Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    115

    Critical Mass Racks (or comparable) - What is your opinion?

    Any opinions out there on critical mass systems racks?

    I currently have a quadraspire, but trying to find a sweet spot between that and HRS SXR (a bit out of my range).

    I think I have between 5-10k to spend, so any other ideas are welcome!

  2. #2

    Re: Critical Mass Racks (or comparable) - What is your opinion?

    I blew my original rack budget and got a 3-level CMS Maxxum for my turntable/phono/preamp. Definitely had the "I must be crazy" moments after placing that order last year, but I love the rack and don't regret it a bit. I run a Clearaudio Innovation Master on top. I previously ran a regular Innovation on a lead-shot filled Lovan Sovereign w/ maple board, on a wood floor that is solid (much more so than most residences) but suspended - there were LOTS of feedback issues in that setup which the Maxxum has solved. The sound field of my system also became much more 3D at that time. To be fair it's a pretty ridiculous price discrepancy. And if this were for a system without a turntable, or with a suspended turntable (e.g. my SOTA Nova), I wouldn't have stretched for the Maxxum.

    I got mine in a matte/satin black finish that's gorgeous (not a big fan of the automotive-glossy-everything trend). I like the look better than any other high-end rack I've seen, which was also an important consideration to me. Fit and finish is flawless, which should be expected at this price. I have absolutely no complaints, other than price! I'd also considered the CMS QXK, and thought those looked really nice too (I really prefer 4 posts stands over 3).

  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    67

    Re: Critical Mass Racks (or comparable) - What is your opinion?

    CMS and Grand Prix Audio were the two racks that stood out for me when I was researching racks. My choice boiled down to looks, as either rack was a positive step in performance.
    Main System:
    Speakers: Magico S3 MK1 | Amp: Boulder 1160 | Pre-Amp: Ref10 | Digital: DCS Vivaldi 3/4 stack & esoteric K07x | Phono-Pre: ARC Ref 2se | Phono: AMG Viella w\ 12JT & Benz LPS cart.

    Living Room:
    Speakers: KEF LS50 | Amp: Primaluna Prologue Premium | Digital: Lumin D2

  4. #4
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: Critical Mass Racks (or comparable) - What is your opinion?

    The one thing I get asked all the time is whether an expensive rack makes a difference. Rick, retired VAC engineer (my helper) and I have done extensive listening, swapped the same gear onto high quality racks and listened again.

    The difference was not subtle. The better racks brought the system to life, gave it more air, greater decay, tighter bass, etc.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Critical Mass Racks (or comparable) - What is your opinion?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •