Audio Racks, Just How beneficial? looking for guidance in upgrading

Many have mentioned Core. I cannot afford Core though the build quality is quite stunning. I’m digital. So turntables.  I cannot advise. 
 

On a poor man’s budget I use a Zoethecus 3 tier rack. Before that I used mid century modern furniture for my equipment.  Mighty difference. Everything tightened up and became more layered in sound. 
 

WAF of my cherry tier rack would work. Core as well. Many different finishes are available. 
 

If I had the money I’d go for Box. I’m surprised no one has mentioned. It’s built with interlocking wood joints The way furniture was made beyond decades ago. WAF would work as well. 
 

I have not tried any steel racks, so I cannot state the SQ delivered. Herbies gliders are excellent as well  Herbies gliders  provides additional isolation and allow you to pull your rack from the wall for adjusting cables and swapping gear. 

Happy hunting ! 

@emergingsoul 

For me wood boards on cinder blocks … in 1970. My system sounds better now. 

On the Gon, there are plenty of stories where there has been members with a evolving interest in equipment support.

There are stories where changing support equipment has supplied immeasurable improvement, which is the report types that are wanted to be taken on board.

The interesting thing is that the most encouraging reports are not all from individuals having spent multi $0000's, they also come from individuals who have spent multi $00's and even multi $0's.

How aesthetically pleasing a Support Rack must be will potentially move one towards the multi $00's, but aesthetics is a cost that is not an improvement in function.

The Best Function can be found at all the above values that can be allocated.

My input will be to find a way to include Support Plinths even Structure if the desirability of the product is recognised, to be produced from Phenolic Resin Impregnated Densified Wood,

ghdprentice

6,254 posts

03-25-2024 at 09:02am 

@emergingsoul 

For me wood boards on cinder blocks … in 1970. My system sounds better now. 

Is that to suggest, @ghdprentice , that you were using the same electronics, speakers, and room, back in 1970? 😉

Bespoke or otherwise costly shelves are, IMO, like many other audio bits and bobs: they’re way easier to justify big investment on if you like shopping or looking at new “components.”

I use old HDF audio blocks from an amp designer’s former demo room… to keep my vacuum cleaner from hitting my amps. My subs perch on a maple x stainless bench from Crate and Barrel (bought used for le$$ than WallyWorld MDF shelves).

Here’s a dare, OP (grin): get your TT shelf sorted like some suggested (resonant frequency(ies) of said shelf and/or it’s mounting surface might matter…), and let your wife make a rack selection for the other stuff. Even if you use tubes, heavy in-room bass resonances may outweigh importance of the amp’s isolation from floor/shelf-specific vibrations. Could depend on how loud you enjoy playback, at least in part…

Check out Timber Nation and Butcher Block Acoustics!