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

@tomic601 - On my gear, the SMc Gravity Base is simply a (nicely cut and powder-coated) slab of brass, attached to the bottom.   I believe one of the attributes apparently contributing to the improvement in performance is that the Gravity Base is not simply attached to the bottom of the equipment chassis but is also directly attached to key internal components such as transformers, etc.

SMc does make a Panzerholz Isolation Base (and pt. 2) and they will also build their VRE-1C Preamplifier out of Panzerholz.

Here are some off-hand observations: the market developed for racks which provide isolation and those can get pricey. Not dissing them, it is one choice. 

The alternative is to use basic, substantial racks of some sort and do the isolation part with commercial or DIY products.

I've owned a lot of stuff over the years: Finite Elements, Adona, Billy Bags, Grand Prix Monaco (which requires you to replace the sorbothane pucks periodically) and others.  I've owned the Grand Prix stuff since the aughts, a rack for gear, with carbon fibre shelves and apex footers (also on my speakers), as well as a home made rack for the digital side (constrained layer damping) and a rack for the turntable made for Minus K, which is welded steel with a phenolic top. 

If I were starting from scratch, and on a budget, I would look for substantial racks that allow you to mass load them. And deal with isolation by experimenting. I use Stillpoints for some stuff and other stuff dependent on the Grand Prix stands/racks. 

Thank you @roxy54  sent an RFQ.

@mitch2 Thanks for the post. I had a great conversation w Patrick at SmC. It is indeed brass and in some applications a more elaborate sandwich, possibly including Panzer, Carbon Fiber, Stainless, as well as something proprietary…..

:-) 

My mention of Densified Wood was a offering to not let the OP overlook it as a option, as it is one that is an important option to learn about.

I have been doing catch up with the individual who measures all types of materials for Damping and Dissipation Properties.

There are updates to be seen where the Typical Sample Sizes of 100mm x 100mm (4" x 4") are being tested as a typical plinth size of 400mm x 350mm (16" x 14").

The latest data on the Plinth Size Material has shown a Damping Factor of 0.750 

Additionally, I am to have my Pre Amp's that were designed and ready to be built, housed in a Permali Case.

The EE, has had a rethink on the design, topology and the Pre Amp's now back to a design stage. The Good News is less Casing Material will be needed if all works out.

I am keen to rehouse my Valve Phon' into a Permali Case as well to match the Pre Amp's.

I have recently seen there are Capacitor Clamp Rings being produced from P'holz where the clamped components are housed in a P'holz Casing.