An audio rack that really does make a difference.

@aj523

"I always wondered why I see all these high end systems and at dealers too with their racks between the speakers and think it’s got to negatively impact the image and soundstage."

I hear you, but for most of us there probably isn't a better solution. The common alternative is to place the equipment rack along a side wall, where it will still introduce uneven reflections, specially if there's no matching furniture on the OTHER side wall. A ventilated closet might work best sonically, but then remotes may not work, and you'll get no visual feedback from your gear via built-in displays and LED lights...

I think I'll keep my rack where it is, between the speakers and set back as far as possible, but I'm open to suggestions for improvement.

Box Furniture Co. Made in Brooklyn NY. 

I second the Quadraspire X. Mine is bamboo, and beautiful.

I once found myself in a situation where I needed to replace shelving in a older audio rack. I will admit that some of the new racks are sexy, but I was unwilling to commit to that level of investment.

I kept the frame, and added custom Birch Edge Series Platforms crafted from Audiophile Vibration Control https://audiophilevibrationcontrol.com/
A great product, and they also build racks. 

I also replaced the footers with Finite Elemente's Cerbase Classics that I got here on Agon. I added silicone gel Isolators in critical spots between the frame and the Birch Platforms .

The thousands I saved I invested in music and power cables.  If you choose to re-engineer your stand, or just need footers in general you should also check out Audio Point footers http://starsoundtechnologies.com/audioPoints.php

Best of Luck

I cant speak for every type of speaker in every situation, but I have usually, but not always had my rack between my speakers, and the soundstage and center imaging is perfect. If you're in doubt, you should try it. Remember, the perception of that center image is not happening right there, but at your ears. The radiation pattern of some speakers may be affected by the placement of the rack, but my speakers for instance are horns which have controlled directivity by their nature, and they are not affected at all. As far as some people saying that they can't "see" the image mentally because the rack is in the way, well, I just think that's nonsense. Listen with your ears!