How important is an audio rack?

Audiofun, I would agree that to the degree a rack improves isolation of components they are essential. The real question is do any racks do enough? I grant that WAF is important and some racks do have such appeal, but I have never heard a rack that does all there is to be done. Basically anytime you have current moving in a wire, you have a magnetic field that will induce current flow in other wiring. If you further have motion of the magnetic field from vibrations, it will induce other information into your audio. The best circuit would be in a straight line and totally free of any motion. Tubes can be very microphonic but then again so can capacitors.

Vibration is the bete noire of audio.

It's very important to dealers due to relatively high markup/profit margin compared to actual electronic gear I'd bet.

A solid foundation to support gear is important to keep it stable, especially components with physical moving parts that directly impact sound like a turntable. A solid foundation never hurts. It's an insurance policy at a minimum. Search audiogon threads for lots of good info on the topic.

Tbg: I agree with everything you have stated. I would also add that I do not pretend to understand everything I hear when I change footers..etc. For instance, a device like the MFA TVC or dacs for that matter (I am aware that although the TVC is passive it is an electro-mechanical device (transformers and all)) defies logic in how sensitive it is to the body it rests upon.

I think your' explanation of placing existing magnetic fields in motion compounding things has great merit.

The Silencer is an amazing device in that you see no motion with the naked eye and yet the effect it bestows upon the sound is undeniable.

Racks matter:) And yes they can be expensive LOL... I have a Bassocontinuo Reference but for my second system I am thinking of trying Steve Blinns new Ref Rack which I just saw on this site about 20 min ago.

Just put isoblocks under everything.

Audiofun, I know that dealers are few and far between and that what few there are have only limited options, but I would urge you to give a listen to the SP Rack but only if it has the new Grids instead of the acrylic shelves. Possibly the SP Ultra Fives under everything and on another rack can equal the SP Rack, but I doubt it. I should also say that my speakers, turntable, and amps are on SP Component stands with four SP Ultra Fives under each. This is not true of the speakers.

All I can really say is that over Christmas our kids and grandkids were here and were in shock. My drummer grandson, who is a drummer, could not believe the sound of drums.

I used to think I was pretty close to realism years ago with ARC electronics and Infinity ServoStatics. If so, I am now ten times as close. As a friend once said, "I never thought I would hear Paul Simon in my room.