"You certainly must do your research, but high quality audio racks can be considered a component. Not if you have $500 components, but if you have $10K or higher.... and particularly on turntables and tube equipment."
Ridiculous Dollar cap statement on gear, IMO.
I have a Pilot 232 EL84 tube amp that I prefer to any ARC tube power amp that I’ve ever listened to (think I paid $200 for it) and other than reforming the lytics and replacing the ceramic cap that feeds the 5ar4 rectifier it’s stock.
My Thorens TD125 MKII/SME combo was $225/shipped and I decided to keep it after placing it on a properly implemeted Greater Ranges shelf.
My CAL Icon MkII was perhaps $400 and after placing it on a Greater Ranges shelf I sold the Bel Canto DAC I was using @ the time as the stock deck sounded better to me (on the shelf).
This said, my electronic gear is located outside the listening room (see system details) and yes a decent rack/shelves has still greatly improved the SQ of my source components.
As far as my tube power amps and preamps I simply use the stock shelves (having tried the Greater Ranges) as there was little difference in SQ (again taking into consideration that the gear is NOT located in the listening room and that even the stock shelves are supported by upturned adjustable brass spikes).
DeKay
Ridiculous Dollar cap statement on gear, IMO.
I have a Pilot 232 EL84 tube amp that I prefer to any ARC tube power amp that I’ve ever listened to (think I paid $200 for it) and other than reforming the lytics and replacing the ceramic cap that feeds the 5ar4 rectifier it’s stock.
My Thorens TD125 MKII/SME combo was $225/shipped and I decided to keep it after placing it on a properly implemeted Greater Ranges shelf.
My CAL Icon MkII was perhaps $400 and after placing it on a Greater Ranges shelf I sold the Bel Canto DAC I was using @ the time as the stock deck sounded better to me (on the shelf).
This said, my electronic gear is located outside the listening room (see system details) and yes a decent rack/shelves has still greatly improved the SQ of my source components.
As far as my tube power amps and preamps I simply use the stock shelves (having tried the Greater Ranges) as there was little difference in SQ (again taking into consideration that the gear is NOT located in the listening room and that even the stock shelves are supported by upturned adjustable brass spikes).
DeKay