have by way of sonics from my gear... racks play a significant role, yet they can be compensated for and without enormous expenditures. IMO
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