Granite Component Isolation Rack
Posted by: Rich Jerskey on 21 September 2003
Some of you may have noticed these before. One is up on Audiogon right now. I'm wondering if any rack enthusiasts might like to voice their opinions on such a stand.
Five or (?) slabs of 2 cm thick granite are connected through by 3 threaded blackened steel rods with appropriate nuts and washers for ultimate freedom in shelf spacing. Solid brass cones on graphite pucks serve to couple this substantial stand to the floor. As far as I can tell the limited liability of having the steel rods may be a slight magnetic detriment (maybe aluminum or brass rods might be available). I'm not sure what the audio properties of this would be with an all Naim component system (any guesses?).
Check it out and feel free to give me some words of wit and wisdom before I seriously consider actually making one of these myself (as nothing else out there really gets me overly excited).
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ddaccsrack&1064295414By the way, it looks like a fairly decent company that's manufacturing these but I notice they seem to prefer tube components.
[This message was edited by Rich Jerskey on MONDAY 22 September 2003 at 06:27.]
Posted on: 22 September 2003 by Rich Jerskey
Yep, similar in some respects to this inexpensive DIY (TNT) but vital differences. The dense granite will have a way different flavor audio-wise as will the overall rigidity. Upgrades and tweaks are possible via brass and/or ceramic cones and graphite pucks. Bottom line: I could probably build one for about $1000, maybe less. Compared to similarly priced stuf (maybe even Fraim) it might be fairly respectable.
RJ
Posted on: 22 September 2003 by Jim B
Rich,
I am just up the road from you in Jubail and expect to have one assembled in granite and stainless later this week. The stainless reduces, but does not eliminate any magnetic impact. Will let you know if I hear a difference.
Jim B.
Posted on: 22 September 2003 by Rich Jerskey
Jim,
Thanks for your feedback. I'll be very interested in your project and where you procured the hardware. The entry regarding welsh slate is interesting but it's not readily available here. The marble easily gotten here would be risky given all the "veins" or "faults" common to it but it might have nice tonal properties. I'm thinking granite is the best bet and sure looks respectable.
RJ
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Jim B
Rich,
The granite rack is assembled and leveled. The shelves are black granite 2 cm thick. The rods are 1 inch stainless. There are about 50 lbs of stainless, and 150 lbs or so of granite. I suspect if I put spikes on it, it will immediately go through my floor which is a little iffy. I will attempt to get the pictures in here.
I have a few lessons learned from the project which may be more appropriate to take up outside of the forum. Have not yet had a chance to shift the equipment to see what it sounds like. Unfortunately, the as assembled position is not a great place to leave it and I will need a longer run of NACA 5 to get it where I want it. (Not to mention finding a small working party to help me shift it.)
Jim B.
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Jim B
Rich,
The granite rack is assembled and leveled. The shelves are black granite 2 cm thick. The rods are 1 inch stainless. There are about 50 lbs of stainless, and 150 lbs or so of granite. I suspect if I put spikes on it, it will immediately go through my floor which is a little iffy. Intend to finish the top with 3 acorn nuts when I can find them.
I have a few lessons learned from the project which may be more appropriate to take up outside of the forum. Have not yet had a chance to shift the equipment to see what it sounds like. Unfortunately, the as assembled position is not a great place to leave it and I will need a longer run of NACA 5 to get it where I want it. (Not to mention finding a small working party to help me shift it.)
Pictures to follow after I get them under the size limit.
Jim B.
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Jim B
Picture Attempt
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Jim B
Picture 2
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Rich Jerskey
Jim,
looks very, very nice. Am anxiously awaiting your verdict on the tonal characteristics. I'll have to get some material details from you. Wondering if aluminum threaded rods are available and if they'd support the granite. Thanks for sharing.
RJ
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Jim B
Rich,
My success at getting pictures under 50K wa limited, so if you need better let me know and I will e-mail better ones. My 1 inch stainless may be overkill, but aluminum may have a tough time supporting the granite. I think the granite will also tend to eat aluminum threads rather quickly anyplace they rub a little bit.
My dimensions were 24 in by 24 in, a hair larger (2 in. in depth) than the commercial one. I also kept the rods nearer the front corners because I did not want a 48 in. tall 200 lb stand with a narrow footprint and a lot of overhang on the front.
Jim B.
Posted on: 25 September 2003 by Rich Jerskey
Jim,
Did you have the granite cut and drilled nearby (Khobar)? What about materials...rods, etc.?
Also, my email is rich_jerskey@yahoo.com if you want to fill me in on other learning curve issues you dealt with. I'm just real curious about the tonal properties of granite rack such as yours versus a wood/glass/aluminum that you find in other quality racks. The sound of granite might be a bit livelier based on the relative denseness compared to other materials but just how lively is perhaps a critical question. This may depend on coupling factors, etc.. Anyway, keep me posted. Much appreciated.
RJ
Posted on: 26 September 2003 by Jim B
RJ,
I shifted my 92R/180/Cambridge Audio D500SE driving Harlech S2s to the granite today and listened to the same CDs I was listening to before the shift. The equip previously lived in an entertainment center next to the TV and DVD player.
I think the sound is a little more detailed and livelier at both ends of the spectrum, but I would not call it a magnitudinal change. It was a good project and I think there is some improvement.
I had a spare (6th) shelf cut when I started to cover any future damage. It is a little thinner than the primary shelves and it weighs in at 40 lbs. Consequently, I am revising my overall weight estimate for the shelves to the 250-300 lb range.
Jim B.
Posted on: 10 October 2003 by Rich Jerskey
Well, it would be interesting to hear how this compares with FRAIM. It's a quantum leap of improvement over the Soundstyle I had been using. The highs have filled in nicely (didn't realize they could be), the mids and bass have more noticeable texture and resolution. It also enhances the openness achieved by my recent active transition.
I've always been skeptical of how much difference a stand can make but after thinking about the different sonic properties of woods, glass, stone etc. I decided to give it a try. The granite stand is about 350 pounds. It's composed of 7 slabs 20mm thick and 24 X 22 inches. The stand is extremely solid and sturdy. The granite is fine grained black and compliments the Naim components nicely. The stand rests directly on concrete (I made holes in the carpet). Total cost was way less than a similar 5 shelved stand seen recently on Audiogon.
Posted on: 10 October 2003 by Rich Jerskey
another view
