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Some recent additions to our family necessitated some revisions to my audio system. One item that was going to be replaced was a very pricey carbon-fiber/stainless steel equipment stand that I had left over from my audio shop. The existing stand is quite popular and does a nice job in wringing out everything your components can offer- or so I thought.
After a lot of research- and experience with many other equipment stands- I decided to check out the Mapleshade products. After some enjoyable conversations with Pierre, I decided to try the Samson rack, but with a detached amplifier stand on the bottom. I ordered a 4" maple amplifier stand with integral carpet piercing feet. It arrived in about one week. The finish is excellent and the grain of the maple looks great. I still had my existing stand, so I had a chance to do some A/B comparisons. Simply put, I prefer the Mapleshade (w/Ultimate Triplepoints) over the 3x as expensive stand I was using. Transients were sharper and cleaner with no change in the tonal balance. The dynamic range also seemed greater with the quieter passages being more quiet. Low level resolution and vocal nuances were also more noticable.
The Mapleshade amplifier platforms are a must-audition if you are looking for an affordable equipment stand.
Mike Masztal
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