The issue with components that are situated too close to one another is EMI. I always found my system to sound much better with the amp out of the rack even if it was just sitting on the floor at least a foot away from the nearest component. Keep the power conditioner at a good distance from everything else as well.
Distortion from Audio Rack ??
I've appreciated good sound for many years but only recently have I been willing to invest the money needed to create a system I loved. Granted, it's at the low end of high-end, but it is my high end :-).
Current system: Advanced Paris A12 amp, EverySolo A10 streamer/DAC, Furman Elite 15 PFi power conditioner, Warfdale Elysian II speakers, SVS SB 1000 Pro sub, all cabling - Cardas Clear Reflection. Room size - 24' x 14'. Sounds amazing! Sub will likely be upgraded within the next year.
The issue - my audio system is housed in a large wall unit made back in the mid 80s. There is open cabinet space originally intended for either audio or TV. Dimensions of available cabinet space - 23" H x 30" W. My solution for housing the electronics was to purchase a Riveco 9U Rack with Reinforced Top. I purchased a separate mid-level shelf connected at all four corners. I also placed Pangea Audio Mega Feet under the rack.
I've read a lot on different forums about the impact of surrounding metal, vibration etc. on quality of audio sound. My system sounds excellent and I have no complaints about "perceived" distortion. But I also know from my own experience of upgrading cables that it's difficult to anticipate the degree of improvement one might find until you actually find it.
So my question - do folks see the rack is problematic? And besides getting rid of beautiful cherry wood wall unit, are there additional solutions within reach that don't entail a major restructuring in the placement of my electronics?
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I really appreciate the input. I'm not going to go as far as refurnishing our family room to accommodate the audio system. I do think my best option is to individually dampen each component on my rack. I'm looking at the IsoAcoustics Orea line. I've also been in touch with a local audio store that does custom installations. I may have them do a home consult and outfit the rear of my audio rack with some cable organizers to lessen whatever distortion may be emanating from my previous placement of cables. My Eversolo A10 also has a room correction feature. Once I handle the other fine tuning, I'll purchase an appropriate microphone and utilize the room correction programming and then see what additional improvements I find. If my marriage holds together through this (she thinks I'm crazy) I may get to a place where I'm satisfied that I've attained most of what is achievable given the limits of my current audio and room configuration. |
To the OP: I am of the school of thought that the best equipment stand between the L/R main speakers is no equipment stand, as it interferes with soundstage, imaging, and early reflections symmetry, usually. If the speakers are pulled 7-8' out into the room and the rack is pressed right against the front wall, then that helps reduce its sonic impact on sound quality. Instead of a large wall unit or rack, have you considered placing components on the floor atop amp stands or wooden butcher blocks with anti-resonant footers beneath the stands/blocks? It should improve things I'd hope. |
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