Question on Salamander Synergy system

I also have an S40 rack. For me it was an improvement, but that may be due to it's having been on a very unstable shelf unit before I purchased the S40. Stereophile once said in their review that the top shelf imparts a "slight veil" to the music. As a result, they preferred the S30. I suspect they are right, but it does look very nice--like a nice piece of furniture.

I have the cherry unit with cherry side panels. I left the back of it off for ventilation. FWIW, the side panels fit very well and do not rattle at all.

I think Jdombrow is right: to find something that looks as nice and sounds significantly better, you will likely have to spend quite a bit more $$.

Get decent gear and you won't have to worry about shelves' "assistance" in sound. I agree with jdombro: the side panels are useless, but @ Tvad: there's no reason to hide my gear at all at all!!
Do upholster the brakets holding the shelves and you have - I agree perfectly with your wife - one of the best looking cabinet system on the market.

hi,
agree with above as i have 2. i have 3 neaunce platforms
on my twin 30 for my sacd player, tubed pre-amp and
tubed phono pre and these are worlds better than the stock
shelves.

I have 2 salamander Synergy cabinets they offer great spousal acceptance, but do not help with audio stability( foot falls with turntable). I suggest you look at Adona racks,they have much better stability.