HRS and other racks .. what improves sound

[JoelG]

As I am about to receive a lot of new gear for my first major audio system... ARC monoblock amps and preamp, phono stage, turntable, synchro, DAC, Aurender, Processor, McIntosh MC205 Amp for the center-surrounds, DVD player etc. it became clear that I now need to find a place to put it all. I will put the monoblocks and MC205 on the floor on isolation bases, as I do not want these on the floor and I am told this helps the sound. That leaves the rest of the gear that will be placed towards the side of the room on a rack.

There seems to be agreement that isolation is good for turntables and monoblock amps, but not sure exactly what other equipment benefits from these expensive bases. The cost of an HRS isolation base for an Oppo 105 is way more than the cost of the DVD player! Then, if you get the isolation bases, it can be thousands for the rack, but not sure that would help the sound of any component, especially if on a base since that is the purpose of the base.

Therefore, I am thinking that if I build a sturdy rack out of wood, I can choose the exact dimensions, and if I place isolation bases on equipment that needs them, then the sound will be as good as the sound of a purchased rack. Anyone find that isolation bases have helped their sound when used on DVD players, servers, preamps, etc. ?

[Masterlu]

HRS isolation bases are as good as it gets. There is an audible improvement from using HRS racks and bases albeit at a high price.

[JoelG]

Thanks Ivan. I agree that they are quality products and my plan is to use HRS. However, I am not sure how there is an audible improvement by using their racks in addition to the bases. Also, do you think these bases matter for all components or for certain components in particular?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by JoelG

Thanks Ivan. I agree that they are quality products and my plan is to use HRS. However, I am not sure how there is an audible improvement by using their racks in addition to the bases. Also, do you think these bases matter for all components or for certain components in particular?

Joel... Their isolation bases do half of the work, the racks themselves do the other half.

Every single component benefits from proper isolation whether it be from sympathetic vibration, or airborne.

[MyPal]

Don't forget about the benefits of the HRS DPX dampening plates...

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by MyPal

Don't forget about the benefits of the HRS DPX dampening plates...

Indeed, I use them everywhere.

[tunes]

Originally Posted by JoelG

Thanks Ivan. I agree that they are quality products and my plan is to use HRS. However, I am not sure how there is an audible improvement by using their racks in addition to the bases. Also, do you think these bases matter for all components or for certain components in particular?

Joel,
The HRS bases will really improve your ARC tube gear. I would suggest starting with bases under your monos, pre and phono pre and TT. Not sure that you'll see the same impact with your CD/DAC.
You could also try HRS nimbus under components on a generic rack as they offer an improvement for me with my ARC gear.
Chris

[jondkaufman]

Morning all:
I have learned of another HRS rack - the RXR, which is priced less than the bigger SXR or MXR. In addition, according to my source, they have more flexibility, albeit not as overall effective as the SXR or MXR. Does anyone have any exposure and/or experience with the RXR? It might be just what Joel, I or others are looking for...
Best, jdk

[Masterlu]

Here are a couple of RXR pics.