Core Audio Designs ....The Man, The Myth...The Legend - Arnold Marr


Hello Audiogon Members - due to a recent fortunate change in my system, I found myself back in that market looking for an equipment rack that would benefit my system. Equipment racks can be the last frontier of a great sounding system but finding the '' right one '' is not an easy task. 

I began looking and I interviewed a host of companies including ; HRS ( I have HRS M3X platforms under all all of my equipment ) Hi Fi Stay, Symposium, Artesania, SolidSteel HP Luxury Series and Core Audio Designs. I spent close to a month talking with owners and dealers and the sonic merits of audio equipment racks and none of them are inexpensive but I did find out that there is a lot or research and materials that go into these high ends racks. I can honestly say that everyone I spoke with stood truly behind their products with a passion for the hobby and with a true love for music in mind.   

But the one individual that stood out was Arnold Marr. I had some business with Arnold when he made me one of his racks in beautiful African Zebra wood. We had many conversations regarding that rack ( which I outgrew ) and served me well for 8 years....my how time flies ! When I contacted Arnold about a new rack, it was like  the conversation that we ended 8 years ago just picked right we had left off. We spoke many times over the next few weeks about music, audio and of course what rack would be best for me and my system. 

My system is located in my main living room so it had to fit in with the rest of my home's décor. I just didn't think that the other companies racks that were made of metal would have fit into my living room. My wife was involved in the process and after numerous conversations we all agreed on ; African Buginga. It is an absolutely beautiful wood and Arnold throughout the building process, showed me the wood how the rack was progressing.   

It did take a few weeks but you cannot '' rush perfection '' and the rack came in three boxes and as I took out each shelf I just could not believe the beauty of the wood and the craftmanship of each piece. It is worth noting that each shelf has Core Audio Designs proprietary damping material in it. Core Audio Designs are not only beautifully crafted but also designed with us Audio Nuts in mind. 

Arnold tracked the shipment and called me when I had received the rack to make sure everything was made to spec and then some. It is beautiful and fits right into our living room and sonically it is dead silent.

Arnold is a true craftsman who makes gorgeous equipment racks and who is also a truly great person to work with and also know. I had a great time buying my rack from Core Audio Designs ......thanks Arnold !!!!!                   

garebear

Arnold has built 7 racks for me. He used some cool exotic woods. The results were truly bespoke. He stands ALONE!

+100

Arnold & Core Audio = if only everything in audio delivered like this

I have known Arnold for over 15 years and owned several iterations of his racks. I have not met anyone who is just as passionate and knowledgeable about his work. His racks are work of art and equally exquisite. No project is big enough for him. When I approached him about making a custom ‘quad’ rack, he enthusiastically said, why not. 3 months later the ‘quad’ was delivered in its custom crate ⬇️

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

I agree entirely, Arnold is an absolute joy to work with and a true gentleman. He has built 2 racks and a custom TT shelf for me, The second rack is a custom double plyKraft 3L rack (2x3 shelves). Quality and functionality are beyond reproach.