AFFORDABLE HIGH VFM RACKS - Opinions Please...

I relish agreement, even with an unnecessarily plural moniker. I appreciate groovy design, but extremely expensive racks are things I really doubt would pass a blind test if the components on the racks were individually isolated with the aforementioned bits of vibration soaking goo pads. And hey...where else can I say "vibration soaking goo pads?"

Zoethecus are great racks if you can find one used.

I have my non suspended Clearaudio Master Solution on a 4 shelf Zoethecus rack. You can rap on the wood posts and perimeter frames while playing records and nothing get's thru to the table. The shelves sit on isolation pods on metal corners brackets attached to the perimeter frames which are attached to the legs. I also have my Wadia CD player tube amp, preamp and phono stage on the other shelves. I paid $1250 for it years ago as a dealer demo.

These occasionally come up under $1000 depending on condition and number of shelves.
There is a three shelf for sale now for around $350 where the seller actually made granite selves for it. They look great but not sure they sound any better due to Granite ringing. I believe he also has the original mdf shelves so this is a good deal if someone only needs a three shelf stand.

I say go with the most solid rack you can with lots of mass. That way if you need to couple some components to the rack you can and if you need to isolate other components you can do that, too (using your goo pads). I decided to build a rack similar to a Walker but with enhancements. I have no scientific data to support my design, but I guarantee that many of the companies making audiophile racks have no scientific data to support their designs, either. I simply designed mine to fit two turntables on the top, have enough space for six other components, be extremely solid and massive, have good aesthetics, adjustable feet, and be relatively easy to build. The only thing I screwed up was the easy to build part!

What kind of floor is under the rack, and do you have any problems with footfalls and your non-suspended table?

Symposium Isis is the best sounding its not cheap though.

MANY THANKS for taking the time to share your opinions - this is great...all seriously good, valid points. I am in no rush (need to save up the funds, and try to make as good decision I can when the time comes). I have been experimenting a lot with the 'budget tweaks' (it’s fun, relatively inexpensive and easy to do) through the years in this hobby of ours - I am aware of the necessity to do 'one thing at a time and let it be for a while'...amongst those I've tried Sorbothane feet etc...the sorbo feet didn't work for me under any component (and I have tried under all at the same time as well) - I know a lot of people likes and uses them. I do revisit ever so often and now my next step is to take 4 inch butcher blocks and have some adhesive sorbo sheet under (1/8 thick) and place between TT and maple shelf (2 inch - I do think the comment that maple resonates some...maybe the 4 inch thick is better and I have no doubt Mapleshade is a good rack) - this is within my current budget as I had it laying around ;-) I'll report when I've tested (may take a while)...

I've tested small Myrtle blocks under the components and they really work - I can't wrap my head around how (exactly like when I realized that changing power cords changes the sound - trying not to think about it...)...I like what they do under any and all components.

I do believe mass and coupling is important - the vibrations just have to dissipate quickly and not anywhere near the components...

Of course, finding a used rack that fits ones exact needs are a bit like winning the lottery, but definitely looking out for the likes of Zoethecus (so that's how you spell it)...

I've seen Quadraspire getting a lot of praise in UK Mags, Adona, Blinn (also made my Maple platform - a good experience/transaction), and all the others mentioned here will be on my short list...

No problems with footfalls exactly, just a desire to wring every drop out of my audio system (you know how it goes)...the rack's on a carpet...

KETCHUP - Your project looks interesting, please let me know how it comes along when you can.

Thanks again and please - more opinions!