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Regards to the Rack

I've been a builder for a long time. I mostly work with stone, so call me a mason if you want to assign a name. As with any type of building, the foundation dertermines the performance and layout of each consecutive layer.

So I come to my point. Recently I have entertained purchasing an equipment rack that costs more than my CDP. The justification-the foundation plays a larger role in performance than I previously thought. Before I was content with an uneven antique credenza but now I have begun to believe that foundation is the answer to allowing components to perform to their potential even if the cost is significant.

The question is here, are there others who share similar opinions of the fundamentals of foundation or am I just off my rocker to think I'll get that much more noticable preformance from a rack? Well no need to answer the latter part really, I am an audio-nut so we already know the answer there.

Regards
Peter
mariasplunge
mariasplunge OP
174 posts
 
Thank you all. I have been away for quite some time and just got to looking at this thread. Great suggestions all around. That was definately on question I had, how does grantite line up as an audio rack product. I mean I can get loads of granite for almost nothing and I have used it for my equipment, even went so far as to make a custom granite stand for my TT. But then I read granite only exaggerates the vibrations. Anybodt know about this?

Tim, nice rack!!

Again, thanks for the suggestions all. I will consider them closely.

Peter
triode
263 posts
 
Agree with the previous posters who praise the Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular rack & amp stands - NOT a subtle improvement over my old Target racks, and worth every penny once one has invested significantly in their system. Be sure to fill the uprights w/lead shot for best results.

Plus, to my eyes...they look waaaay cool.
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
Ric Cummins at Argent Audio provided me with this recipe for resonance control platforms.

2"X2" sandwich footers of 1/4" plexiglas/posterboard/plexiglas

beneath

1" or 2" granite or marble

mismatched Timken bearing/cups between component and stone

The Timken bearing part numbers are

LM11910 raceway cup
09067 bearing

I've never tried this recipe due to rack space limitations. I have played with the Timken bearings themselves for footers and my results were mixed. I suspect using the full recipe would yield outstanding results. E.B. Atmus was the cheapest source for the Timken bearing parts that I found. If I had such a favorable arrangement regarding granite availability and pricing, I'd give Ric's plan a whirl personally. If it doesn't quite turn out to be your cup of tea I believe you could tweak further with Herbies Audio Lab products. I'd recommend this in either event actually.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Interesting question whether or not granite or any other stone is suitable for audio equipment installations. When I rap my knuckles against our 1.25 inch thick granite counter tops it sure seems inert to me. I don't have any evidenct to back it up but I don't see how that heavy platform in you system pics could transmit much vibration.
My rack is made of Pennsylvania slate which is a softer stone than granite and I expect a tad more inert than granite. Easier to drill than granite also but nowhere near as attractive.
audiavreseller
30 posts
 
The precision rack guys are around, but the public gets bombarded with marketing that varies from one end to the other. It is easier to show and explain benefits at a hifi dealer... but they are all drying up due to direct Internet manufacturers. The closing and struggles of local dealers will be a big loss in many markets.

We run audio demos for people who don't think racking, shielding or anything else matters... they ALWAYS buy after the demo.

Many manufacturers offer one good thing or another, it is just important to address the most vital component and what it benefits from.

It also would not hurt to go buy a Trifield meter and "see" the environmental issues that you normally cannot.
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