An audio rack that really does make a difference.

However, everyone can ameliorate the effects of a rack between the speakers by positioning the speakers baffle a ways ahead of the rack.

@nonoise, You nailed it! With this setup you absolutely don't miss the imaging or other effects. At some point I tried to place the equipment on the floor with shelves and footers. But the affect was same as having the rack in the middle, but way in the back. If anything, it diffuses the sound and broadens the sound stage - but only if the rack is at least 3 feet behind the plane of the speaker face.

If anything, it diffuses the sound and broadens the sound stage - but only if the rack is at least 3 feet behind the plane of the speaker face.

And even more so the depth if it's not there at all.

Cheers George 

I'm a proponent of putting the rack at the side of the room and keeping the space between the speakers open. The best results I've gotten are from using long(ish) balanced cables to monoblock amps which sit directly behind (or just to the side of) the speakers on low supports with short speaker cables. 

Just to answer your question, stabilization of the equipment/speakers through vibration control is very important.  I've gone through three setups over 50+ years.  For the past 25 years, I have hollow, heavy gauge welded steel racks filled with 50/50 mix of shot/sand with a mix of granite and high density fiberboard shelving and various Stillpoint devices under almost all equipment.  You will notice the difference with superior shelving and you won't regret it but don't cheap out as you can keep great shelving for many decades.  

Love my Timbernation - beautiful and very solid!