How does an AV rack improve picture and sound?

[Sliced Bread]

Many reviews in What Hi-Fi refer to how the rack improves sound and picture. Does anyone know how this is the case and whether or not it makes a noticeable difference in a "real world" environment? Do you need a very high end system for the difference to be noticeable? I can understand how sound can be improved from the centre speaker as it is essentially being placed on a quality stand, however how is the electronic signal in the amp / player and monitor improved?

 

[Anonymous]

Just posting to keep this thread high up the listing. I'll be interested in the replies as well. My "rack" is a piece of custom built repro yew furniture as it needed to "blend in" with the living room decor. It is nice and solid and is also well vented but beyond that I suspect most purists would laugh at me.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

JohnNewman:Many reviews in What Hi-Fi refer to how the rack improves sound and picture. Does anyone know how this is the case and whether or not it makes a noticeable difference in a "real world" environment? Do you need a very high end system for the difference to be noticeable? I can understand how sound can be improved from the centre speaker as it is essentially being placed on a quality stand, however how is the electronic signal in the amp / player and monitor improved?

I know Joel swears that his set up sounded a whole lot better once he changed his rack. I got mine made by the same company and I can't see how it can make a difference. However, mine looks great and it's tidy with space around the components.

 

[a.g.]

I have just aquired an Atacama Equinox rack and it has made my system sound a lot more forward and has created loads of extra bass, but I don't have my speaker sounds sorted out so when I do that might tighten up the bass.

Can't comment on picture quality but it's worth it for the sound alone.

 

[JoelSim]

I noticed some bass on a track I'd heard millions of times that was way way stronger than it was before...not exaggerating either.

ÿ

Seriously, there was a leap.

ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Something I have wondered about also.......

I understand the importance of isolating audio components to minimise unwanted vibrations and maximise performance.... but as for display technology what are benifits??? Will mounting a plasma or lcd on a wall impare or improve picture performance as opposed to using a rack?.... if so does the type of bracket make a difference??

Any opinions out there???

 

[aliEnRIK]

ANY device that has had vibration 'lessened' will perform better. Wether you will audibly hear or see the differences really is down to your personal kit and how its all set up. I persoanlly wouldnt bother with a decent hifi rack (Unless of course you want it to look cool

) before looking at all the other avenues..... speaker setup, cables used etc.

For the record I do use Atacamas equinox range, it looks cool and I have heard the differences (But nothing like changing a cable say)

 

[survivor]

I have an Atacama Equinox. My system does sound slightly better but it`s not just about the sound. It all looks better now, doesn`t heat up like it used to and everything combined just makes you feel a lot better about your hi-fi generally. Very pleased with mine.