Wow, that's a shame, and a bit surprising too; The Sistrum 6 is a pretty elegant and understated rack in my eyes. Clean and simple, not at all dominating or bulky. I'm also a big fan of setting things off with contrast but I guess that isn't the case with your rack and her antiques. Are you sure it is JUST the rack that is bothering your wife and not the system itself? I like the suggestion of the gutted Armoire. Perhaps you could even find something big enough to keep the Sistrum, that would act as a kind of shell around it. I don't know how eclectic your wife's taste is, but there are some really beautiful medical and dental cabinets from the turn of the century that I've always thought would make a great display case for a nice system...especially tubes. You'd have to wire and properly ventelate it though as they are usually sealed. This would mean drilling holes in the back (and likely destroying the resale value of it). The most beautiful ones I've seen (IMO) are made of steel and have Queen Anne legs. They're pretty rare to find, and I don't recall ever seeing them in New England (my folks live in VT and I've spent quite a bit of time in that area). Seems like they're more out west and in the bigger cities (maybe Boston has them). I've seen them on eBay once or twice and they go for around the same price as your Sistrum. As far as optimizing it for isolation of components and optimal function as a stereo shelf, I'm sure it would require further efforts. These are not the common dental cabinets with drawers, but more of a medical cabinet with doors. There is currently one on eBay but it is priced pretty high. You can see it here Disclaimer: No association with this seller whatsoever. Later examples are much less curvy, less expensive, and more straight up and down. If you search long enough for one you may find a bargain. Then again, it may not be your wife's taste at all. My wife hates my speakers in our living room. I've already conceded to put the rest of the system in the closet...well, I recently took the amps out. Yes, my amps are out of the closet folks! Anyway, have managed to keep the speakers in place. I may end up building a listening room downstairs in order to make her happy (and me happy)! Good luck with your better half!
Marco
Marco