Why are equipment racks so expensive?


I periodically look through the racks in the sales section and I cannot get over just how darn pricey those things are.  I don't get it.  

I mean I see racks that cost 1, 2 or even 3K.  Really?

I've currently got two Ikea end tables stacked (not the Lack but some other ones) and they work rather well but sometimes I look just to see what's available.  I see the prices.  Then I'm back to being happy with what I've got.

So...why the prices?
audiodwebe

Showing 1 response by conlad

I agree with ghdprentice’s remarks about choosing a rack that is in a price tier that makes sense in relation to the cost of your components. Like you, I have used Ikea products: Ingolf stools as speaker stands for about five years. I chose to buy Skylan stands as an overdue upgrade for my Harbeth speakers. (Yes, I’m aware that some here are certain that I should have bought stands with open bottoms, but that ship has sailed.)
I recently chose to upgrade my rack from a basic Sanus model with glass shelves that served me well for about ten years. Its replacement is a Symposium Foundation Ultra rack, which cost almost ten times what I paid for the Sanus rack. The differences between the two racks are substantial too, from design to parts; and the Symposium is U.S. made. I would have preferred that the new rack had cost less but chose to buy it anyway. I believe that my system sounds better partly due to the new rack and recently purchased speaker stands. I funded purchase of the new rack with proceeds of sales of some used equipment.
There are basic racks available for $200 to $300, followed by more attractive designs that are somewhat sturdier in the $500 to $1,000 range, and then more expensive options, up to $10,000 if you have funds to afford that.