Critical Mass Systems is known for its ultra-high-end Olympus and Olympus Ultra equipment racks that are cornerstones of Jonathan Valin and Robert Harley’s reference systems. Now the company brings its technology to a much lower price with the new Ultra-Gateway equipment stand. The modular system allows you to select the number of shelves and even add shelves later if your system expands.

The shelves, with a fixed 12″ clearance, are made from sapele wood, and the hardware is surgical-grade titanium. Best of all, the Ultra-Gateway is supplied with CMS’s Center Stage Ultra LS 2.25 isolation feet as standard. Owners can upgrade the feet over time with CMS’s Ultra TC, Ultra TD, or Ultra TT footers. The Ultra-Gateway delivered quieter backgrounds, allowing fine details to emerge.

The overall sound is simultaneously smoother and livelier, with a greater sense of presence. Treble performance also improved, with higher resolution of micro-transient detail. For anyone looking at that next step into true high-end audio but wanting to find some serious value, the Ultra-Gateway is an easy recommendation and our choice for Equipment Rack of the Year.