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STEREO 10.2003:
A Perfect Space Solution
By Tom Frantzen
The sound quality of Finite Elemente's Master Reference rack is unique, but it has a price to match. A good enough reason for the company to produce a slimmer, but almost as uncompromising alternative.
In the meantime
it is no secret that a decent rack is indispensable in making the most
of a top-quality hi-fi system. This has resulted in the development of
two different design approaches: resonance dissipation and resonance annihilation,
whereby most companies tend to be entirely committed to either the one
or the other method. This is not the case at Finite Elemente, where both
methods are combined.
The Chinese method of building pagodas forms the basis for this German
rack manufacturer, who, as the name betrays, places a great deal of emphasis
not only on the product design, but also on physics and mathematics of
the idea. "Form follows music" is how Bernd Brockhoff and Luis
Fernandes describe this principle. We would call it "consistent sound
architecture". The flagship of the Finite Elemente range, the Pagode
Master Reference, can be regarded as one of the best rack solutions available
for reliably accommodating your hi-fi equipment. It was developed in co-operation
with a leading scientist in the field of mechanics and resonance and resulted
from many years of experimentation and listening sessions.
But now, at a much lower price, the Pagode Signature is running a close
second to the Master Reference, which still remains a pioneering development.
This optically similar design, that is based on the form of the Master
Reference, makes this possible by dispensing with the complex system of
resonators located within and below the individual shelves, that are tuned
similar to a musical instrument. Instead the resonance is broken down
across a wide range in special sandwich panels and annihilated, i.e. the
kinetic energy is converted to thermal energy and the clearly weakened
residues are led off via the very clever lateral spike couplings (four-point
screwed connectors).
In theory that might not sound just as efficient as the cleverly devised
resonator approach, but in practice it proves to be an impressive alternative.
However the Signature rack still can't be called a cheap alternative,
with the price for a 60 cm high solid maple rack in natural or black with
aluminium side struts and two spike-supported sandwich shelves starting
at around 1000 euros, which is enough, while doing without the numerous
optional extras. With 140 centimetre height and seven shelves the price
goes up to over 2000 euros. But you can see (and hear) the professional
result of all this effort. Comparing it with off-the-peg audio furniture
is really a no-go from the start. On numerous occasions STEREO has already
been able to amply demonstrate that even smaller racks can provide a much
greater degree of music enjoyment than any mass-produced standard shelving
products designed with no regard to their later musical application. The
Pagode Signature successfully bridges the gap between good mid-priced
racks and the top-quality units. A further increase in sound quality is
possible by using the optional "Cerabase" feet, but a set of
four will set you back a further 500 euros.
In a direct comparison using a system comprising only an amplifier and
a CD player the smaller Pagode dropped off noticeably compared to the
Master Reference, because it couldn't quite achieve the same level of
detachment, contour and soundstage of its big brother, but on the whole
the enormously harmonious and tonally strong performance makes the smaller
Finite Elemente rack an insider tip. Some less expensive racks from an
earlier test didn't stand the ghost of a chance.
Of the (just about) affordable racks the Pagode Signature is without doubt
one of the top products on the market. But anyone looking for that last
drop of sound quality more and who is willing to pay the price for something
extraordinary and the best possible solution, will still find it hard
to pass up the Master Reference, even if it is almost two-and-half-times
the price.
This fantastic, and almost bargain-price masterpiece complements the Master Reference in the Finite Elemente range, but without upsetting the intended hierarchy. At STEREO we use both in the course of our work. A top result!
Resonance:
Natural vibration of a material or structure capable of vibration that can be triggered with a lot less energy than other frequencies |
The twice as expensive
Pagode Master Reference
acted as the model for the
Pagode Signature (larger photo)
The cleverly designed skeletal
structure with its lateral spikes
is easy to recognise
The individual shelves are made
of resonance-optimised sandwich
panels of maple wood
The creative artistry and craftsmanship
involved can be imagined
| STEREO VERDICT |
| Value
for money |
| VERY GOOD |
|
from pinteuro EUR 950
A tremendous rack that offers superb accommodation for the components. Very high-class and with a well thought-out design. As regards both sound quality and price a definite cut above most other products on the market, the Pagode Signature is ideal for particularly discerning listeners, who are willing to make the necessary (and worthwhile) investment, but for whom the even better Pagode Master Reference is just too expensive.
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