yes, Racks do make a diff.... but one doesn't have to pay a ransom for great sounding racks either.
A friend told me once
Mass. Density. Non resonant. Well damped.
Good luck getting all the above in one item without paying lots.
Ive had several racks. Mostly non descript MDF or laminated particle board . Even constructed one or two myself.
The best move I made in the rack department was acquiring a Sound Anchor upright rack preowned. Lots of folks gave me plenty of advice, and shared numerous experiences with me in how a rack will help a system reach another level.
Solidsteel, Finite elementee, Systrum, Bags, Isis, Adonna etc. What to go for, esthetics, isolation, or both? Naturally both is the ticket. That ticket is a substantial sum usually.
I went with the Sound Anchors products for a few reasons
I got it reasonably priced, less than half its orig value. It is exceptionally well constructed, and damped. It looks pretty good, in a mechanical, contemporary, manly sort of way as its massive uprights and cross members speak strength. Its flat black color allow it to hide out some by not drawing attention to itself.
Mine is hidden entirely. Its in another room altogether. Though Id not be opposed to having it in my listening room if that room were larger.
What it did for the sound was add another level of coherency and cohesiveness. Balance
. And bass. In fact I liked what it did so much so, I bought more Sound Anchor products. Two amp stands, and a pair of speaker stands.
Mine is tall though
were I able to be picky, and have it in my living room, Id go with several two tier racks, or have them all combined into a low boy approach, and if monos are in use, add a pair of amp sands for them, thereby limiting the vertical expanse of the equipment rack and keeping things low key
. Less noticeable.
Low profile doesnt catch the eye quite so easily and allows it to become less obtrusive. Bob at Sound Anchors is indeed a good person to deal with, and naturally, customizing their inventory is what they do.
Heavy, well damped, value, and with shelving options and an item that will blend in are points I would seek out.
Do yourself a favor and try to avoid MDF and particle board racks they do nothing to aid the sound. Also, hollow metal, racks were trouble for me
. Even after filling them.
Flick it with your finger nail, or rap it with your knuckles. Whatever sound you hear will be added to your system
. The less sound the better. IMHO
