Stillpoints ESS Rack - Custom Made Isolated Hi-Fi Equipment Rack

Stillpoints ESS Rack - Custom Made Isolated Hi-Fi Equipment Rack

The Stillpoints ESS Rack is Stillpoints solution to rack isolation, and is fully configurable. You are able to select your desired height, width, number of shelves and then are also different options for the shelves themselves. Stillpoints isolation feet and Rail Grids must be ordered separately.

What Stillpoints say

Stillpoints ESS Racks represent a new standard in audio component isolation. As visually striking as they are sonically effective, the ESS Racks provide your system with the solid foundation it needs to truly perform at its peak.

The ESS rack was designed to be an effective vibration isolating structure that looked appealing but did not overwhelm the look of what was placed on it. In fact, the original inspiration for the design was a display rack assembly to which Stillpoints engineered its technology. The result is an open design that allows for ultimate ventilation, low mass for low energy storage, yet high strength for tremendous load-carrying capacity.

Stillpoints has always possessed an uncanny ability to lower the noise floor with its innovative footers. But its amp stands and ESS racks are simply brilliantly innovative designs that will take your system even further into the realm of stygian silence.

Both are based around an unobtrusive, open architecture that allows your audio gear to take pride of place rather than within a bulky rack.

The amp stands can be adjusted to fit pretty much any amplifier and dramatically improve dynamics and interstitial detail. The same goes for the ESS racks, which offer an elegant and effective solution for housing your precious audio gear.

Features

The current day ESS support bars were designed to carry the weights that exceeded 200 lbs. The 20” and 26” wide ESS can easily carry a load of 102 kg / 225 lbs for decades to come. The 40” wide ESS with a doubled support bar system can carry a load of over 450 lbs per shelf assembly. Each cable of every ESS rack has a breaking strength of 2000 lbs.

The ESS models start with an acrylic shelf system that is attached to the support bars. Every support bar has three pockets of Stillpoints technology making each shelf level the equivalent of 6 Ultra SS per shelf. The next level of ESS performance comes when the acrylic is replaced by the Grid system. The Grid system is an ingenious system utilizing one machined part designed to interweave into the double X pattern. Finally, we have the new Rail system which allows for infinite adjustability in terms of positioning on each level.

The Grid and Rail systems allow for placing any level of Stillpoint technology, or any combination of Hard Hats, Ultra Mini’s, Ultra SS’s, Ultra 2, Ultra 5’s and Ultra 6’s to be interfaced between the component and the Support Bar system.

The Ultra 6 was specifically designed for the ESS. Its low profile maximizes the isolation capabilities with opposing technology pockets while allowing for taller components in a given shelf configuration. The increase in micro dynamics, low level detail retrieval, sound stage width and depth, and overall emotional transfer is very compelling.

Support Bars

Support Bars are attached to the cables extending vertically between the arm and leg of the masts. Each cable is rated up to 998 kg / 2200 lbs before failure. Two support bars form the foundation for one shelf. The bars with technology pockets are designed to work with acrylic shelves, or X Grids, formerly called The Grids. The blank support bars facilitate the use of Rail Grids. The addition of Acrylic shelves, X Grids, or Rail Grids will accommodate the Ultra of your choice to complete the shelf assembly.

Acrylic Shelf

The Acrylic Shelf accommodates components that need additional area for accessories, or a power supply in a limited space. The shelves come standard with a Set Screw Kit allowing for an efficient installation. When choosing to replace both of either the X Grids, or Rail Grids, on a 40″ Wide ESS rack, two short acrylic shelves will transform the platform to all acrylic.

X Grid

The X Grid, originally named THE GRID, and the X Grid with Hard Hats, can be used on any ESS Rack that includes support bars with technology pockets. If choosing to replace an Acrylic Shelf, the X Grid will easily fit in that location. When replacing both acrylic shelves on the 40″wide support bars, two sets of the X Grid – SHORT must be ordered. The X Grids come standard with a set screw kit, for simple installation.

Rail Grid

Until now, the ESS rack has been configured with each shelf level utilizing either an Acrylic Shelf, an X Grid, or a combination of both. The Rail Grid is the next generation of ESS performance upgrade.

The Rail Grids mount perpendicular to the front and rear support bars. On the underside, near the end of each Rail are machined slots, profiled to rest over the existing square dimension of the front and rear support bars. Once installed on the support bars, the Rails can slide laterally left and right to create a support frame ideal in width for the specific component to be used. Once the Rail Grid is in position to supra the component, turn the thumb screws to tighten the Rail Grid into place. This renders a tight shelf assembly.

Channels in the top of each rail hold T-nuts that can be moved forward or back as needed to adjust for depth of a component. Attach an Ultra of your choice, from Ultra Mini to Ultra 6, to the T-nuts and adjust the location of each, forward and back, to support your component. With the adjustments complete, a Rail Lock is supplied which will affix the rail firmly in place for ultimate stability.

Sonically, every aspect of the performance of the ESS is enhanced. Harmonic body and weight gives flesh to the musicians. The image is refined beyond anything we have done before.

The Rail Grid adds greater rigidity than the standard X Grid, supports heavier components more effectively, and allows greater flexibility for Ultra filter placement specific to each component while taking full advantage of the suspended isolation that is the hallmark of the ESS Equipment Rack.

The Rail Grid will fit any Stillpoints 3/4” support bar. If the technology pockets are in the way of the placement, then rotate the bar 180 degrees and you will have total freedom of placement.

Specification

Stillpoints ESS racks are available with 15″, 18”, 24” 28″, 34″ and 42″ tall masts. With shelf widths of 20″, 26″ and 40″ across

How to Order

1. Select your Mast Height. This will determine the overall height of your unit.
2. Select your Cross Bar size. This will determine the overall width of your unit.
3. You now need to decide wiith type of Support Bar you require: select Support Bar T if you wish to use an Acrylic Shelf or X Grid.
4. If you have selected Support Bar T, you now need to select Acrylic Shelf or X Grid for this shelf. If you have selected the standard Support Bar, you will need to order the Rail Grids separately.
5. Repeat Steps 3 & 4 until you have the required number of shelves, with your desired choice of Acrylic/X Grid/Rail grid for each shelf (you can mix and match). You do not need to worry about the order as the shelves can be mounted in any order once you receive them.
6. You can now Add to Cart and checkout! Free delivery via DPD in the UK.

About Stillpoints

Stillpoints is a renowned company based in the United States that specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality audio isolation products. Founded in the early 2000s by a team of passionate audio enthusiasts, Stillpoints has gained a strong reputation for its innovative solutions that significantly improve the performance of audio systems. The company's primary focus is on developing isolation products that address the issues of mechanical noise, vibrations, and resonance that can degrade the sonic quality of audio systems. By effectively isolating audio components from these unwanted effects, Stillpoints products allow systems to achieve higher transparency, resolution, and musicality.

Stillpoints offers a wide range of isolation products designed for various applications, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital equipment, and more. Their product lineup includes the popular Ultra Mini, Ultra SS, Ultra 2, Ultra LPI, Ultra 5, and Ultra 6 models, each tailored to specific components and system requirements.

One of the notable features of Stillpoints products is their unique "technology pockets" that consist of multiple layers of ceramic ball bearings and steel races. These pockets minimise contact between the component and the supporting surface, effectively floating the equipment and dissipating unwanted energy.

The company's commitment to exceptional build quality is evident in its manufacturing process. All Stillpoints products undergo rigorous testing and are crafted using high-quality materials to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The company's attention to detail is exemplified by the laser-etched branding found on each product.

Stillpoints has established a loyal following among audiophiles, recording studios, and music professionals due to the significant improvements its isolation products bring to audio systems. With their ability to enhance resolution, dynamics, and overall musical enjoyment, Stillpoints has become a go-to choice for those seeking top-tier performance from their audio setups.

In summary, Stillpoints is an esteemed American company known for its cutting-edge audio isolation products. By addressing mechanical noise and vibrations, their solutions allow audio systems to perform at their highest potential, delivering a superior listening experience.