AFFORDABLE HIGH VFM RACKS - Opinions Please...

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!

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.

Magico has some nice racks for around $30,000. Really.

Actually, Magico racks are priced from $30,000 to $50,000
As in Fifty Thousand Dollars. Wait until somebody will come up with $129,000 rack. Might not be that far in the future.
Hey, we already got $35,000 tonearm

Im sure everyone will be jumping on these Overpriced racks just like there overpriced speakers.