2. misc-audio
  3. 190076-12990

Racks, equipment and footers

I would like to get a new rack and isolation footers for the rack and/or equipment. The high-end stuff like HRS, might be best, but it's out of my budget. There are so many choices, especially of footers. I'm thinking of going with a nice enough wood rack for aesthetic reasons and footers under each of the components to maximize performance. The system is upstairs with a wooden floor.  No turntable. Questions:

  • should I put footers under the rack and/or just the components?
  •  What about spikes - to drain rather than springs, so I avoid springs interacting with springs
  • if I'm going to put footers under each component, does the material,  construction, weight, etc. of the rack still matter much?
  •  It would be cheaper to just put footers under the rack and leave the components with the rubber feet -  is this less effective?
  • Should I put the same footers under all the components, or is it mix-and-match?

Any thoughts welcome along with specific recommendations on footers.

paullb
mitch2
4,007 posts
 

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I no longer need something like that but if I did I would definitely talk with you. It reminds me of the fern and roby rack and a little of the much more expensive Fleetwood Rack by Fleetwood Sound Company/Oswalds Mill Audio.

It seems there could be some customization where buyers could choose the type of lumber (even live edge) and type of elastomeric isolation pucks, as well as the choice for drawers as on your personal rack. Too bad I simply cannot justify another rack. Again, nice work!

kennyc
1,526 posts
 

then use critical mas centerstage footers simply the best 

I agree - Critical Mass Systems Center Stage footers here have garnered so many very positive testimonies, although one has to go through a lengthy  break-in period of sonic ups and downs before it settles and performs. 

Critical Mass Systems racks compete directly with HRS.  Their somewhat budget friendly Sotto Voce rack here has also garnered many positive reviews

fynnegan
114 posts
 

Choose the type of wood carefully. Bamboo is a trend but I personally have very mixed feelings about it. 

kennyc
1,526 posts
 

Maple seems like a popular safe choice, but panzerholtz seems like one of the best but is very expensive 

rtrlover's avatar
rtrlover
43 posts
 

I used cherry on mine (see profile), but maple, oak, walnut, amongst others will work fine.  None of these will "sag" over time, even over a 42 plus inch span for those that want a double wide rack.

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