How important is an audio rack?


The difference in opinions is almost as heated as the great cable debate. Many claim solid hardwood is best. Others like no shelves but some even defend mdf shelves. One store owner/salesman stated the audio rack should be considered the most important component, even with a very modest system! My opinion is much more moderate, but i'm curious what others think.
dayglow
Don't know what your budget is, but Grand Prix Audio makes very good racks with what I believe to be high WAF. Not cheap, but very, very good.
Has anyone considered damping your components with mastic material on the inside? There's a host of products out there. A good solid rack/table/ shelving unit is all you need. Stuff a cheap $200.00 TT with tone arm adjustments and it'll rival one costing 10 times as much. Given that TTs are far more sensitive in this regard, imagine what it'll do for the rest of your gear.
Always thought equipment on the floor looked high schoolish, even power amps .
Not cheap but the silent running audio craz rack is first rate electronics isolation. Wood with titanium core, suspended shelves
IME, an audio rack is important for anti-vibration (within one's room) purposes. OTOH, gear can be placed onto butcher blocks of wood resting on the floor (like audio shows).

An audio system is a chain, made up of links and it is only strongest, as the weakest link.