A question we get asked a lot is “Does a Hi-Fi rack make any difference sonically?” Matt from our Cardiff store takes a deeper look in to how we set our Hi-Fi systems up at home and sets out to answer questions like “How does it improve the performance and presentation of the music?” as well as “Do we go for style over function? Or do we walk the line between the two?”

On my exciting journey through the wonderful world of Hi-Fi, there have been many changes to my own system of the past couple of years. One big change came this year after attending the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, where I had a rather in-depth chat with MIAN Audio Distribution who represent Solidsteel Hi-Fi furniture for the UK.

I had some issues with my current set-up with unwanted acoustic feedback and vibration problems when listening to music at home (teamed with a difficult placement situation). After a very informative conversation, I decided to finally take the plunge and I bought myself a new rack. Now my system proudly sits on a rather cool SolidSteel S3-3 in black.

Matt’s Hi-Fi rack at home solidsteel s3-3

Since I made this big change in my Hi-Fi it has made the world of difference to how the music sounds. How much difference does Hi-Fi furniture make? How does isolating components help with things such as noise floor?

Studio Time

As I’ve mentioned in other blogs; in my late teens I used to quite often help my dad in the TV studio he worked in. I was tasked with such things as carrying cables and making coffee, especially when working on outside broadcast.

I remember one day asking my dad why the equipment was mounted in rack cases. He essentially told me that it makes it easier to strip down the rig if there is a problem, but more importantly it keeps everything isolated. This is especially important when you’re recording quite instruments or speech as the least amount of component noise is required.

Fast forward to present day and working at Audio T, I feel Hi-Fi racks play a important role as a rack case would in the studio, isolating our equipment and giving easy access to individual components.

The big question?

All this talk about how we house our systems brings to light the big question I hear you asking out there, are Hi-Fi racks and Hi-Fi furniture worth it? How much difference does it make to the sound of my system? and also just as important, how does a Hi-Fi rack perform this magic act of changing the way our system sounds?

Let’s talk technical

Talking technical, I promise I won’t go on too much but I will give you a bit of information to think about. Most of our audio equipment generates unwanted vibrations and standing waves which are barely audible but can disturb the components in our Hi-Fi systems, such as our turntables and other sensitive electronic components, compromising sound quality. It manifests in the form of noise and gives your audio an unnatural harshness or even distortion. These unwanted vibrations can come from the transformers in our components for example, even movement from our speakers or other appliances in our homes is also a factor.

All of this makes a dedicated rack an essential part of any good audio system making our listening experience more enjoyable (sorry to sound a little vain but a rack really makes your system look the business too).

It’s all material

All of the Hi-Fi furniture manufacturers we deal with at Audio T have a well established background in engineering and design. Companies such as Solidsteel, Quadraspire and Atacama to name but a few. Before we talk about these three amazing companies, let’s look into the materials they use and why.

Many companies such as Atacama and Quadraspire use more natural materials for their damping characteristics, bamboo being one example. Suitable hardwoods such as solid oak are favoured by others. Hardwood ply has excellent acoustic properties since it consists of multiple layers of wood which have different resonances. Another alternative being MDF, which companies like Solidsteel use to make their shelves due to its more consistent density from a lack of wood grain.

There are other things at play in how a rack is built, leg design and materials such as aluminium alloy being particularly dead and easy to machine. For example, Atacama put their legs on spikes between shelves to further decrease contact between components and reduce the amount of unwanted vibration.

Let’s talk a little history

Let’s start with my personal favourite, Solidsteel. Their story is deeply rooted in passion and craftsmanship with Moreno Conti, a music enthusiast, laying the foundation for the brand in the early 1990s. His commitment to excellence has led to Solidsteel being one of the most recognised hi-fi furniture brands available in the UK.

The name ‘Solidsteel’ traces its origins back to the 70s and 80s with a young man from Pescara, driven by a love for music and motors. An interesting side note is his love of motors can be seen in their speaker stands which, believe it or not, are welded by the same gentleman that welds Ducati’s motorcycle exhausts. He has experimented with cutting-edge metalworking techniques over the years which led to the creation of their first metal furniture.

Moving onto Quadraspire

The company was started by Dutch designer Eddie Spruit back in 1995 in an east London Studio, but now based in Bath. Going back over twenty years ago he set out to deliver near perfect Hi-Fi performance and something that looks the part as well. After a lot of research and experimentation, Eddie came up with his preferred materials. Bamboo for the shelves and solid machined aluminium for the legs. Using a curved design on the shelves as well as cutting cross sections out from the underside of the shelves. This fine tuning removes any unwanted resonances, almost like a spruce top on Martin acoustic guitar, they use what is know as ‘X‘ bracing to tune the wood. All of these design aspects help with the overall performance of Quadraspire racks.

And last but certainly not least

Atacama Audio, formerly know as “Sambell Engineering Ltd”, goes right back to 1969. Specialising in aerospace engineering while working beside prestigious companies such as Rolls Royce aircraft division.

Moving forward to 1987, Atacama became involved in the Hi-Fi industry. Drawing from their past experience with aluminium, they had the perfect means to design legs and feet for a Hi-Fi rack. Next, they had to come up with the perfect materials for shelving. They started with tempered glass shelves which worked really well but were still prone to vibration, they then went onto using what they felt was the perfect materials, oak and bamboo. They also incorporated a curved design to the shelves as well as using spiked isolation between them to develop their signature characteristics.

Do all Hi-Fi racks cost a small fortune?

The resounding answer is ‘no’, the great thing is Solidsteel and Atacama both have racks in their ranges that are cost effective and look great, such as the Solidsteel S2 series and the Apollo storm range from Atacama. Both are fantastic options, but I personally decided to up the performance and went for the S3 rack. That being said, the S3 is still very reasonably priced and above all great performing.

Standing up for ourselves, with speakers that is!

All three of the aforementioned companies also make speaker stands using the same design aspects, taking unwanted resonances out of the stand and increasing the performance and focus of our speakers.
For instance, I own a pair of Atacama Nexus 600 speaker stands for my Dynaudio Evoke speakers (pictured to the right). Although they are the basic range from Atacama, they do have some amazing and functional design cues. For instance, their tubular steel legs can be filled with sand or Atacama’s own Atabites to dampen any resonance they might still have.
I can’t mention speaker stands without talking about a true favourite of mine (a very near future purchase for me 😉) - The Solidsteel SS-6. As well as looking great they also isolate the speakers really well. The top plate is made from MDF, bolted into the frame as well as resting on three bearing points, again reducing any movement from vibrations.

Other ways to isolate the components in your system…

IsoAcoustics, a brand born from the recording studio and the brainchild of Canadian Dave Morrison who started the company in 2012. He was closely involved in the design of music and television studios.

I personally have some of their Graphite range pucks under my turntable and speakers, believe you me they do make a big difference, I highly recommend giving them a try! However the graphite range is the tip of the iceberg for these guys. I will be taking a bigger dive into IsoAcoustics in another blog in the very near future, so watch this space!

In conclusion

Going back to that original question, “Is Hi-Fi furniture worth it or is it just smoke and mirrors?”…

Smoke and mirrors? Definitely not! They serve a very real purpose that is audibly noticeable when implemented, especially when moving from generic furniture from the likes of IKEA that is popular with many people.

As well as proving to make a sonic difference to your system’s performance, dedicated Hi-Fi furniture showcases your set-up in the best way possible and gives it the stage it deserves.

But don’t just take my word for it pop into our store and try out the Solidsteel, Quadraspire or Atacama series racks for yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog!

Matt - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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