Audiophilebase Stratabase1 Platform review

The jump in quality justifies the jump in price Tested at £360

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Not cheap, but hear the StrataBase at work in a suitable system and you’ll have little trouble justifying the cost

Pros

  • +

    Massively improves dynamics, detail and punch in high-end systems, massive improvements

Cons

  • -

    Not cheap, only worth it for high-end systems

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.

We suspect there are many people who would never consider spending this much money on an equipment support. And in many ways, they'd be right not to.

The StrataBase platform only makes sense in high-end set-ups, where the price of the components is at least a couple of grand each.

That's not to say that this platform won't work in cheaper systems, but we reckon you get similar or better results upgrading the electronics, rather than the support.

However, in the right system, placing the StrataBase 1 between, say, a CD player and a conventional equipment rack delivers a massive improvement in dynamics, detail and punch.

Admittedly, the price isn't subtle, but neither are the improvements. Audition it…

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.

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