{"id":42111,"date":"2025-11-21T17:09:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T15:09:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=42111"},"modified":"2026-02-20T14:54:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T12:54:15","slug":"artesania-exoteryc-pro-upgrade-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/accessories-reviews\/artesania-exoteryc-pro-upgrade-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"Artesania Audio Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review samples provided by Artesania Audio<\/a>
\nRetail prices in the Netherlands, including 21% VAT:
\nExoteryc Pro upgrade kit (incl. 3 Carbon Fiber arm sets): \u20ac3.725
\nExoteryc Panzerholz upgrade kit: TBC<\/h4>\n

Following the introduction of the Exoteryc Rack Pro<\/a>, a smaller, less costly derivative of the Master Kyo Rack, Artesania Audio introduced two Upgrade Kits for Exoteryc Racks and Aire Floor Platforms.<\/p>\n

Exoteryc Panzerholz Upgrade Kit<\/h3>\n

The Exoteryc Panzerholz Upgrade Kit includes Panzerholz Linear Arms with beechwood discs that replace the standard steel arms. It also contains solid Panzerholz Inner Rack Cylinders, which replace the standard white Nylon Cylinders (used in the original version) or the black Nylon Cylinders (used in recent versions) for decoupling the internal frame. Additionally, the kit comes with large, solid Panzerholz Floor Bases to replace the standard Stainless Steel Bases.<\/p>\n

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Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit<\/h3>\n

The Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit brings existing Exoteryc racks and Aire Floor Platforms up to the same specifications as the Rack Pro. The Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit includes Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a> with beechwood discs that replace the standard steel arms. It also includes new Nylon\/Stainless Steel Inner Rack Cylinders, which replace the standard white Nylon Cylinders (used in the original version) or the black Nylon Cylinders (used in recent versions) for decoupling the internal frame. Additionally, the kit comes with massive, smoothly machined Stainless Steel adjustable footers to replace the standard rounded spikes.<\/p>\n

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For this review, I will focus on the Exoteryc Pro Upgrade Kit. I had already reviewed the Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a>, and was so impressed with them that I ordered them for my three Aire Floor Platforms and Exoteryc rack. I also used them in all instances when making comparisons for this review. For my full impressions, please refer to the original review<\/a>. In brief, these arms deliver tighter bass with increased speed and agility, improved articulation, and an overall cleaner, more detailed, and more tangible sound, while fully maintaining fluidity and air.<\/p>\n

Pro Stainless Steel\/Nylon Cylinders<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The new Pro Stainless Steel\/Nylon Cylinder, shown assembled on the left, and in its three parts from different angles on the right.<\/em><\/p>\n

The new Pro Cylinders consist of a smoothly machined Stainless Steel upper section that screws onto a lower section made of black Nylon. As with the original full Nylon Cylinders, the new Cylinders are clamped onto natural rubber discs using long screws that are fixed from underneath the metal bars.<\/p>\n

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Comparing the new Pro Cylinder on the left to the standard Nylon Cylinder on the right. The new Cylinder assembly is slightly taller, so the inner rack’s top spikes need to be screwed all the way up to their uppermost positions.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pro Stainless Steel Footers<\/h3>\n

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The new footer assembly consists essentially of a very chunky spike with a rounded tip on the bottom and a threaded end at the top, paired with a super-oversized nut that secures the spike after leveling, while fitting snugly against the bottom of the pillar to provide immense stability. The footers can be used with the Aire or Exoteryc rack’s existing Stainless Steel floor bases and your choice of Nylon or Neoprene coupling discs.<\/p>\n

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Left: new Pro Footers; Right: standard Exoteryc and Aire spikes<\/em><\/p>\n

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To determine precisely how the elements of the Upgrade Kit affect the sound, I first applied them separately for assessment and then combined them. For all tests, I used the Carbon Fiber Linear Arms.<\/p>\n

Next: Preparations and Listening to the Nylon\/Stainless Steel Pro Cylinders<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Preparations and Side Notes<\/h3>\n

Stainless Steel floor bases (Artesania calls them Dampers) can be used with a selection of coupling discs, including Nylon and Neoprene as standard. In 2018, Artesania introduced Beechwood discs<\/a> separately. Naturally, the bases can also be used directly on the floor. Depending on the rest of the system and personal preferences, using the bases without coupling discs can be either a positive or a negative, as it yields a more robust, earthy sound while also reducing flow, refinement, and treble air. For the longest time, the Nylon discs worked best with my system and to my taste. Sure, they produced a less solid, less impactful sound than Beechwood or when using no discs, but I really liked the agility, airiness, and fluidity they offered.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This changed when\u00a0I reviewed the Panzerholz Discs<\/a> late last year. Ever since, these have been my favorite coupling discs. I use them with all Artesania racks and have kept them in place for this review.<\/p>\n

Some time ago, I discovered that the sound of the rack can be influenced by the tension with which the Cylinders are tightened. The tighter they are screwed, the faster, more direct, and articulate the sound becomes. Conversely, loosening the screws makes for a more relaxed, sweeter sound. Over time, the tension may naturally subside, so it’s worth checking periodically. With this in mind, I checked the tension of all Cylinders and ensured that I applied the same force to all of them before starting the comparisons. I prefer them to be super tight for my system, but I recommend experimenting to find the optimal tightness for each situation and system.<\/p>\n

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Listening – Nylon\/Stainless Steel Pro Cylinders<\/h3>\n

To start, I used one Aire Floor Platform for the components of the Pro upgrade, leaving a second Aire untouched (albeit also with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms installed), and I relocated the CH Precision A1.5 power amplifier from one rack to another to assess the differences.<\/p>\n

Artesania Audio products are a feast for the eye, and the components of the Pro Upgrade Kit are no exception. There’s again a very nice balance between technical functionality and smooth visual styling.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After moving the A1.5 from the standard Aire to the Aire with the new Nylon and Stainless Steel Pro Cylinder assemblies, the sonic presentation is very noticeably cleaner, with improved definition and center focus, and more distinct soundstage layering in the depth plane. However, contrary to what often happens when the sound becomes more precise, the new Pro Cylinders do not make the sound in any way more technical. It’s the opposite: the sound remains beautifully organic and liquid, with a full-blooded tonality, more warmth, and an added sense of smoothness and calm. Also, while the bass is fuller, it remains articulate, although the pacing feels a little more relaxed. Likewise, the midrange, while cleaner, richer, and timbrally more natural, arguably has less bite and transient expression than the standard Nylon Cylinders.<\/p>\n

Going back to the original Cylinders, the sound is indeed leaner in the bass and lower midrange, which increases the perceived pacing. This comparison also confirms that the standard Exoteryc and Aire racks exhibit what can be perceived as a slight dip between the bass and lower midrange, making the upper midrange sound more prominent. Conversely, with the new Pro Cylinders, the bass and midrange are more seamlessly integrated, resulting in a fuller and more continuous sound with a perceived more relaxed pacing. While I appreciate the more unbridled expression of the original Nylon Cylinders, the greater definition and precision of the Pro Cylinders make the original Cylinders sound less audiophile and comparatively untidy.<\/p>\n

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LAiV GaNM Power Amplifiers<\/h3>\n

The CH A1.5 amplifier weighs 50 kgs, so to make it easier for myself and spare my back, I repeated the test with the beautifully small and lightweight LAiV GaNM<\/a> mono power amplifiers using Artesania KSH2 Krion Shelves<\/a>. Sure enough, even with these relatively affordable Class-D GaN-based amplifiers, the same differences were perceived, albeit less clearly, in terms of resolution. This is likely because the CH amp is inherently more highly resolving. Nevertheless, I heard the same increase in bass fullness, body, midrange richness, warmth, soundstaging, and rock-solid center focus.<\/p>\n

These amplifiers also clearly illustrate how the Pro Cylinders produce a more natural timbre. In comparison, the original Cylinders make the amplifiers sound comparatively more “synthetic”. Of course, this is just a relative observation. Exoteryc rack and Aire Floor Platforms are the most natural and organic-sounding racks I have heard, and none of their products sound even remotely unnatural. Still, there is a relative difference, and the new Cylinders are clearly beneficial for these amplifiers.<\/p>\n

I could continue testing more audio component categories, but I know from experience that all components are sensitive to what they are placed on. I can confidently state that the effect of the new Cylinders will be clearly audible in any situation, although the level of success ultimately depends in part on the particular pairing.<\/p>\n

While part of me still favored the original Nylon Cylinders for their more playful expression with the CH amplifier, this was no longer the case with the LAiV amplifiers. This is what makes the audio hobby both challenging and fascinating. The explanation in this case is simple: because the LAiV amplifiers are inherently rougher than the very refined CH but also more impactful, propulsive, and dynamic, the combination produces an ideal balance, where the rack not only accommodates the audio component but actually upgrades it.<\/p>\n

Next: Listening to the Pro Footers, the Full Pro Upgrade Kit, and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Listening – Pro Footers<\/h3>\n

Before listening to the combined Pro upgrade, let’s first compare the new massive Stainless Steel Footers to the standard Spikes. For this test, I returned to the CH A1.5 amplifier and once again used two identical Aire platforms with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms, but both with the standard\u00a0Nylon Cylinders.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The new Pro Footers, like the Pro Cylinders, exhibit a strong sense of quality and elegance. Finely crafted, they are exceptionally heavy and feel very solid. When installed, they seamlessly round off the rack, making it appear as if this is how the racks should have always looked.<\/p>\n

The footers alone make a significant difference in the sound quality. The improvements are not as significant as those of the new Pro Cylinders, as they do not alter the resolution, focus, transparency, or precision. However, they do provide a significantly more stable, robust, and full sound. The bass, in particular, becomes more solid and considerably fuller.<\/p>\n

Smaller speakers, particularly monitors, or systems that lean towards the lean side, will benefit significantly from these new Pro Footers. While the bass does not go deeper, its increased solidity provides significantly more impact, creating the impression of greater depth.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Listening – The Full Pro Upgrade Kit<\/h3>\n

Now was the time to assess the entire Kit with all parts in place. Adding the Pro Footers to the Aire Rack, which was already fitted with the new Pro Cylinders, further solidifies the bass, making it even fuller and more sonorous. Despite the immense mechanical stability, the sound does not take on an analytical quality and remains as organic and free-flowing as ever.<\/p>\n

The much fuller sound imparted by the Pro Kit made me reassess these racks in relation to earlier assessments when reviewing the HRS EXR<\/a> Audio Stands (which I simply refer to as racks). Previously, the two racks offered markedly different sonic perspectives, but the full Pro Upgrade Kit brings them closer together. Moreover, the HRS rack, previously king of solidity and bass fullness, is now actually overtaken in that area by the Artesania Aire! Otherwise, the racks still offer significant differences in character, making either a better or a less ideal choice, depending on circumstances and personal preference. For instance, the HRS racks still provide an earthier and more grounded sound, while the Aire and Exoteryc still offer a slightly more delicate rendition with enhanced treble air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The new Pro Footers’s substantial size makes the Aire Floor Platform quite a bit taller. On the left is the Aire with standard spikes and new Pro Cylinders. On the Right is the Aire with new Pro Footers and standard Nylon Cylinders.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

During this test, I had access to several speakers. The advantages of the Pro kit are evident, regardless of the speakers used. It significantly enhances the level of audiophile sophistication. While the kit maintains the natural, organic, and free-flowing characteristics of the racks, it also makes the sound noticeably fuller and heavier, and this particular enhancement may complement some audio systems better than others.<\/p>\n

The Kit worked superbly\u00a0with the Final Model 15+ electrostats (review forthcoming), Diptyque DP 140 MkII<\/a>\u00a0magnetostats,\u00a0Driade Premium Model 9<\/a> monitor speakers, and the relatively compact floorstanding\u00a0<\/span>Apogee Centaurs. In these contexts, the Pro Kit <\/span>significantly improves bass solidity and impact, along with all the aforementioned benefits, creating a uniformly improved<\/span>\u00a0experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

When using the Magico S1 MkII or Apogee Duettas, however, I have mixed feelings. The enhancements in precision, focus, and refinement are just evident with these speakers, but the bass becomes a little too voluptuous for my liking.\u00a0These speakers naturally produce a rich, full-bodied sound with deep, sonorous bass. In the case of the Duettas and in my room at least, arguably even a little too much at certain frequencies. This is just to say that my observations should not be seen as absolute, but rather depend on the listening room. Then again, given that many rooms will have excess bass, one should be mindful that adding the Pro Upgrade Kit can exacerbate this aspect.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

I’m still surprised at times at the massive sonic differences that even seemingly minor changes can incur. The Artesania Audio Pro Upgrade Kit looks visually stunning and massively enhances the performance of Exoteryc racks and Aire Floor Platforms. As usual with Artesania products, the audiophile improvements are delivered without any sacrifices in the naturalness or organic nature of the music. The kit preserves the natural, organic qualities of the racks while offering greater sophistication, tonal saturation, and maturity.<\/p>\n

The Carbon Fiber Linear Arms and Pro Cylinders, in particular, are so immensely beneficial that it becomes almost impossible to return to the Rack’s standard incarnation. I wholeheartedly recommend adding the Carbon Fiber Linear Arms (for a cleaner, more articulate, and crisper sound) or the Arms and Cylinders combo (for a tidier, yet fuller, smoother, and more sophisticated sound).<\/p>\n

The Full Pro Kit, including the Pro Footers, provides the benefits mentioned earlier, in addition to further increased bass solidity and overall tonal fullness, especially benefiting smaller or leaner-sounding systems. These Footers also offer a substantial upgrade for many systems and are recommended where they work synergistically; however, they can potentially be too much for setups that are already bass-heavy.<\/p>\n

Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Manufacturer: Artesania Audio<\/a>
\nDistributor for the Benelux: Aspera Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Read Also<\/h3>\n

Artesania Exoteryc Audio Rack<\/a>
\nArtesania Aire Floor Platform<\/a>
\nArtesania Modular Floor Platform<\/a>
\nArtesania Modular Rack<\/a>
\nArtesania KSH2 Krion Shelf<\/a><\/p>\n

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