Isis Rack System

Innovative, Patented Technology for Real State-of-the-Art Results

"...I know I called the other day to say thanks again...and the rack is great, but I thought I'd take another minute to let you know it is in fact better than great, it's fantastic.

"It took me 15 minutes or so to get accustomed to the new more accurate tonal balance. There is now no mid-bass bloat at all (or mid-bass overhang on the midrange), and there is startling clarity / detail, and dynamics. I hear things in some recordings I have never heard before. Low bass is punchy and defined, without being overly accentuated...

"The dynamic contrasts are so improved I can now listen at a relatively lower volume setting, and hear more detail. Do other customers say that? Really, I can set the volume lower and still "hear into the mix" better than before when at a higher volume setting. This allows me to put less stress on my Grado SR 80s, and my eardrums too...

"I hope it isn't a sad statement on my life that the Isis rack is now my pride and joy. It is simply the nicest thing I own, and that includes my supercharged Pontiac, my assortment of fine wool business suits, or anything else for that matter."
M.M., New York

"I have some further comments for you on my experience with your Isis rack. After a few weeks of listening and further adjustments (leveling, aluminum feet adjustments), I feel compelled to let you know the following.

"Quite a bit of the music I listen to is acoustic in nature and therefore it is pretty easy to hear the effect of the Isis on the accuracy of the sound reproduced. The tonal accuracy of the music has improved to the extent that every musical instrument in both classical and jazz styles sounds real. In the past before the stand, the sound accuracy was already very good but during each listening session the tonal balance would shift from correct to slightly hard or to slightly dull or slightly complex mix of not-quite-there-accuracy for unpredictable reasons. Now, it stays fixed to always accurate.

"Furthermore, the separation between sound and non-sound in 3-D space is shockingly distinct now. There isn't any blurring or guessing where the sound comes from, it's very clear and exact where each note of music is issued in 3-D space. When I listen to choral works, what used to be a wave of sound that was so enveloping and grand is now distinct voices each coming from a fixed space very close together but still clearly distinct. With this tightening of the imaging, the effect is also that there is more perceived detail. What was a smear of sound in the deep background has now tightened to be an identifiable sound.

"These are the two significant improvements I have found since I installed the Isis. The result is a change more significant than any power cable, interconnect or even equipment change I have ever made.

"Mind you, the Isis did take some time to settle down and the "new" sound took sometime to get used to. I tried to be neutral in evaluating the rack. Each time I questioned if I liked the new or old sound better, I asked myself "are the sounds truer?" or "it might be less warm or thick but is it genuine?" and it's always yes. I've had audiophiles and 'ordinary' non-audiophiles listen to the system and the reaction is summarized as "you've taken it to another level".

"So thank you for providing me the means to move my music experience to a higher plane. And you've made my expensive equipment value for money! Bravo!"
F.L. Kin, Bangkok

"Well, I finally unboxed the Isis...and I heard it for the first time in my system here... WOW!!!! I just have my modded SCD-1 and MD-300B (w/WE-300B tubes) and some 95db rear horn speakers. Previously, the Sony was on an Ultra sitting on my old Target welded rack with inverted Rollerblocks between the Sony and Ultra. Now the SCD-1 and inverted Rollerblocks are on the top shelf of the Isis and the sound is noticeably more transparent, open, detailed with a more precise image. Tonally, a lighter, more ethereal sound but can rock when the material calls for it to. I also notice more sonic differences between sources which I prefer as it tells me the Isis is more neutral.

A bigtime thumbs up!!!!!"
J.R., Ohio

4 Level Isis with "Ultra" levels, Silver Edition, with Xtended Top.

Yes, it matters!

If you want truly great performance from your music or home theater system, then you should know that what you place your components on makes the difference between good results and great results. Today's sensitive electronic equipment is more and more sensitive to the distortions which come from an unexpected source - mechanical vibration. Even subtle vibration will affect the quality of what you hear and what you see, and the better your components, the more important vibration control becomes. Vibration control represents the leading edge in state-of-the-art audio and video system technology, and for this reason, the equipment rack is a component which has become vital in determining the ultimate character and quality of a home theater or music system.

Xtended Top.

Why the Isis?

The patented Isis Rack fulfills the goals which any equipment rack should strive for - acoustic neutrality, simplicity of design, excellent energy drainage and dissipation, isolation from floor borne vibration, and an optimal mechanical ground path.

The design goal of the "perfect" equipment rack has been addressed by the Isis Rack in a modular solution that offers the convenience of being expandable at any time to accommodate additional components. Click here for a full review of the Isis Rack system.

Exclusive Features

The Isis Rack combines two innovative technologies pioneered by Symposium: the Svelte Shelf and the Rollerblock isolation system. The combination makes for a startling advance in rack technology.

Built-in Rollerblock isolation.

The Isis Rack features Symposium Rollerblock Isolation - not merely providing isolation of the shelf, but isolating the entire level (including the legs) from other levels while still maintaining a constant-density mechanical ground path (Patented). It is interesting to note that two of the requirements for proper component support - isolation and mechanical grounding - are seemingly contradictory: this is the essence of the solution that the Rollerblock Module provides.

"Svelte Shelf" Technology

Symposium's popular "Svelte Shelf" has been considered an essential component by audiophiles for years, an accessory device that some have called "compulsory." The Svelte Shelf's constrained-layer stainless steel sandwich construction provides lower distortion and a rarely heard, coloration-free neutrality. Every Isis level, whether a Standard (0.75" thick) Level or an Ultra (1.875" thick) Level, is supplied with 3 Precision Couplers, which provide exellent mechanical coupling between equipment chassis in order to make best use of the energy absorbing function of the Isis shelves.

Magnetic Bias technology

Magnetic Bias bearing technology keeps the bearings of the Rollerblock isolator units conveniently centered while lifting or changing levels, and also provides frictionless motional damping ("bias") which reduces bearing chatter, one of the causes of "bright," artificially "sweetened" sonics which can be heard with inferior ball bearing isolation feet.

Build-as-you-go Modular design

The Isis is a modular system- you can start with just one or two levels and build up to multiple levels at your own pace. Change shelf spacing, isolation options, or type and number of shelves now or later - even shelf size can be changed.

Lightning Rods for Mechanical Energy

The purpose of any rack's leg system should be to transmit energy to ground efficiently - this is called "Mechanical Grounding" and is essential for best bass performance. This pathway depends upon good mechanical conductivity - and the material makeup and design of the legs, often overlooked, is one of the keys to a rack's ultimate bass performance. Instead of the more commonly found legs which are made of wood, hollow tubing or steel, the Isis features solid legs of aircraft alloy aluminum - for unsurpassed mechanical grounding and sonic performance (aluminum posesses superior transmission efficiency to all other materials except silver or copper). The Isis offers quality you won't find elsewhere. Wood legs, or tubular metal legs, even if filled with sand or lead shot, cannot match the mechanical transmission capacity of the Isis' precision machined 1 7/8" diameter, solid aluminum leg sections.

EMI/RF "Faraday" shield design

Because of its shelf system construction, the Isis Rack system helps reduce distortion in sensitive components by providing RF/EMI shielding for your components. Multiple stainless steel layers form a "Faraday Shield" which reduces the harmful effects of EMI and RF, especially that which is generated by proximity to certain components, such as High Definition video receivers, which can emit higher amounts of EMI and RF energy. All current Isis levels have dedicated Ground Connection posts at the rear of each shelf for electrical connection between components and shelf, and/or shelf and a dedicated electrical ground.

Shelf and Finish options

Choose several different shelf options, including Standard or Ultra Levels. Isis shelves are precision laser-cut from polished stainless steel and are available in either 19x16 or heavy duty (HD) 21x19 interior shelf sizes. Symposium also offers the "XL" (Xtended Level) 19" wide x 19" deep (for 19x16 racks) or 21" wide x 23" deep shelves for very deep components. For the top levels, a 22.5" wide x 17" deep (for 19x16 size systems) or 24" wide x 20" deep Xtended Top or dedicated 27" wide x 22" deep Turntable Tops with vertical damping for true state-of-the-art results with the finest front end transports and turntables. You can choose from three different leg and hardware finishes, including deep black anodized, natural brush finish aluminum, or premium "Silver Edition."

Please see the chart for standard level spacings available with the standard 5", 8", 11" or 14" legsets. Standard Levels are 0.75" thick; Ultra Levels are 1.875" thick; Rollerblock Modules are 1.75" thick. The combination of these characteristics, combined with different legset lengths, will determine ultimate spacing. Custom legsets are available to provide nearly any spacing required for special requirements.

Shelf spacing flexibility

The modular nature of the Isis Rack allows for different component spacings determined by the legset lengths of each section, and legsets can be swapped out to change spacing at any time. If you need more room, custom legsets of virtually any length are available on special order.

High energy transmission reversible leveling spikes

The Isis Rack features bottom "Cone Foot Terminators" made of solid aircraft aluminum for optimal interface to any floor. The leveling spikes are reversible; one side is flat, for optimal coupling to flat surfaces or Symposium Point Pods, and the other is sharpened for use on carpeted areas. We chose not to use stainless steel points for rack leveling spikes in the Isis, since we have found that they are bettered sonically at this critical interface point by "faster" metals. Here, at the interface between rack structure and the floor (the mechanical "ground" connection), either aluminum or copper will give better sonic results with more than adequate strength and hardness because of the superior transmission characteristics of these metals. While aircraft aluminum spikes are standard, shown here are the optional Tellurium copper reversible leveling spikes. Included in our premium package (or as an upgrade with any Isis), Tellurium copper has even better transmission speed than aluminum (the only metal with more efficient energy transmission than aluminum and copper is silver).

The interface between any rack and the floor is usually accomplished through adjustable spikes found at the bottom of each leg. Most don't give much though to this device - but in fact, the material used in the spike is critical, since it must have the fastest mechanical conductivity and efficiency possible. For this purpose, Symposium specified the second fastest metal on earth after silver, and Isis Rack leveling is accomplished through custom, heavy duty 1/2-20 Tellurium copper threaded bottom spikes. In addition, these unique spikes are reversible, with a machined flat side for hard floors, and a sharpened point side for carpets. Leveling is accomplished (even after the rack is fully loaded) by simply inserting a supplied tool through the spikes' orthogonal access holes - which makes it easy to turn the spikes under load. Locking nuts are premium brass.

"Real Engineering"

Webster's dictionary defines engineering as "the science concerned with putting scientific knowledge to practical uses." The audio art - and the art of home theater as well- is constantly advancing, and demanding new and better solutions, and even new and better science. And so, we seek the harmonious and efficient confluence of all of the requirements for the solution of a problem. Since the state-of-the-art is always re-inventing itself, state-of-the-art engineering must be equally as creative - for how else can we find new solutions for problems which were unheard of a generation ago? For this reason, while they may seem tenable upon first encountering them, relying on readily accessible solutions used in unrelated industries (automotive, industrial, military, etc), while easier, is neither adequate nor desirable for the specific and unique requirements demanded by high end audio and video systems, because the processes are different and not equivalent. For this reason, Symposium is committed to always seek the better solution, and make it available in our products regardless of its difficulty or expense.

Proudly Made In The U.S.A.

All Symposium products are designed and manufactured in the United States, with the great majority of parts and materials 100% made in the USA. We employ the best designs, materials, methods and local craftspeople in order to achieve our goal: to offer the highest quality product of its kind available.

Isis RACK SYSTEM

Rollerblock Isolation Modules (Patented)

Rollerblock Modules

The Isis Rack system utilizes dedicated, Rollerblock® isolation modules which provide nearly perfect lateral isolation not only for the level it treats, but all levels of the rack above it. Because of its precision engineered parts complement and no-compromise materials complement, Rollerblocks have been acclaimed by professional reviewers and audiophiles around the world as an extremely effective method for reducing vibration-induced distortions in audio and video components. Its hallmark is the reduction of mechanical noise without the unwanted resonances and new distortions which cheaper, "shortcut" ball bearing systems inevitably add. (For a more lengthy discussion of Rollerblock technology, see the page entitled "Rollerblock Systems vs. Compliant Isolation Devices" in our "Technology" section.)

Magnetic Bias System

Each Rollerblock module for the Isis Rack uses centrally seated, powerful neodymium magnets. This patented "Magnetic Bias" technology not only holds in place and provides precise centering of the ball bearings but also provides a frictionless restorative "bias" force for the bearing's movement.

Modular Design, Symposium Compound Isolation (TM)

If desired, additional Rollerblock modules can be added at any time to any Isis Rack. Most Isis models include two sets of Rollerblock modules to provide the top level with Compound Isolation. Since each Rollerblock Module isolates not just the shelf level, but the entire rack structure above its installation point, additional Rollerblock modules added to subsequent levels have the interesting result of providing what we call "Compound Isolation" - that is, levels which are actively isolated from isolated levels. The mass of the central isolated section provides inertial ballast which absorbs lateral movement, and the next Rollerblock module above is able to further decouple from lateral vibration. Even vertical displacements are compensated for by this system, and results with analog turntables even on "springy" floors are outstanding - while still providing excellent "solid" mechanical coupling. This design provides superior isolation from footfall vibration and is unsurpassed at preserving sonic purity for analog turntables as well as digital transports, and is now patented.

The Isis Rack employs built-in Rollerblock Modules (visible at left at the top of the legs) in between sections to provide discreet section isolation while still maintaining a good mechanical ground path. This particular rack is a "Plus" version with an extra base level that enables the bottom level of the rack to "float." It has Rollerblock Modules installed at every level for unsurpassed Compound Isolation benefits. Additional Rollerblock Modules may be added to the Isis Rack at any time. The rack shown here was photographed at a past CES Show and is the 21 x 19 size with "Basic" levels.

Advantages of Rollerblock Isolation in the Isis Rack

The Rollerblock isolation system provides true level-to-level separation with minimal low frequency coupling between levels. While all other rack systems decouple shelves from the rack legs, the Isis' Rollerblock module isolates the entire rack above it - including the legs - while still maintaining all-important mechanical grounding (Please see our white paper on the Series 2 Rollerblock). The conventional approach to the problem of providing isolation in racks involves 1) spikes, ball contacts or cones between levels; 2) sorbothane rubber pads or bumpers; or 3) inflatable rubber air bags. Spikes, cones, or ball contacts cannot provide true isolation (since they provide rigid coupling between levels); sorbothane rubber pads or bumpers store and release energy while cutting off mechanical ground through a mechanical high impedance. This creates problems with spurious resonances throughout the lower audio spectrum and limits ultimate performance of the system. Rubber air bags are also prone to this problem, with the additional annoyance of leaking bladders, instability, and weight balance issues. The Isis Compound Isolation system avoids all of these problems and provides superior low frequency isolation with simultaneous preservation of good mechanical ground.