How important is an audio rack?

"an extreme audiophile I visited had sturdy metal racks; the kind you see in Stereophile. Since his sound was the best I've heard, I know they make a difference."

Maybe, but I'd wager the rest of the gear and the setup as a whole had a lot to do with it.

I guess one would have to switch racks and a/b compare to know for sure.

Another important consideration in an audio rack, IMO, is that it is open on all sides, so there is plenty of air, and your components do not overheat. I use the Sanus Natural Foundations rack, which has glass shelves. They are very sturdy, and I have no vibration problems.

It depends on what kind of support you have now for your components. Upgrading from a good one to a little better one may not bring much improvement.

Years ago, when I switched from a rack (that came with the rack system with the glass door type) to a well-built solid steel rack, the improvement was great. I was totally surprised. In a nutshell, a good support is very important.

My post has nothing to do with turntables nor looks. Turntable isolation is critical, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

I haven't heard any differences. I own a $6k-ish system (new MSRP, not what I paid, and not including my turntable), and haven't tried any high end racks, so take my experience with a grain of salt. I have had several different racks/cabinets, and even had stuff on the floor. By far the biggest difference was where the stuff was in the room - so much better with nothing between the speakers.

I've used a solid cherry wood, low profile TV stand where the components are enclosed, a tall pine cabinet (looks like an old-school stereo cabinet) that's also enclosed, a solid coffee table, a $12 Ikea coffee table, an old oak dresser, hardwood floor, and granite and marble slabs on the floor.

All other things being equal, no differences whatsoever. I guess a more accurate statement would be that I heard no differences.

Everything I've set my turntable on made an easily audible difference.

I've also heard a full Naim system on a generic rack A/Bed against an identical system (same components and speaker placement) on a Naim Fraim. I heard no difference, but my dealer did. Before you jump all over him, he's a very honest and down to earth guy. He personally doesn't think the Fraim is worth the quadruple the price difference, and not does he think the difference is huge. We both said 'maybe if you've got the most expensive system, it would be worth it, as where else are you going to go?'

I look for a combination of best looking, best built, most durable, most protective, and what fits my budget. I view it as furniture that'll protect my gear from dust, my little girl's fingers, my two cats' fur, and heat.

Everyone hears what they hear, and it's stupid to debate it. I'm not claiming there are no differences, nor am I claiming that I'll never hear any differences. I'm just reporting my experiences.

Again, with turntables, all bets are off.

I keep everything close to the floor, no rack only some wooden platforms and various footers under the equipment. Virtually no vibration from the floor reaches the components. Never experimented with expensive racks and feel no need to, cheap rack are a disaster.