Many people might think of an audio rack as just a shelf to place equipment on. In reality, an audio rack is an essential accessory designed to maximize the performance of audio equipment by suppressing vibrations and dissipating heat, while also protecting valuable devices. For those building hi-fi or home theater audio systems, there’s a wide selection of audio racks available on the market.
However, for those building a desktop audio setup (deskfi), the options are not as plentiful. When operating various devices like preamps, DACs, and audio interfaces on a desk, it’s common to end up stacking them, which often leads to heat issues and messy cable management.
I myself, for music listening and gaming product reviews, brought in the Topping D70 Pro and A70 Pro. Wanting to organize them neatly, I purchased a shelf for set-top boxes from AliExpress and even added a cooling fan. However, even with a low-noise fan, the fan noise could be distracting in a quiet environment, and honestly, I wasn’t satisfied with the design.
For many deskfi users facing such challenges, there’s welcome news: the global hi-fi audio brand FiiO has released a modular desk audio rack. FiiO is a brand established in Guangzhou, China, in 2007, and is one of the popular brands among audio enthusiasts for its excellent cost-effectiveness in the DAP and portable DAC/amp segments.
Now, FiiO has introduced a modular rack optimized for the deskfi environment, reflecting user feedback. Let’s take a closer look.
Configuration and Specifications
The overall dimensions of the FiiO desk audio rack are 310 × 247 × 208.8mm, and it’s available in two colors: black and silver. Both colors feature a luxurious glossy finish.
The package includes three support plates, twelve knurled screws, eight long support posts, four short support posts, four anti-vibration pads, and a user manual.
Each component is individually packaged in PE foam, ensuring safe delivery without scratches or damage. Upon actual inspection, the finishing of each part is excellent.
Exterior and Features
As mentioned earlier, the overall dimensions are 310 × 247 × 208.8mm. The usable area for placing audio equipment on the plates is 262 × 199mm. This size is perfect for Topping or FiiO’s half-size desktop devices. For equipment exceeding this range, the feet might rest on the post screws, so prior confirmation is necessary.
The plates are made of metal with a thickness of 16mm and can support a maximum load of 10kg per tier. This provides ample load capacity for desktop DACs or amplifiers.
The bottom of the posts supporting the metal plates is designed in a spike style, effectively absorbing subtle vibrations generated by the external environment or the equipment itself.
This product’s core feature is its 3-tier modular structure. You can freely attach or detach modules based on your equipment configuration. If you’re using two devices like the Topping D70 Pro and A70 Pro, you can use a 1 and 2-tier rack. If you need to accommodate additional equipment like a mini PC or audio interface, you can utilize all three tiers.
In the center of each plate, there’s a long cutting slot for airflow. This design helps to naturally dissipate the heat generated by the audio equipment.
The gap between the first and second tiers, and between the second and third tiers, is approximately 8.5cm. The space between the bottom and the first tier plate is about 2.7cm. If you have equipment taller than 8.5cm, it’s recommended to place it on the top tier.
User Review
As it’s a desk audio rack, its compact size that fits comfortably on a desk was the first thing I liked. The assembly was intuitive enough that I didn’t need to refer to the manual, and the finish of the parts is particularly premium.
When using the Topping D70 Pro and A70 Pro for extended periods, they generate a fair amount of heat, so I was always concerned about cooling. My previous acrylic set-top box shelf didn’t conduct heat well, making it feel like heat was trapped beneath the devices. With the FiiO modular audio rack, touching the plate surface, you can feel the metal dispersing the heat.
Thanks to the spike-style bottom of the posts and the anti-vibration pads, the rack itself is stable without wobbling. Even with equipment placed on it, I didn’t experience any subtle resonance or rattling.
Another surprisingly significant benefit is cable management and accessibility. The open design allows easy access to the rear connectors, so you don’t have to lift the equipment to change cables or connections.
The most satisfying aspect during actual use is the 3-tier modular structure. Initially, I configured it as a 2-tier rack to hold just the D70 Pro and A70 Pro. Later, by adding the third tier, I was able to accommodate recording equipment and even a mini PC, which is increasingly popular for music playback. Conversely, if you have fewer devices, you can remove a tier for a more compact setup. The ability to flexibly adjust the configuration based on your equipment is the biggest appeal of this product.
Conclusion
The FiiO desk audio rack is a product that neatly solves the long-standing equipment organization problem in deskfi environments with its modular design. The metal posts and 16mm thick metal plates stably support up to 10kg per tier. Its vibration-absorbing spike structure and natural heat dissipation design through ventilation slots help to fully unleash the performance of desktop audio equipment.
As the name “modular rack” suggests, you can freely change the configuration to match your equipment, whether it’s a 2-tier or 3-tier setup. If you’re someone who operates multiple audio devices on your desk and has been struggling with heat and organization issues, the FiiO modular rack is definitely worth considering.
Additionally, in Korea, FiiO’s official importer, Scheherazade, offers listening and purchasing opportunities for various equipment. If you’re interested, we recommend visiting them.
