hifi Racks

[Rick Bike]

My LP12 currently sits on a Habitat unit of some description. I've been trying to make a case to SWMBO for a while that we need a new one for it, but I've been told it has to fit in with the existing living room furniture, which is fair enough.

My initial choice of Quadraspire was described as 'like something out of the 1970's.

HIFI Racks units though have been deemed acceptable.

http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/products.php?itemCat=1

They do get good reviews in a lot of the hi-fi comics, but I always think the views on this forum are as valid as theirs, so I would be very grateful if anyone who has experience of these units could comment as to the performance impact it had, whether positive or negative.

Thanks in advance.

Rick.

[grimreaper46]

I use isoblue (in my favorite Walnut) but I think they are two heavy for an LP12. Similaly I think HIFi Racks platforms are not designed for turntables. A wall mounted light shelf would be my preference but as I haven't had an LP12 for some years now I think you should wait for advice from others on here

[budhudson]

See my signature

[slackboy]

Yep, definitely go for a shelf if at all possible. IMO all stand talk is hooey apart from what certain turntables sit on, and the LP12 is definitely support-sensitive. There are a couple of threads in here where various appropriate shelves have been highlighted.

[charlie1]

Like grimreaper, I use Isoblue (http://www.isobluehifi.com). I think they are attractive and so far I've not been able to find anything more musical for my LP12, despite trying hard.

Consequently, I now also own a basic Apollo wall shelf, Ikea Lack and Corras tables and old AudioTech table. I also briefly owned the expensive TimeTable from Germany. So, far none have bettered the Isoblue musically, despite speaking to the TimeTable and AudioTech designers to get the best setup out of it. I also compared it against a Quadraspire (can't recall the spec) at someone's house and again preferred the Isoblue.

However, whilst the Isoblue is very good musically, it does make the sound a bit diffuse and warm, so less clean and detailed as the others I mentioned.

Also worth noting that my LP12 is fitted with Trampolin2 and the listening room is a 1st floor suspended wooden floor. It's possible the Isoblue just suits my room and would perform less well against the others on concrete for example - I just want to make the point that this is only my experience and my not translate to other listening rooms in the same way.

If you don't have a Tramp2 and plan on using heavy furniture then I recommend you get one. It should be a minor upgrade to the standard base too.

[stevie]

If you're considering HiFi Racks units, you should be aware that the top is made from blocks of oak, as opposed to a single piece. This gives an effect similar to that seen on a chopping block - just make sure that your SWMBO is happy with that and all those spikes. I went for the similar looking racks from here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solid-Oak-HiFi...35badc1c92
I think they are aesthetically more pleasing with silver legs - their construction was quite basic but they looked OK when stacked. I did not compare the audio signatures of one against the other. They are a stopgap to Naim Fraims (when I have the spare cash) - do have a look at them if you haven't done so already. (Very) expensive, but they do look the business, so may well get the SWMBO's approval!

[linnrd]

I have not had problems with the Solidsteels I use, but would guess that a Tramp would be necessary for best performance on one of these. The other suggestion is to possibly use a butchered IKEA Lack table on top of whatever heavy rack you choose, if a wall-shelf is verboten.

[Mr Onion]

SWMBO thinks that the HiFi Racks products look too 'chunky' (I agree) and thinks the Quadrasipre look 'timeless' (to which I also agree)

Strange how different people see different things in the same object.

[Rick Bike]

(2012-03-29 09:51)Mr Onion Wrote:  SWMBO thinks that the HiFi Racks products look too 'chunky' (I agree) and thinks the Quadrasipre look 'timeless' (to which I also agree)

Strange how different people see different things in the same object.

It is interesting to hear differing views on the look of equipment/supports. I also think the Quadrasire looks good, but after seeing it yesterday, I also thought that applied to hifi racks, and the latter is a better fit, look wise, with our existing furniture.

Wall shelf is a complete no-no, it's either what we've got or hifi racks. Any proposal has to be seen in the flesh and these things take an eon in our household. Literally. I've been trying for at least four months to arrange for SWMBO to go to the shop to have a look.

Realisitcally if the hifi racks unit doesn't hack it, the Ikea option is the only other alternative.

[budhudson]

HUTTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!