Experience with Sistrum or Grand Prix Monaco rack?

Frank- First off- Nice system! I have a few friends that use the same gear- I use a cap. II myself. One quick question- are you using the Steelhead? I know that it is a great analog piece but you would be better off running the cap. II into the tenors(I know this because I have tried a few pre-amps with that exact cd player and amp combination) and I assume the lamms would be very similar. One friend recently sold his sistrum rack and is replacing it with a rix rax voodoo which he believes to be a better product, he considered the Grand Prix but everyone that we spoke to(besides the dealers) didn't care for the lack of rear support they offered- in particular with the tenors, they are heavier towards the back of the amp. He had NO complaints on the Sistrum and always liked the way equipment sounded but he wanted change and with the suspension his turntable had it didn't work well with the isolation/vibration control the sistrum had- if I remember correct you have a rockport so turntable stability is a non-issue for you. If you can afford it the rix rax is the rack from which all others are judged, not only are they very pretty but they seem to be very functional with out too many gimicks. As a matter of fact he still has the sistrum amp stands that he is using on his tenors, though he mentioned upgrading them as well. I know many audiophiles(myself included) just put our gear on the floors on individule shelves/isolation devices(cones, pucks, spheres, etc....) I realize you may have a WAF to deal with so it may not be an option though it may save you some $$ and give you better sonic results. Another friend has a Cap. II and tenors and they just rest on his hard wood floors no isolatoin devices being used with them at all- though he uses Zoethecus(sp?) racks with his aestetix IO signature, also mated with a rockport sirius II(obviously no rack being used with it). So to sum things up I would give the Rix Rax the nod if they are with in your budget if not I don't think you could go wrong with the sistrum- it just sort of has a love it or leave it look. Happy Listening ~Tim

P.S. what speakers are you running?

Sounds like one sweet system you've got there. I, too, would love to know what's on the speaker horizon? Anyway, I use the Sistrum Rack systems and their Mini Monitor support system as well. They're wonderful. The best way to couple all your electronics. Call Robert at Starsound Technologies. He's the man, over there. He'll set you free. I know beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but I think they're quite an esoteric design. They will do wonders for your system. Your electronics, then your ears, will go where you never thought possible. warren

Tireguy,
a) When you say no one liked the 3-point system in the Grand Prix because of amplifier weight distribution, was this based on actual problems with the rack, or just intellectually not liking the idea. If so, what were the problems?
b) How does the ultra-heavy Rix Rax compare in Prat to the Grand Prix, which is somewhat of the lightweight-rigid persuasion?

Thanks, I'm interested in any experience with these racks too.