Dpac996, here's an easy experiment. Take everything off one of the glass shelves, then take a key or small screwdriver and strike it, not hard of course. Does it ring? Of course it does. Ringing indicates vibrational energy that will find its way up into your equipment and cause capacitors and other components to vibrate and cause unwanted distortion and noise. Vibration of racks and shelves are caused to some degree by airborne acoustic energy, more by mechanical energy coming through the building structure. The latter is caused by many things: footfalls which in turn cause floor vibrations, vehicle traffic which shakes the entire structure, and natural forces such as wind and movement of water in large bodies of water and rivers.
Wood v. Metal for stands. Is there a clear winner?
I'm pretty sure there is no clear cut answer. however I thought to inquire as to what most sound junkies dig best. Metal stands and racks, OR wooden products? Or a combination of the two?
My own needs revolve about a floor which is not on a solid foundation, a thin wallet, and the desire to not compromise things entirely by being cheap. so spending some in the right areas seems the right thing for me.
But items like the Isis, Pagote, Particular, and those of that 4 digit ilk are likely past me.
I'm torn between a couple wooden amp stands, in addition to the Solidsteel 5.2 or 6.2 (in pairs) to hold rotating junk on one, and preamp and DAC on the other... or is that idea overkill?
All experiences and thoughts are most welcome... and needed.
There simply must be a solidly senseible solution which doesn't bust the bank but sure holds it's own against heftier competition.
Thanks in advance.