Numerous attempts involving a sound-optimised shelf material finally led the rack specialist Luis Fernandes to an extremely obvious realisation: If almost every material leaves its traces with unwanted residual resonance in the sound impression, then why not simply do without shelf racks? Sometimes things can be so simple.
But the new "Spider" rack is not just another adherent of the
"less is more" philosophy, but is rather a concept that has
been thought out down to the last detail. A masterpiece where the sound,
design and industrial logistics are so perfectly harmonised with each
other that you could go into raptures about it. The completely modular
design made of aluminium and solid beechwood, and comprising only three
structural elements offers tremendous flexibility. The beechwood struts,
available in various lengths, are simply screwed together to an aluminium
star in pairs. The resulting combination possibilities are unbelievably
versatile. An optional extension set (around DM 175 per level) enables
two Spider elements to be connected to each other for example. Enough
space even for large TV sets. For heavyweight power amps there is also
a new Spider Amp Stand (around DM 750), which can cope with a weight loading
of 200 kg maximum.
The rack system, which also visually resembles a spider, rests on stable
spikes fixed to the aluminium sections. The hi-fi components are supported
on special bridge elements made of a light plastic called R.C.I. (Resonance
Controlling Interface). These pads can be easily pushed along the beechwood
struts so that it is simple to adjust to fit different component sizes.
The height of each level can be varied in three-centimetre steps.
In addition to the beechwood design, the Sauerland-based company offers
an elegant option in matt-anthracite lacquer, which can also be fitted
with glass shelves (DM 80 each). That has a smart appearance, but it doesn't
really meet the high sound requirements of Luis Fernandes. The whole point
of completely dispensing with shelves due to their problematic resonance
is to guarantee tremendously transparent and dynamic music reproduction.
We naturally tested this thesis and installed a Spider system in the STEREO
audio studio. Fitted with various reference players and amplifiers we
settled down to a comprehensive listening test. All combinations played
the music with a resolution and airiness of surprising quality. The simple
design of this rack also appeared to be reflected in the sound pattern.
Voices, for example, were articulated a touch more naturally and more
open than with the "heavyweight" rack used for comparison in
our reference range. Whereas here the music also appeared to offer a perfect
tonal balance, the Spider was able to notch up even more points as regards
dynamics, bass separation and stagewidth. It is remarkable that in certain
areas this lightweight rack was able to outplay the rack fitted with shelves
filled with lead granulate.
In view of the excellent value-for-money factor the Spider is probably
one of the best rack solutions currently available. |
Finite Elemente's
Luis Fernandes in the STEREO audio studio
with the installed Spider rack
(around DM 1225) during the listening tests.
Perfect logistics:
Finite Elemente supplies the various modular
groups in manageable packaging units.
The power amp stand of the Spider series
still
has a lightweight look despite its high
load-bearing capacity (200 kg) . |
