Experience with Sistrum or Grand Prix Monaco rack?

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.

Flex- a) I started a thread not long ago about Rix Rax vs. Grand prix, and the consensus was they just didn't like the idea of the support the shelf gets. I do like the isolation/absorbtion they offer but if you have an uneven load on the shelf it may not optimal- it just makes sense if you think about it.
b. I haven't seen or heard the rix yet, they take a LONG time to get because they are made to order, with in a month it should be ready- fingers crossed :o)

Warren- I must agree Robert is on the ball- a true class act, if more men were like him in the audio world we would have fewer headaches.

Thanks Warren, Tim and Flex. I have seen the Rix Rax and they are beautiful. I have also considered Zoethecus. I am using the Steelhead but NOT for the AA. I will probably be getting a switch box from Jennifer like Mike LaVigne uses. I got rid of my Lamm L2 Reference preamp (a very nice preamp) when I went direct from the AA into the amps and everything improved. Thus, I also sold my Aesthetix Io Signature w/dual power supplies and my Lamm LP2 because they did not have a volume control - and went to the Steelhead. BUT, I have been having a problem with compatibility between the Steelhead and the Lamms (the new Steelhead blows the fuses in the Lamms when turned on [it doesn't just engage the protection circuitry - it blows the fuses] - even without the table/arm connected, even with the volume all the way down and even with the "mute" engaged).

Manley is stumped, Lamm blames the Manley and I am frustrated. Andy Payor and I both think it may be a supersonic oscillation but I do not have an oscilliscope to test it. Then, my Colibri [which I bought a year ago but have only heard it for about 50 hours on my VPI TNT] blew a channel [coil went out] and is back in Germany getting repaired. Needless to say I was so frustrated I put the whole analog rig up for sale [I have been without analog since April - it HURTS to see that Rockport just sit there witout hearing what it can do!!]. But my good [and ever so patient] friends Jonathan Tinn and Mike LaVigne have been urging me to wait until I hear the Rockport to decide whether to sell it. Good advice as always.

So, if I keep the Rockport, and at CES I like the Kharma Midi-Grands [yes, I know they are in horrible show conditions] as much as a NUMBER of people I know [who have heard or owned some of the best speakers available] have, I will buy them next week. I will also be looking at the Wilson Watt Puppy 7s, the Antares, the Dynaudio Evidence Temptation, the Accapellas, the Komris and the Verity Lohengrin (sp), etc. but, based on what characteristics I value in a speaker and what, anecdotally, I think I will like, the Kharmas are the odds on favorite at this early point (Jonathan buddy, ya haven't been wrong yet!).

If I sell the Rockport (and go down to a much lesser degree of table), I may buy the Kharma Exquisites if I like the Midi-Grands and if I get the privilege of hearing Mike's system. But, at this point, I am fairly sure I will keep the Rockport.

If I get the Kharmas, I will then seriously consider the 75 watt Tenors or the new 300 watt Tenor hybrids that will be introduced at CES [and assume that the new amps will not be incompatible with the Manley as a number of Tenor owners use the Steelhead].

So, this is why I would like to get some new racks. My main concern in a rack or amp stand is the sonics but would love it if they looked nice too (like the Rix Rax). I must admit though, the materials used, the degree of isolation and the philosophy of the Monaco and Apex (and the Sistrum) seemed interesting to me. I am also very interested in Kevin Tellecamp's Silent Running isolation bases.

I need a doctor!

Thanks again and anything else you can think of is always appreciated.

Frank

Turn your head and cough.......now say aaaaaaaahhh.

......and don't forget to take ALL your meds.

:^)

Frank, i'll see you at CES.