Eiffel AS07 rack

Reviewer: Srajan Ebaen
Financial interests: click here
Main system: Sources: Retina 5K 27" iMac (i5, 256GB SSD, 40GB RAM, Sonoma 14), 4TB external SSD with Thunderbolt 3, Audirvana Studio, Qobuz Sublime, Singxer SU-6 USB bridge, LHY Audio SW-8 & SW-6 switch, Sonnet Pasithea, COS Engineering D1, Laiv Audio Harmony; Active filter: Lifesaver Audio Gradient Box 2; Power amplifiers: Kinki Studio EX-B7 monos & Gold Note monos on subwoofer; Headamp: Enleum AMP-23R; Phones: Raal 1995 Immanis; Loudspeakers: Qualio IQ [on loan] Cables: Exact Express Flame, Furutech; Power delivery: 2 x Kinki/Vinshine Tai Hang on amps and source stack, Furutech DPS-4.1 between wall and conditioners; Equipment rack: Artesanía Audio Exoteryc double-wide 3-tier with optional glass shelves, Exoteryc amp stands; Sundry accessories: Acoustic System resonators, AudioQuest FogLifters; Room: 6 x 8m with open door behind listening seat; Room treatment: 2 x PSI Audio AVAA C214 active bass traps
2nd system: Source: FiiO R7 into Soundaware D300Ref SD transport to Cen.GRand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe with POW; Preamp/filter: Lifesaver Audio Gradient Box 2; Amplifier: Kinki Studio EX-M7; Loudspeakers: ModalAkustik MusikBoxx + Dynaudio S18 sub; Cable loom: Exact Express Earth; Power delivery: Vibex Granada/Alhambra, Akiko Audio Corelli Corundum & Castello Solo; Equipment rack: Hifistay Mythology Transform X-Frame [on extended loan]; Sundry accessories: Furutech cable lifts, Furutech NFC Clear Lines; Room: ~3.5 x 8m
2nd headfi system: DAC: Cen.Grand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe with POW; Headamp: Cen.Grand Silver Fox; Headphones: Raal 1995 Magna, HifiMan Susvara
Desktop system: Source: HP Z2 work station Win11/64; USB bridge: Singxer SU-2; DAC/headamp: iFi iDSD Pro Signature; Speakers: DMAX P61 Headphones: Final D-8000, aune SR7000
Upstairs headfi system: FiiO R7; Headphones: Meze 109 Pro, Fiio FT3
2-channel video system: Source: Oppo BDP-105; All-in-One: Gold Note IS-1000 Deluxe; Loudspeakers: Zu Soul VI; Subwoofer: Zu Submission; Power delivery: Furutech eTP-8, Room: ~6x4m
Review component retail: €129

If IKEA made a hifi rack—cheap, flat-packed, with pictorial and numbered assembly instructions plus a wicked model name—the FituEyes Eiffel would be it. This Darko news post hipped me to its existence. I'd long wanted something proper for my upstairs source stack. All the usual high-end racks were simply too bulky and costly. Given that their N°1 sonic contribution is isolation from a floor energized by our speakers and subs, it's easy to bolt on upscale isolation footers to a shelving unit with zero pretence at sonic benefits – as in, nichts, nada, niente.

My ideal el cheapo rack must only tick off 43cm component width with minimal extra breadth and depth to not sit too proud off the sidewall next to my IKEA rocker; four shelves; solid load limits; and a contemporary look preferably in white with blond wood. A quick finger walk from John's link to the model page spots that very finish option. €159 includes VAT and shipping. EU order fulfillment is a warehouse in Germany's Langenfeld. Shazam. I smash the 'do me' button like YouTubers beg us to subscribe to their channel.

The two central shelves have two height fixings for minor customization during assembly. There's even a metal rear brace for a generic power bar which we can attach or leave off. Two upright rear supports with a central slit can obscure most the wiring. Faux-wood laminate over MDF plus a painted metal frame promise durability and scratch-free wear. Four adjustable bumpers on threads would replace easily. At 50kg/ea. for the top/bottom shelves and 20kg for the others, Eiffel's load ratings would have me well sorted as long as I didn't use it as step ladder. Whilst I do own my inner punk, daft he's not. Armed with his tape measure, Mr. Punk anticipates a 61x52cm WxD footprint with 78cm height – a perfect multi-tier replacement for his existing solid-wood side table. IKEA you-do-me time. Before DPD even rings the door to start assembly, I already have an email request to give "how did we do, how many stars will you give us" TrustPilot feedback. Modern Internet commerce. It's a sticky beast with most voracious appetites. It's star-ground wiring to the nth degree. The e-commerce kind doesn't lower the noise floor like proper grounding can. It amplifies the noise by broadcasting private transactions all over the place. Now back to the task at hand: putting everything together.

Here's my evening before.

How about the morning after? Let's skip the fondling, screwing and asking for first names. I found naught on FituEyes' meaning. We head straight for freshly showered breakfast in the final install. It's scrambled eggs 'n' toast. You knew better than expect an elaborate chefy spread of sonic differences. This isn't a review but mere proof of life. If you weren't aware of this rack as I wasn't a few days ago, now you are. And as it was for me, it could just be your perfect solution for stowing away a compact hifi in compact but still fashionable fashion without any coin fash. To transform this IKEA-esque contraption into an audiophile-approved rack, attach your floor isolators of choice; or go full hog and add more isolators between kit and shelves. Already too grown up for this type budget fare? A youngster in your household may not be.