# Audio rack ( isolation ) **URL:** \ **Category:** Accessories and Tweaks\ **Created:** [January 16, 2018, 7:55am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700 "2018-01-16T07:55:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![darrenv1070](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/darrenv1070/32/270293_2.png) [@darrenv1070](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/darrenv1070)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2018, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/21 "2018-01-24T14:21:38Z")
> **Roninaudio said** > > “Rack of Silence” Love it…I think that describes the first few seconds after you see the price… I got a substantial discount on the rack, so I could not resist the price. ---
**Author:** ![stevem2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@stevem2](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/stevem2)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2018, 1:39pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/22 "2018-01-25T13:39:27Z")
The reaction probably has as much to do with how the shot was set up as the construction of the rack. ---
**Author:** ![amgradmd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/41988e/32.png) [@amgradmd](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/amgradmd)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2018, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/23 "2018-01-25T14:05:21Z")
Yeah. That shot looks like it was taken in the Bud Light “Pit of Misery”! ![21_gif](http://www.psaudio.com/wp-content/forum-smileys/21.gif "21\_gif") ---
**Author:** ![frank7036](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/frank7036/32/40_2.png) [@frank7036](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/frank7036)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 6:39am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/24 "2018-01-26T06:39:14Z")
@darrenv1070 The Solid Tech ROS is a great rack. It has well thought out engineering behind it. It will be interesting to here your thoughts once you have lived with it for a while. ---
**Author:** ![darrenv1070](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/darrenv1070/32/270293_2.png) [@darrenv1070](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/darrenv1070)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/25 "2018-01-26T15:39:57Z")
Frank7036. I can say it was a trick to assemble. ! ![pulling-hair_gif](http://www.psaudio.com/wp-content/forum-smileys/pulling-hair.gif "pulling-hair\_gif") ---
**Author:** ![frank7036](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/frank7036/32/40_2.png) [@frank7036](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/frank7036)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/26 "2018-01-26T20:14:09Z")
Apparently you prove your worthiness of ownership by being able to assemble without committing terrible deeds in frustration. Or you work for IKEA Skunkworks. ---
**Author:** ![jazznut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@jazznut](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jazznut)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 5:30pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/27 "2018-01-27T17:30:03Z")
If one doesn’t have a rock solid floor with rack pretty far enough away from speakers, I’d recommend very heavy bases on a rack soft decoupled from the floor. Otherwise lighter wooden bases on spiked racks might work for the first example (which I personally never used for long time) ---
**Author:** ![hoytamundo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/d9b06d/32.png) [@hoytamundo](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/hoytamundo)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2019, 4:51pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/28 "2019-02-18T16:51:12Z")
Late reply – I bought the Salamander Archetype, 3-level. I bought an extra shelf and the spikes for a nice setup. Good value and decent performance. I am on hardwood floors, so I bought Cone/Spike Decoupling Gliders by Herbie’s Audio Lab, so I can slide rack away from wall to do hookups. Real nice. My setup from bottom up – BHK 250 amp, BHK Preamp, DS DAC, DS Memory Player. That’s a lot of weight, but no problem. If I could afford, I would buy a Mapleshade setup. ---
**Author:** ![RedRiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ec8ea/32.png) [@RedRiver](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RedRiver)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:02am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/29 "2019-02-24T02:02:05Z")
When I started building the system around DeVore 3XL and Firstwatts J2, I selected Quadraspire svt bamboo rack; I had opportunity comparing before and after setting up the equipment on the rack (shipped from UK took a while), equipments were on an IKEA bench or on the floor before rack arrived; I have to say the rack DOES make very noticable improvement to the sound on the first note, even when all the equipments were fairly new and not yet fully break-in; it sounded less covered, more detailed, more extensions in both spectrums, more fluid, open and less congested (better imagining). I forgot to mention in another post, rack / isolation could make significant sound improvement / difference; photo is where I first set up the system; later I made some upgrade to digital gear and added vinyl system. The top tier space was handy; ![IMG_2179](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/0/02dc384dc80a45f3f67150b9d5ee3c0394fe06c3.jpeg) ![IMG_2182](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/5/535cd313792859f5a06556003f456f10ee854742.jpeg) ![IMG_2183](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/1/1914898ea1b517ffd6cb15a1d0cd7e7208b23037.jpeg) ![IMG_2185](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/7/7442fd65319ef82dd6e9b9cfdb777b937d0ba008.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![FMaximus](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/fmaximus/32/3930_2.png) [@FMaximus](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/FMaximus)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:17am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/30 "2019-02-24T02:17:21Z")
How does the HPA-1 go as a pre? ---
**Author:** ![RedRiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ec8ea/32.png) [@RedRiver](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RedRiver)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:37am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/31 "2019-02-24T02:37:12Z")
Hi, with a lot of upgrades, I kept HPA-1 as pre-amp and very happy about its performance; Pass gears that I have (Firstwatt J2, HPA-1, XP-17) have highest fit and finish and bullet proof quality in my system, not a single glitch or issues; Sound quality wise, HPA-1 is superb pre-amp, threw a huge deep and wide sound stage, tube like delicacy, but also conveys plenty micro and macro dynamics; The combo of 3XL, J2, HPA-1+ Audience SE/SX cables (power, interconnect, speaker) are very scalable and highly revealing, it really depends upon what you feed them; I think many folks may have focus on HPA-1’s headphone quality and may not had opportunity to tap into’s pre-amp potential. Pass designer mentioned that he first designed and built a high quality line stage to his satisfaction, then expanded it to full capacity headphone amp; I am sure if compare to their fully balanced XP pre-amps, there will be further improvement; ![IMG_4296](https://cdck-file-uploads-us1.s3.dualstack.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/7/722f2186ca44059e321d32f5a6815477e461ca61.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![FMaximus](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/fmaximus/32/3930_2.png) [@FMaximus](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/FMaximus)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:49am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/32 "2019-02-24T02:49:17Z")
Thanks, i’ve read a number of reviews and this is on my shortlist. Build quality looks top notch as you’d expect from Pass ---
**Author:** ![RedRiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ec8ea/32.png) [@RedRiver](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RedRiver)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 3:03am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/33 "2019-02-24T03:03:15Z")
The way Pass handled the machining, assembly and aesthetics is impressive; here is XP-17 picture for reference; by the way XP-17 is a dynamite phono pre-amp; I didn’t realize 3XL can rock till I had XP-17; cheers:-) ![IMG_3414](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/b/bf04e453f8a4dc1a1426722b963ed28f07533594.jpeg) ![IMG_4297](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/0/032932e303c4e09576a8a1f1f14286c231eb1aad.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![danschwartz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/danschwartz/32/10876_2.png) [@danschwartz](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/danschwartz)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 3:47am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/34 "2019-02-24T03:47:32Z")
Hi, do you still have your Salamander? ---
**Author:** ![chris5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f19dbf/32.png) [@chris5](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/chris5)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 8:49am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/35 "2019-02-24T08:49:41Z")
Hi @RedRiver, I too have the Qs bamboo stand. What are the wooden blocks you have underneath the equipment? What improvements did they bring and are they worth the investment? Many thanks ---
**Author:** ![RedRiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ec8ea/32.png) [@RedRiver](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RedRiver)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:37pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/36 "2019-02-24T14:37:39Z")
Hi Chirs5, I picked up these Cardas Myrtlewood blocks (they also sold under Arye label) after reading review of QS bamboo stand; I didn’t do A-B comparison with and without them, and trusted what reviewer commented, that the Myrtlewood blocks enhanced the presentation overall. Reviewer also compared Stillpoints and Stillpoints + QS SVT brings out even more sound quality; Nevertheless Stillpoints are a quite few times more expensive (You got what you pay for); Music direct and the cable company both sell them; ![ACARMYRTLESMALL](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/8/8df4cd1589d7d2967027adcc1ada67affd178c67.jpeg) [https://www.musicdirect.com/accessories/cardas-myrtlewood-blocks](https://www.musicdirect.com/accessories/cardas-myrtlewood-blocks) By the way, the pads under QS SV2T are Bluehorizon spike shoes from UK; I got them from the cable company but I don’t think they carry them anymore. I also placed them under DeVore 3XL speakers. I did comparison with other pads and Bluehorizon spike shoes blew them out of water; neutral, balanced sound and a lot more details and clarity; ![276-Blue-Horizon-Spikefeet](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/e/e35b0aae2703bab24fd44b82c59b1a0963d3765e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Paul](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/paul/32/6_2.png) [@Paul](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Paul)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:41pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/37 "2019-02-24T14:41:35Z")
Nice rack. Looks really clean and good looking. Not sure about the tiny little speakers. ---
**Author:** ![RedRiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ec8ea/32.png) [@RedRiver](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RedRiver)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/38 "2019-02-24T14:56:58Z")
Thanks Paul, I was not a believer of DeVore 3XL till I auditioned them; Followed your channel on youtube and added a couple REL S3 and the combo really shines; I spoke to many folks they either go with DeVore 93/ 96 or 3XL; learned from previous experience with ATC SCM 20 I placed them away from wall (more then 1/3 of room length), this is also recommended by DeVore’s manual; it is not as neutral as ATC, but delivers more clarity and resolution, nice decay and musicality; I mainly listen to classic and Jazz, DeVore shines in these genres. Thanks again for sharing a lot of great music and equipment experience on your channel, I have learned a lot from you! ![DSC_6220](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/2X/2/24cd91edbbdd38ce92ad8caf017c5e515ffc4b56.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@silo](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/silo)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/39 "2019-02-24T14:59:54Z")
This is a sweet system. ---
**Author:** ![Paul](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/paul/32/6_2.png) [@Paul](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Paul)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700/40 "2019-02-24T16:06:08Z")
That’s awesome and I am so happy I could have helped even in a small way. Thanks for sharing. [Previous page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/audio-rack-isolation/4700.md?page=3)