ISOBLUE Modular Hifi Racks
Guide Price from £150 per shelf.
Founded in 2000, Isoblue modular hi-fi furniture was designed by company founder, Chris Bampton.
The design is of ageless simplicity but it also works extremely well. Isoblue has been a darling of Naim users for most of the past eight years and, whilst it is extremely compatible with the Naim character, not to say dimensions, it is also pretty universal in its appeal.
The original natural ash-veneered MDF shelves remain in production. There are some colour options by way of stained lacquer, and the alternative of oak. This range has been extended to the new "special branch" series which not only adds higher quality veneers but also involves sold wood edging so that the shelves look like solid wood, even if you peer into the upright-locating grooves. The more basic "60" series has stained MDF edging. On all versions, the 'V' section uprights are in sold wood. Ash for the "60" series and oak, maple, walnut or cherry for the "special branch".
You could well buy these stands just for the appearance, but they do have a very benign, clean and open sonic character which sems to bring out the best in most Hi-Fi components.