An audio rack that really does make a difference.

I once found myself in a situation where I needed to replace shelving in a older audio rack. I will admit that some of the new racks are sexy, but I was unwilling to commit to that level of investment.

I kept the frame, and added custom Birch Edge Series Platforms crafted from Audiophile Vibration Control https://audiophilevibrationcontrol.com/
A great product, and they also build racks. 

I also replaced the footers with Finite Elemente's Cerbase Classics that I got here on Agon. I added silicone gel Isolators in critical spots between the frame and the Birch Platforms .

The thousands I saved I invested in music and power cables.  If you choose to re-engineer your stand, or just need footers in general you should also check out Audio Point footers http://starsoundtechnologies.com/audioPoints.php

Best of Luck

I cant speak for every type of speaker in every situation, but I have usually, but not always had my rack between my speakers, and the soundstage and center imaging is perfect. If you're in doubt, you should try it. Remember, the perception of that center image is not happening right there, but at your ears. The radiation pattern of some speakers may be affected by the placement of the rack, but my speakers for instance are horns which have controlled directivity by their nature, and they are not affected at all. As far as some people saying that they can't "see" the image mentally because the rack is in the way, well, I just think that's nonsense. Listen with your ears!

If you're into some DIY and the flexibility it provides, look into 80/20.com. Extruded and machined aluminum elements for the structure and put whatever shelf you like.  

Estectics are personal,  but it's extremely rigid and can be reconfigured. 

Well, I took a little advice and started thinking about trying my rack off to the side.
With considerable pressure not to by my girl friend, who also lives with me, I move It when she was gone. First and foremost to say it didn’t make huge difference would be the understatement of this century. I think I solved most of issues regarding everything. The two biggest improvements: spacial depth and much lower noise floor. Moving the rack to its new home help tremendously with lowering acoustic energy the rack was picking up before. Everything sounds so much more open. I’ll never place my rack between my speakers again!