Futureglass Gem Lite review

If you’re looking for a new storage rack for your kit this is an impressive performer Tested at £150.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you’re looking for a new storage rack for your kit, this budget offering looks and sounds great for the money

Pros

  • +

    Smart looks, solid build

  • +

    flexible dimensions

  • +

    tightens bass and improves detail

Cons

  • -

    Not a huge improvement in sound quality – but enough for £150

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

This is one of the cheapest hi-fi racks we've ever had in our testing rooms. So we lowered our expectations accordingly, gave it the once over – and were impressed.

The Futureglass Lite Hi-Fi is available in clear, frosted or coloured glass, and is built from 6mm toughened, polished glass shelves. Each shelf is 60cm wide and 40cm deep, though Futureglass is happy to cutomise a rack to your needs, also offering shelf space from 10 to 25cm.

The four columns are available in silver or black and are kept isolated from each other through vibration-deadening components that should also ensure there's no room for movement in the shelves.

All these promises hold up under scrutiny, too. The stand feels solid and secure, with smooth edges to the glass and snugly fitted feet.

So, how does it make equipment sound? Well, don't expect miracles, but using a £300 micro system as our main unit, there was a noticeable sonic difference compared to a standard table. Improved punch and bass came from a tightening of bottom end frequencies, while the rack also helped to clean-up raw guitar chords, revealing more detail and removing harshness.

For £150, this is money well spent if you're looking to upgrade your budget system, at the same time as getting a natty piece of storage equipment

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test