How Important is Getting Your Rack Out

Interesting - I was just reading in Jim Smith's new publication "Get Better Sound" that having a rack between is more detrimental than added length in cabling, both because it provides reflective surfaces to disrupt the soundstage and because it provides visual distraction. I was thinking the same thing about low amplifier stands (which I currently use) - should be no problem. Not sure about the open full height stand, but it's certainly better than a cabinet.

Peter S,

I'm sure when Jim Smith refers to longer cabling he's talking about replacing with the same previous shorter length cabling. In which case I do agree. Abruce mentioned going to 'long cheap' cable. I would keep the better cabling and low center stands vs. cheap cabling and stands elsewhere.

tt's really should be in anothr room, and never between the speakers. Air borne vibrations always impact the cartridge to a large degree, the table to a lesser degree.

Can you run balanced;if so move the rack.
Balanced lines don't break the bank; Mogami makes a excellant balanced cable that Ralph from Atmasphere recommends;very nice.

I don't think it truly matters. Each install will have its own concerns and priorities. In my main system, the rack is on the side due to french doors in the middle which require access and I really like the view of the doors. Due to this arrangement, or for other reasons, the system does present depth when present on the recording.

My secondary system has the cabinet and flatscreen in the middle. The speakers are closer to the frt wall as well, and depth is not as pronounced. The woofer unit is in the cabinet. This system presents a denser center fill. This system would be worse without the cabinet in the middle.