Why are equipment racks so expensive?

"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

I tried making a stand out of Lack tables back when that was the inexpensive craze.

I bought five or six tables, drew up my diagram, marked the legs and proceeded to cut.  Then I found out the legs were hollow.  Nothing I read back then indicated there would be air where I anticipated wood/glue solidness.

I ended up with an apartment filled with Lack end tables.

My current rack started life as end tables used in my home.  They have the top along with a shelf located near the bottom.  I also have steel frame rack with glass shelves.  Looks nice, but wanted to get away from the glass.

So I stacked the wood tables, placed spikes under the bottem legs, added a few of those blue antivibration squares between the bottom and top shelf.

Some of my gear is stacked and with my VPI table on top, it makes for a really solid and stable rack.  I've also used Isopucks under most of my components on the rack.  

Might a mega-dollar rack sound better?  Maybe.

Am I willing to spend the money, reorganize my gear, and take the time to listen for the (possible) subtle improvements in sound?  

Nope.

Too lazy for that.

Yep.  I'm one of those audiophiles.

Observing friends experience with Ikea racks deterred me from trying them for myself. I have no personal experience with these myself, but the prices seem reasonable.:
Furniture > Audio Racks (pangeaaudio.com)

It depends entirely of how you want to look at it, esthetically and functionally. You pay for the design, the thinking, the materials, the craftmanship. Audio racks purpose, apart from supporting and arranging, is to have the least possible sonic impact . 
DIY is fun and good results may be achieved, though for doing this it will not come so inexpensive as you think, and in the end the finishing point would be the starting of of well thought rack. Yes they are expensive but effective vibration control can start or end there. I do not regret getting my Bassocontinuo ones.

You don't have to break the bank to get something that is very good and affordable. Look no further than Butcher Block Acoustics for extremely well made racks that are relatively affordable.

Oz