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AFFORDABLE HIGH VFM RACKS - Opinions Please...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am hoping to finally upgrade my rack to an audiophile one - posted in this forum as the TT will be on the top shelf and vibration control there essential.

I'll need a 5-shelf rack about 22x18in great value for money, at around 1500 USD.

I am looking at Mapleshade, Steve Blinn, Core audio, Adona, Timbernation but also looking at the used market...would a used Zoethicus (or however it's spelled) be a 'better sounding' (yeah, you know what I mean ;-) alternative you think?

If you have any experience of any of these or similar racks and or have any advice - please let me know...MANY THANKS!
go4vinyl
ketchup
700 posts
 
I say go with the most solid rack you can with lots of mass. That way if you need to couple some components to the rack you can and if you need to isolate other components you can do that, too (using your goo pads). I decided to build a rack similar to a Walker but with enhancements. I have no scientific data to support my design, but I guarantee that many of the companies making audiophile racks have no scientific data to support their designs, either. I simply designed mine to fit two turntables on the top, have enough space for six other components, be extremely solid and massive, have good aesthetics, adjustable feet, and be relatively easy to build. The only thing I screwed up was the easy to build part!

What kind of floor is under the rack, and do you have any problems with footfalls and your non-suspended table?
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Symposium Isis is the best sounding its not cheap though.
go4vinyl OP
196 posts
 
MANY THANKS for taking the time to share your opinions - this is great...all seriously good, valid points. I am in no rush (need to save up the funds, and try to make as good decision I can when the time comes). I have been experimenting a lot with the 'budget tweaks' (it’s fun, relatively inexpensive and easy to do) through the years in this hobby of ours - I am aware of the necessity to do 'one thing at a time and let it be for a while'...amongst those I've tried Sorbothane feet etc...the sorbo feet didn't work for me under any component (and I have tried under all at the same time as well) - I know a lot of people likes and uses them. I do revisit ever so often and now my next step is to take 4 inch butcher blocks and have some adhesive sorbo sheet under (1/8 thick) and place between TT and maple shelf (2 inch - I do think the comment that maple resonates some...maybe the 4 inch thick is better and I have no doubt Mapleshade is a good rack) - this is within my current budget as I had it laying around ;-) I'll report when I've tested (may take a while)...

I've tested small Myrtle blocks under the components and they really work - I can't wrap my head around how (exactly like when I realized that changing power cords changes the sound - trying not to think about it...)...I like what they do under any and all components.

I do believe mass and coupling is important - the vibrations just have to dissipate quickly and not anywhere near the components...

Of course, finding a used rack that fits ones exact needs are a bit like winning the lottery, but definitely looking out for the likes of Zoethecus (so that's how you spell it)...

I've seen Quadraspire getting a lot of praise in UK Mags, Adona, Blinn (also made my Maple platform - a good experience/transaction), and all the others mentioned here will be on my short list...

No problems with footfalls exactly, just a desire to wring every drop out of my audio system (you know how it goes)...the rack's on a carpet...

KETCHUP - Your project looks interesting, please let me know how it comes along when you can.

Thanks again and please - more opinions!
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I just sold my Zoethecus rack. It was OK, but a bit wobbly because it was tall
and had a very heavy turntable on it. I also tried Mapleshade brass footers
and the cork/rubber feet and one of their 4" maple slabs. Did very little for
vibration isolation and it changed the sound but this solution was not neutral
sonically.

So I built my own rack with four 3", 17ply birch plywood shelves and
cherry legs. It is rock solid and cost about $550 in materials. It has spikes
which go into another birch plywood shelf sitting on the floor. This rack does
not move. Then I put a Vibraplane on the top shelf with a steel ballast plate
on top of that for under my turntable. The Vibraplane is not cheap at about
$2k, but it is a serious device to control vibration. The improvement in sound
was tremendous.

My advice is to make a very heavy, solid platform for the equipment and
spend some money on a proper isolation device, especially for your turntable.
Details and photos can be seen on my system page.
wolf_garcia
6,742 posts
 
Magico has some nice racks for around $30,000. Really.
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