A short demo/interview where Chris Collins and Ian (Audio Element) introduce and explain the Grand Prix Audio Monaco isolation rack used in Chris's Syndicate X Library hi‑fi system. They describe the rack's unusual three-post layout, sorbothane dampers between carbon-fiber columns and acrylic shelves, and sharp spike feet that couple to the floor. Ian emphasizes resonance control and noise-floor reduction; Chris reports clearer, quieter sound and increased detail. The exchange closes by praising Grand Prix's craftsmanship and customer relationships.
Chapters
Welcome to the Syndicate X Library. We made a video earlier on our hi Fi system here and kind of tell the story of the experience we're trying to create. If you haven't seen that video, I'd encourage you to go watch it. But what we want to talk about today is the stand that we've put everything on. Originally when we designed this, we had the audio equipment kind of in the back, to the side, in the built in cabinets, the same as the books. And I quickly realized that one, I needed access to the equipment and two, I wanted the turntable to be out where people could see it. So I went back to my good old friend Ian here from Audio Element and I said, ian, I got a problem. And you came back and he said, well, we should probably do a stand from Grand Prix.
Yeah, we said let's to get the.
Grand Prix, what is it?
The stand, the Grand Prix Audio Monaco. And this is one of the most classic designs that Grand Prix has come out with for isolation racking. And it's the perfect supplement complement to the Grand Prix audio parabolica turntable that you have here. Every piece of equipment that's sitting over there right now is benefiting from sitting on the rack.
And it's an interesting design because it's three posts, so it's not the typical four. So there's one going down the middle of the back and then two posts in front. And then each kind of level is made for the equipment that's going to go on it.
Yeah. So everything's highly optimized. He's got, got these, these sorbothane dampers that go between the actual carbon fiber portion of the rack and the acrylic shelf that's sitting on top of it. Each one is weighted for the equipment that's going to be sitting on that particular shelf.
Dramatic difference in sound. I. I would say everything just got cleaner and quieter. And the way that those posts work on it is interesting. They're going into the floor on what I could best describe it as an ice pick.
Yeah, it's a really thin, sharp spike. And essentially with, with all things Grand Prix, it's all about resonance control. What happens is unwanted energy vibrations, et cetera, gets filtered down kind of through that, that design of the pick and any unwanted vibrations and frequencies that we don't want coming basically into the rack and affecting all the equipment that's on there that gets stopped at the bottom at that little point. So what happens is anytime you lower the noise floor and what this rack does so well, a lot more detail is coming through the music. Right. It's getting rid of these unwanted noises that really, you didn't even know were there until they're gone.
Yeah, it's great. So great recommendation and Grand Prix.
Just.
I'm so in love with what they do and the turntable. But then the stand is equally as amazing.
They're not the biggest company in the world, which means they can have more personal relationships with the customers. And we're very happy to work with them. Love working with those guys and love everything that they do.
And so that's kind of the last piece of the hi Fi system for now.
