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Rack Recommendations

Hello - I'm looking for a vertical rack recommendation for my system. I'm looking for something with 4 or 5 shelves and for it to be under 1k.

I'm considering a solid steel rack (5.4) or maybe even the new S5. Everything else I've seen is significantly more expensive. I'm wondering if there might be something I'm missing out there?

At the end of the day I'm skeptical of the value that these high dollar racks bring to a system and I'm more looking for something that "gets the job done".

My system includes:
Pass xp10
Pass x250.5
VPI Scount 2
Oppo 105
PS Audio GCPH

I appreciate any and all suggestions!
skyflyer04
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,110 posts
 
Schubert,
In that case, since my own personal experience with racks is that spending $1,500 - $2,000 makes a very audible and worthwhile difference, I will have to respectfully disagree with you on this one.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
And I'll bet you $1500 dollars my simple Salamander Archtype
Black MDF racks system with 2" maple slabs
under pre and TT, with isoblocks ,Herbie tenderfeet, Vibrabods and Mapleshade footers under each and every component, the one that works best on any given component determined by MANY trials and errors, sounds better.
A symphony on my system sounds as good as a live performance.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,110 posts
 
Schubert,
Keep your $1,500 and donate it to one of your charities. Your statement that your Salmander with all of those footers etc. beats a higher grade stand may be less than the educated guess that you said it was in a previous post.
Besides, with all of the money that you spent on those accessories, you could have purchased a rack that was a better foundation to begin with.
I do agree though that (in my own experience) even a better rack benefits from the addition of additional energy draining devices like Goldmund cones, and especially Starsound Apprentice platforms.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
As heavy racks do nothing but store energy the use of energy draining devices is crucial.
tortilladc
121 posts
 
Salamander Archetype is very good for the price. Fully adjustable to customize vertical clearances for your equipment and additional shelves and accessories are easily obtainable. I've had no stability issues with the 5 shelf racks. Build quality is very nice - my only complaint is the QC on staining the walnut shelves could have been better. I didn't care for the castors but the stock rubber feet are nice. I'm curious if anyone has had luck using their mega spikes.

If you're furniture aesthetic runs leans more modern/minimal, they don't feel out of place either.
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