Quadraspire Reference tables

[Marco]

Hi Martin,

I like the look of the Sunoko-Vent, and if looks are of primary concern then go for it, but if out-and-out performance is your top priority then without doubt the acrylic range is one to go for.

Marco.

[MartinT]

You're probably right, but acrylic just will not go in my new sitting room. It has to be wood so I'm currently looking at the S-V range or a Solid Tech rack.

[MartinT]

Interestingly, and to my surprise, the Quadraspire S-V range will cost up more expensive than the Solid Tech (£295 per shelf and I need 3). Now how do I get to compare two different system racks? An impossible task! This is where we have to rely on subjective reviews and perceived quality, very unreliable sources of information.

[Marco]

Hi Martin,

I presume you're referring to the Soild-Tech Radius range? Both are two different types of equipment supports in terms of appearance (of course) and, most importantly, design principles. Like Quadraspire with the Reference acrylic and S-V range, though, the best audio performance from Solid-Tech comes from their 'Rack of Silence', not the Radius. But I realise it's because of aesthetic considerations that you're going for the Radius!

The questions I would ask are what is most important to you - sonic performance or looks? And how do you like music to be presented?

Both supports will deal with resonance and the storing of mass/energy (or not) in different ways and operate under the principles of either coupling or decoupling, thus impacting on the performance of the equipment used, and ultimately its presentation of the music.

My vote would go to the QS S-V because of its (generally) lower mass and principles of decoupling, although this effect is only fully realised with the Reference acrylic.

Marco.

[Filterlab]

Of course some components like big heavy supports whilst others prefer a light open stand. You'll never know which until you try both.

[MartinT]

My current rack system is Russ Andrews Torlyte, so I guess I subscribe to the light, non-energy-absorbing school of equipment support. My priority is definitely sound quality but within an envelope of good looks, if you see what I mean. I do want the rack shelves to be made of wood and not metal, glass or acrylic.

Yes, I do mean the Solid Tech Radius range. Price-wise, the ST and Quadraspire S-V ranges are close enough that I don't care about price. My problem is, how do they sound and which would be closer in sound to the Torlyte, which I do like?

[Marco]

Martin,

I guess I subscribe to the light, non-energy-absorbing school of equipment support.

If that's the case, go for the QS S-V. Its design principles are nearer to the above ideals than the Solid-Tech. However, as Rob says, the only way you will know for sure what works best with your equipment in your system is to find a dealer (or dealers) who stock both supports, take your kit along, and audition the supports in that context.

Or even better, if you have a good rapport with a particular dealer who stocks either or both supports ask him if you can borrow some demo stock to take home and audition. This is what I done when choosing between QS Reference and Naim Fraim years ago. I eventually ended up with Mana, but that's a whole different story!

Marco.