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Poll: Which rack s would you use and why?

I have reduced the number of components in my system and sold two 5-shelf racks and a turntable stand. In the interim, before I get my new DAC, transport, line stage and turntable, I have my amps and one box CDP on the floor and the soundstage obviously got better without all the clutter. OK, here is the poll question:

I have a 14' x 17.5 ' room. My speakers are 68" out from the wall (to the front of the speaker). My amps will remain on the floor on SRA dedicated bases. That leaves me six components (including the turntable) to put on shelves (racks). Which would you use to minimize the adverse effects on the soundstage -- two lower (e.g., 31" high) three shelf racks side by side or a single higher (say 45") six shelf rack and why? I am hoping to hear from people who have tried both in their rooms as well as sound engineering type responses.

I am trying to decide what I am going to do so this is not a hypothetical question. Thanks in advance for your ideas!!!

PS - you can also recommend anything else (e.g., brands of racks. other positions options to the extent possble, etc.)

Thanks.
fmpnd
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
I don't know the answers to the questions of platforms and resonances but itis an intriguing topic.Seems as though for wood Maple is considered to be the best (see Mapleshade web site and they compare woods).But I have foten wondered if the price of things like BDR "The Shelf" is worth it.I have for convenience used Salamanders racks as they shelves are infinitely variable but I know that they are much less rigid than other designs.Wonder if materials can be added after to help.But interms of just rigidity and mass I like the Sound Anchor racks.Heavy Iron just like the speaker stands.But what about putting maple,granite,BDR etc under the component.But it does make a difference.I read somewhere that Linn designed there turntables to be placed on furniture lke dressers and end tables that it resonace would sound better than a harder metal rack or something with greater mass and rigidity.
Chazzbo
judit
217 posts
 
I use two shorter racks between my speakers - it sounds better - less scattering and reflection. Also I find it is MUCH easier to manage cables and components this way.
theaudiotweak
2,801 posts
 
Sistrum rack between your loudspeakers actually improves soundstage focus and image height. I do not know how, or why this could be. I hear this in my system to be true. If anyone out there has experience with Argent Room Lens then they know by moving the lens they can move and shape the sound by moving the lens. The same seems to true of the Sistrum Rack. Move it left or right and the sound seems to follow. Move it to the center and so does the focus and dynamic stage. Tom
donjf
50 posts
 
Hi, I just received today my Mapleshade Samson version 2 rack (4 shelf unit & bought 2 extra shelves) with the just released carpet spikes instead of the heavyfoot cones. The 2' thick maple shelves are very nice with the solid brass threaded shelf positioning hardware and 1 1/4" solid steel threaded upright rods it looks like it will be very solid. I'm sure it will be a large improvement over my cwd cabinet which uses solid oak sides and laminate oak shelves which are attached to sides with a bent small gauge rod that fits in the grooved shelves. I use a Black Diamond Racing source shelf with vibrapods under it for cd transport and Bright Star Audio isolation platforms with vibrapods under platforms for tube preamp and dac. I plan on purchase of a Zoethecus 5 shelf unit to compare them. The one I like the best will stay and will probably sell other or use in my second system. Don
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