Aesthetically, perhaps important to some.
Regarding sound quality, its important that it be built solidly enough to serve as a rigid foundation. I tend to like low profile racks or shelves for this reason. Cheaper and most effective. Tall, vertical units are more problematic and cost more to do right. Equipment that sits higher up off the floor will tend to be subject to vibrations of greater magnitude, like a high rise in an earthquake.
I also tend to prefer wood construction in that the damping characteristics of wood is generally quite good compared to other materials, say metal or glass.
That's about it.
Its also imporant that the floor it sits on functions well as a rigid foundation. Concrete foundations work very well. Upper levels of homes, especially newer ones, are more problematic.
How much all this matters of course depends on the quality of the system and the needs of the listener. Many will not give a hoot in practice. In my main rig, I care. In my second 2 channel A/V system, I do not care. WAF matters more. That second system still sounds fine.
Can't match my main rig though in critical listening comparisons.
Regarding sound quality, its important that it be built solidly enough to serve as a rigid foundation. I tend to like low profile racks or shelves for this reason. Cheaper and most effective. Tall, vertical units are more problematic and cost more to do right. Equipment that sits higher up off the floor will tend to be subject to vibrations of greater magnitude, like a high rise in an earthquake.
I also tend to prefer wood construction in that the damping characteristics of wood is generally quite good compared to other materials, say metal or glass.
That's about it.
Its also imporant that the floor it sits on functions well as a rigid foundation. Concrete foundations work very well. Upper levels of homes, especially newer ones, are more problematic.
How much all this matters of course depends on the quality of the system and the needs of the listener. Many will not give a hoot in practice. In my main rig, I care. In my second 2 channel A/V system, I do not care. WAF matters more. That second system still sounds fine.
Can't match my main rig though in critical listening comparisons.
