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Atacama Equinox vs Hi-Fi Racks Podium Hi-Fi Equipment Stand - 06.06.11

Components used
Rega Brio Amplifier, Rega Apollo CD, KEF Q300’s, Atacama HMS2 Stands filled with Atabites, Chord Cobra Interconnect with VEE Plugs fitted, Chord Epic Twin Speaker Cable, Atacama Equinox Hi-Fi 180mm Glass/Metal Stand, Hi-Fi Racks Podium Reference Wood Stand.

Tracks used for audition
‘Temptation’ Diana Krall from 'The Girl In The Other Room' CD. ‘Forever Autumn’ Justin Hayward from the Remastered 'War Of The Worlds' CD. ‘Strange Meadow Lark’ The Dave Brubeck Quartet from ‘Time Out’ Collectors Edition CD.

Objective
To report on the sonic differences between Hi-Fi Equipment Stands and how it affects the emotion in the music. We used the Atacama HMS2 stands filled with Atabites, Chord Epic Twin speaker cable and Chord Cobra Plus interconnect cables throughout the test.

The Test
Our first audition was to use the Rega Brio and Rega Apollo combination stood on the Atacama Equinox Hi-Fi stand with glass shelves connected to the KEF Q300’s. The sound was energised and fast paced with a great deal of detail but with an element of brightness and sibilance in the high frequencies. Whilst leaving the volume setting at the same level, we then moved the electronics on to the Hi-Fi Racks Podium Reference Shelves. The sound had more substance and emotion and a more believable presentation with far less brightness and sibilance as detailed above. Bass weight improved too with more mass and richer in tone, providing better articulation and general flow to the music. Vocals also had more character, particularly with the Justin Hayward track.

Our Summary
In our opinion both racks offered a good platform to place your Hi-Fi system on, from a listening perspective and structurally. They enhanced the music in different ways, depending on your performance requirements. If you’re looking for a detailed, fast, energised presentation, then clearly the Atacama Equinox ticks all the boxes. However for those of you wanting more articulation, emotion and substance, the Hi-Fi Racks Podium Reference will be the one that floats your boat.