Question on Salamander Synergy system

I use a Salamander 30/20 combo, and I agree with what JD said about not assisting with sound quality (i.e. not built with isolation in mind), and the rattling perforated panels (which can be adjusted with tape as JD suggested).

I do like the perforated panels because they allow for air circulation while still "hiding" the gear. I looked at all the Salamnder finishes, and I decided black was best for my purposes. The wood finishes, while pretty good, still look a little cheesy, IMO.

I love the infinitely adjustable shelves. Being able to adjust the shelves has allowed me to reconfigure my set-up at least a half a dozen times.

I love the heavy duty Saturn wheels. I move my cabinet all the time, and the heavy duty wheels are lifesavers.

Also, if you are interested in improving isolation, you might be interested in adding Neuance shelves by Greater Ranges. Ken Lyon makes the shelves to custom sizes, and I use one for my digital source. Ken built it to fit like it was made at the factory for the Salamander cabinet.

I have the Synergy in Maple. I wouldn't say it does much to help the sound quality. It's solid enough, but not in any amazing way. I'm using it on carpet which is over concrete in my basement, so I just have the flat stabilizor feet on it. For a wood floor or wood under carpet, the spikes would probably give you pretty good stability. I have about 100 Lbs. of stacked monoblocks on the bottom shelf which keeps things from moving around too much.

I also have an S40 rack. For me it was an improvement, but that may be due to it's having been on a very unstable shelf unit before I purchased the S40. Stereophile once said in their review that the top shelf imparts a "slight veil" to the music. As a result, they preferred the S30. I suspect they are right, but it does look very nice--like a nice piece of furniture.

I have the cherry unit with cherry side panels. I left the back of it off for ventilation. FWIW, the side panels fit very well and do not rattle at all.

I think Jdombrow is right: to find something that looks as nice and sounds significantly better, you will likely have to spend quite a bit more $$.

Get decent gear and you won't have to worry about shelves' "assistance" in sound. I agree with jdombro: the side panels are useless, but @ Tvad: there's no reason to hide my gear at all at all!!
Do upholster the brakets holding the shelves and you have - I agree perfectly with your wife - one of the best looking cabinet system on the market.

hi,
agree with above as i have 2. i have 3 neaunce platforms
on my twin 30 for my sacd player, tubed pre-amp and
tubed phono pre and these are worlds better than the stock
shelves.