Racks - got any favorites?

Jim Smith said:
Gran Prix Audio w/F1 shelves & GPA footers w/nitride balls. But only IF the the three elastomer pads per shelf are replaced every six months or so.

Don't have room to list them in my ownership listing at bottom of each page. I like them because they are by far the most musically involving racks I have heard. Others can and do change/improve the sound. The GPA opens the doors and invites you into the music. IMO...
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How much do these elastomers cost? Also Jim, which other racks/isolation techniques did you try before the GPA, for both electronics and TT? Thanks
 
Mike said:
I have Solid Tech in the store and those are solid (no pun intended).

What do you like?

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I've been using a Solidtech ROS Ref 4 Rack since 2009, added Ultrasonic Acrylic Shelves in 2011.

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I've always liked the looks of my pARTicular full suspension Novus rack. The shelves are totally adjustable and hang. A bit wobbly if bumped into though (kind of like Raidho C/D1 stands).
 

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wklie said:
It seems to me TAOC is quite popular in Hong Kong (we generally love Japanese products), and there are TAOC racks at Lumin office.
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Yup, I use Taoc ASR series racks with FE Cerabase Classic feet & heavier Taoc SCB shelfs in my system. Great value racks!

I also like Massif Audio Design & Critical Mass Systems.

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Melbguy1 said:
Yup, I use Taoc ASR series racks with FE Cerabase Classic feet & heavier Taoc SCB shelfs in my system. Great value racks!
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Melbguy,

What a coincidence, my racks combination are 3+2 too!

What's the improvement experienced with / without the SCB shelfs?
 
Melbguy1 said:
Yup, I use Taoc ASR series racks with FE Cerabase Classic feet & heavier Taoc SCB shelfs in my system. Great value racks!
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In both the rack in my workplace as well as those in your photo, the bottom rack seems to be curved downwards due to the weight... :| (Or optical illusion due to camera lens distortion and/or lighting?)

Also the "TAOC" name plate is missing from the former - I wonder if it easily comes off.
 
bonzo said:
How much do these elastomers cost? Also Jim, which other racks/isolation techniques did you try before the GPA, for both electronics and TT? Thanks
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Sorry, I cannot remember what they cost aside from being included in the original purchase. I got a large supply of them years ago.

Of course it is absolutely critical to get the correct elastomer dampers in the range for the weight on each shelf - they are not interchangeable for other weights.

I have worked with most of the acclaimed rack/shelving gear. I just like the way the music flows with the Grand Prix Audio system.

FWIW - During those years in the early 2000s, when I was the Avantgarde Acoustics North American distributor, and we won all of those Best in Show awards, I insisted on using the GPA racks and amp stands. I always thought of them not as an accessory, but as a component.

I should also mention that whenever the GPA seemed a bit overwhelmed, it could always be addressed by inserting NEW and CORRECT dampers under each shelf.

You can't expect the highest performance if you try to "just get by". Very much comparable to selecting tubes.
 
Milk_vanilla said:
Melbguy,

What a coincidence, my racks combination are 3+2 too!

What's the improvement experienced with / without the SCB shelfs?
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My main rack might be expanding to 4 shelfs in the not too distant future ;). After adding the SCB-RS50G board to my top shelf, a knock test showed the standard shelf's slight tendency to 'ring' was greatly reduced. Also, the board sits much more solidly on the 4 spikes. Good old fashioned mass loading! In terms of sound, I haven't a-b compared the standard shelf vs the SCB as I added Stillpoints Ultra 6 feet at the same time, so I didn't get a chance to compare. Though if the added stability, my crude knock test & reviews are anything to go by, they should provide a nice benefit :thumbsup:.
 
wklie said:
In both the rack in my workplace as well as those in your photo, the bottom rack seems to be curved downwards due to the weight... :| (Or optical illusion due to camera lens distortion and/or lighting?)

Also the "TAOC" name plate is missing from the former - I wonder if it easily comes off.
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Wklie, I took that photo on my Iphone using a wide angle. I also went downstairs tonight to check if the bottom shelf is curved due to weight or otherwise, and i'm sure it is an optical illusion due to the frame's curved edges. I even placed a ruler under the edge of the frame & it is straight as a die.

Re: the Taoc name plate, my SCB boards did come with one, however I decided not to fit them as I thought one Toac plate per rack (on the bottom) was enough. Btw they stick like a National Geographic subscription, so no issue with the plate falling off!
 
Mike said:
Finite Element was one of mine, but they went belly up according to their U.S. distributor last week.

I spoke to Philip about the Artesania racks last week. I like those. Removing the shelf from the equation is a unique approach and achieves true isolation.

I get asked about HRS all the time. Never tried them.

I have Solid Tech in the store and those are solid (no pun intended).

Love the Raidho rack.

What do you like?


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I have a HRS M1R and love it. Artesania makes nice racks too... agreed. I have their other products. For some time I've had Critical Mass on my radar but always felt it to be marginally inferior to HRS...


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