How important is the rack you use for your components

IMHO an audio rack's contribution to audio is in improving control of the effect of vibrations on the components either in dissipating them (the vibrations) or isolating them (the components). Much of the effect is component dependent - turntables, tube equipment, might benefit the most, solid state stuff , not so much.

 Probably for many the effect for using any particular rack is not 'marked', just more aesthetics, or those who are concerned with obtaining some apparent compliance with audio theory. 

I should mention however, that the size of the rack or its configuration and placement can effect the sound your system generates. For example the size and configuration of a rack between the speakers places a far larger roll in the systems sound than when the rack is on the side walls or the back wall. But to make that a little complex, the lengths of cables or IC's (and the type of cables and IC's) can be a large factor in your systems sound. 

Lastly, what is 'marked' for a deaf man is significantly different than what is 'marked' for an anal audiophile. What I personally concern myself with is keeping the critical components out of areas where there are typically bass nodes. The side walls work best for me, or when limited, placed between the speakers but out from the back wall several feet because there I can keep all my wiring short minimizing the their effect.

To your question - important yes, marked (as in big) not so much.

As @newbee points out the effect is system dependent. In a more resolving system the impact may be substantial. For example in my system each step in moving my VTL power amps from spiked Grand Prix Audio Monaco stands to Apex (ball) footers and then adding a Marigo sub shelf under the amps was very noticeable.

The general effect of reducing vibration on an amp is to make the amp sound less loud (ie for a given setting of the volume control you hear less harshness and hence can afford to dial it up a few notches) and give greater control over dynamic peaks and hard to resolve passages. Impact on source components can be similar but more diverse. Turntables are another story entirely and need their own isolation solutions.

hi.

a very over looked topic. Rife with cnotroversy.

Plus one for newbie

Once you get a little bit along you’ll find a good rack, and or stands for amp or other components will indeed help focus the sonic elements. It will appear or at lest it appreared to me that the cues in the sound field gained more definition and more solid placement. Everything seemed to be viewed thru a far cleaner glass. If that makes sense.

Such is my EXP going from several DIY contraptions to a $1800 five level Sound Anchor rack. I bought it here for much, much less.

As has been said, my gear by then was all tube power. Tube line stage preamp, tube mono blocks, but with Sony XA 777 SACD & CDP, oppo disc player, Bel Canto DAC. I also used footers of a much cheaper variety than some would point to, although their presence was noticed improvements..

I’ve since disposed of the mono blocks and almost never use the tube line stage. Instead it’s a Pre proc, a multi ch hybrid amp, and a 2 ch SS amp with the Same DAC.

I feel all is improved again. However, I’m not gonna reconstruct those DIY stands and racks and shuffle things about to make sure. Sorry.

Once you go ‘rack’ you don’t go back.

It is about resonances. Vibrations. Sound anchor and everyone else has their own ways to try eliminating them. Using platforms as was said will aid things too. Usually. RWV.

Lastly, given the ‘point of diminishing returns’ I will doubt I’d ever buy a $10,000 rack probably not even a $5K rack. Maybe $3K depending on the gear and funding available at the time.

This is especially true given what platforms and footers can provide in conjunction with just a very good rack or stands.

Good luck.

In brief, I think it makes a very noticeable difference, and if I had to characterize it I would say that the effect is one of freeing the sound from the speakers  and making it more dimensional.

+3 for newbee,
I have my system in the LR/DR, so aesthetics and limited placement take precedent.
My approach is to isolate my components as much as possible.

Unfortunately, I am unable to house them in a rack, but I do use Stillpoints, Townshend pods, and Ayre Blocks in order to keep things from vibration/resonance.
B