The reasonably sized wooden crate containing all parts of the Model 1 arrived at the door of our testing space a little over a year ago. The reason for the delayed publication of this review is simple: we persistently sought to evaluate the Assos rack both in terms of its impact on sound quality and from a technical perspective — to identify the reasons why it works (if it does — spoiler: it does).
The primary material used in the rack is birch plywood sheets, used for the construction of each shelf, each of which is 30mm thick (in the reviewed rack; shelves with 24mm thickness are also available). In the model we had at our disposal, each shelf measured 405x615mm, while the currently available standard models have dimensions of 620x420mm. The use of birch plywood — a material made from multiple cross-grain layers — ensures a shelf with excellent damping characteristics, according to the company. Each shelf is finished with natural wood veneer, in our case, oak, though walnut is also available. The final treatment is done with a special natural oil applied in multiple layers, providing durability, a very pleasing tactile sensation, and an appearance reminiscent of fine furniture

Model 1 is assembled using cylindrical spacers made of solid wood (oak or walnut, depending on the shelf veneer) and are joined by threaded rods, headless screws that are embedded into the spacers.
The rack is supported on the floor by four points using brass spikes. Here, Assos has taken care to design a classic system that facilitates leveling, with each spike adjustable in height and a classic “lock nut” to fix it in place. This nut is of large diameter and features a wooden outer ring, making the process easy, as it allows tightening by hand. The spikes rest on sockets also made of brass. During the review period, their design changed significantly. The latest version, shown in the photographs, was used for most of the listening sessions and in all measurements.

An interesting feature of the Model 1 is its optional additional plinths for each shelf. These are made of the same materials and finished in the same manner as the rest of the structure, ensuring a perfect visual match, and are placed without additional mounting hardware. In our sample, their dimensions were 500x405x30mm. Their purpose is clear: they increase the mass of each shelf (almost doubling it) and provide another layer of isolation, as they do not come into direct contact with the spacers, only with the surface of the main shelf. All wooden components of each rack are handcrafted and finished at the company’s factory in Larissa.

The overall build quality of the Model 1 met — and even exceeded — Assos’s descriptions and commitments. In fact, if its form were not dictated by its function (to support audio equipment), it could easily stand as a high-quality piece of furniture. In reality, it is a piece of furniture — simply one with a specialized purpose. We are speaking of a WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) that far surpasses the average!

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