HRS VXR Audio Stand User manual

VXR AUDIO STAND
The Foundation of Great System Performance

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Harmonic Resolution Systems VXR Audio Stand.
When used properly, it will give you many years of superior musical or video
signal reproduction.
The VXR Audio Stand significantly reduces the negative impact of structure-borne
noise on your audio or video component performance. Decades of engineering
experience, custom material development, and listening tests are incorporated
into the design of the VXR Audio Stand. This reference level product from
Harmonic Resolution Systems, Inc. will enable your audio/video source and
amplification components to achieve peak performance.
The VXR Audio Stand, which includes the HRS Isolation Base as the primary shelf
system, is a perfect match for the HRS Damping Plates, Nimbus, and Vortex
products. While the VXR Audio Stand and Isolation Bases work to significantly
reduce structure-borne noise, the HRS Damping Plates, Nimbus, and Vortex
products significantly reduce the harmful effects of airborne noise and structural
resonance on your components’ chassis.
Please read this manual completely prior to assembly and use of your VXR Audio
Stand. It contains instructions necessary for proper assembly, use, and care of
this system. Proper care of your VXR Audio Stand will ensure optimum
performance and an aesthetically appealing system.

Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT WARNINGS!
Do not place any tall objects on the top shelf of the VXR Audio Stand. A tall
object is any object with a height that is greater than the length of the isolation
base. A tall object is also any object that has a height greater than its own width
or length. Tall objects must not be placed on top of the VXR Audio Stand for any
reason. The object may become unstable and tip over causing damage to the
component, adjacent objects, or injury to people.
Never lift or move the VXR Audio Stand with the HRS Isolation Bases installed.
You should always move the VXR Audio Stand frame to its final location prior to
loading shelves and components. Moving the VXR Audio Stand frame with the
isolation bases installed (with or without equipment) can permanently damage the
system’s adjustable feet or cause the shelves to fall out of the rack resulting in
potential damage or injury. Always take the time to remove all of the equipment
and shelves to relocate the VXR Audio Stand.
Always lift or move the isolation base with the inner plate facing up and the
external support feet facing down (same orientation as when used to support your
component). Always lift isolation bases by their outer frame structure, not by their
supporting feet. Always follow the handling instructions in the HRS Isolation
Base manual and this manual to prevent personal injury or damage to the unit.

Setup Instructions
At least two people are required to assemble the VXR Audio Stand. Some
subassemblies can weigh in excess of 50 pounds and the completed frame
system without isolation bases will weigh approximately 60 pounds per shelf
location. Always make sure you have the proper number of people to move the
frame system safely and easily.
The VXR Audio Stand consists of a frame structure and the isolation bases that
support each component. The total number of boxes depends on the capacity of
the system. The standard three and four shelf frame structures come in six and
seven boxes, respectively. Each box will be marked with the model number
starting with VXR. There should be two or more long wooden crates that contain
the vertical leg subassemblies and cardboard boxes that contain horizontal
crossmember subassemblies. The final small cardboard box contains the assembly
manual, feet, fasteners, and tools required for assembly of the frame system. The
only tool necessary for assembly that is not provided by HRS is a Philips head
screwdriver for unpacking the wooden crates (electric drive with PH2 bit
recommended).
Work Surface - Prior to unpacking any material, locate a very strong and stable
work surface capable of supporting at least twice the weight of the completed
assembly or an area on the floor that will provide a soft, scratch-resistant
workspace at least three feet by six feet in size. The more space you have the
better, as it will give you room to move around the frame to complete assembly. It
is important that the area be free of all dirt, screws or small pebbles, and that it is
covered with a clean soft protective blanket (min size 24" x 45") that will prevent
damage to the cosmetic surfaces of the VXR frame parts.
Unpacking VXR Assembly Hardware - Remove all the contents from the smaller
cardboard box containing the hardware required to assemble the frame. Place the
contents on a table near your selected work surface and remove all the wrapping
material. Be careful not to drop or allow the anodized aluminum parts to contact
each other as that may scratch the surface. Do not stack the parts on top of each
other once they are removed from the protective packaging material.
Unpacking VXR Vertical Leg Subassemblies - Unpack two vertical leg
subassemblies by removing the top surface of the crate. This surface will be
marked for clarity and you will need a Philips head screwdriver (manual or
electric) to open the crate. Remove the legs from the crate by lifting vertically at
each end and move them directly to your prepared work surface with the bolt
plate and keyway facing up and flat black face on the work surface. If you are
building a frame system for more than one column of components, you will have
at least two vertical leg subassemblies with bolt plates on both sides. These
double-sided subassemblies can be placed with either face down, but be very
careful not to place the bolt plates on anything that may damage them. Saving all

the packing material is critical to secure transportation of the frame in the future.
Shipping or moving the vertical leg subassemblies by any means other than how it
was originally packaged at HRS may result in permanent damage to the unit.
Installation of VXR Adjustable Foot System - Unwrap two of the four feet
supplied with the unit. Remove the nut and washer from each foot (see Photo 1).
Photo 1
Hand-tighten the nut all the way down on each individual foot. Then back the nut
off one half rotation (see Photo 2).
Photo 2
Place the supplied washer on top of the nut and then screw each of the feet into
the threaded inserts on the bottom of the first vertical leg subassembly (see
Photos 3 & 4). The feet should be threaded into the insert until the washer is held
in contact with the bottom of the leg. (This ensures maximum engagement
between the insert and the foot).
Photo 3 Photo 4

Attaching the VXR Horizontal Crossmember Subassemblies - You are now
ready to attach the horizontal crossmember subassembly to the vertical leg
subassemblies. There are two braces that hold the two legs together to form the
primary VXR Frame Structure. Take two of the VXR vertical leg subassemblies
and lay them down on your soft work surface so that the outside edges are 19
inches apart for a VXR-1921 or 17 inches apart for a VXR-1719 (see Photo 5).
This will minimize the adjustment required to attach the mount assemblies.
Photo 5
There are sixteen fasteners holding the horizontal crossmember subassembly
rigid that need to be loosened prior to assembly. The eight on the top of the
subassembly are circled in Photo 6 and there are eight more opposite them on the
underside of the subassembly. Loosen the two fasteners at either end of each
brace on both the top and bottom by 1/4 turn (four fasteners per brace per side
for a total of sixteen). Do not loosen the two fasteners at the center of each of the
braces; they must remain torqued as delivered. Remove one horizontal brace
subassembly from its crate and use the 5/32” T-wrench or ratchet wrench
supplied with the VXR to loosen (counter clockwise) the sixteen bolts that connect
to the isolation base mounts. Only loosen each fastener 1/4 turn to give the
assembly some flexibility for easy installation.
Photo 6

Slowly lower the brace assembly onto the bolt plates of the two leg assemblies
until the key on the brace rests in the keyway slot on the vertical leg
subassemblies (see Photos 7 and 8). Make sure the assembly is placed so that the
HRS logo will be oriented correctly when the frame system is standing upright
(see Photo 9), with the pocket for isolation base feet facing up away from the
floor. Attach at least one of the 1/4”-20 x 3/4" screws to the brace assembly prior
to removing your hand from the assembly to ensure it stays in place. It is very
important that the 3/4" long screws are used at this location to obtain proper
thread engagement.
Photo 7 Photo 8
Photo 9
Install the rest of the eight 1/4”-20 x 3/4" screws to attach one side of the
horizontal crossmember assembly (see Photo 10) to the first two vertical leg
subassemblies. You will need to use the supplied ratchet wrench at the location
closest to the crossbrace because the T-wrench will hit the crossbrace and
prevent screw rotation. Make sure the screws are fully engaged, but do not torque
the screws tightly yet. Leave them 1/4 turn away from fully tightened to allow for
a very small amount of play so you can properly balance the assembly later. All
the screws for the brace system will be fully tightened at a later point in the
assembly process. If they are tightened at this time, you may not be able to
complete assembly.

Photo 10
Install the rest of the horizontal crossmember subassemblies the same way you
did the first (see Photo 11). Make sure to space the assemblies properly for the
components and isolation bases that will be placed on the stand. Make sure to
take into account the three-inch height of each HRS Isolation Base when
determining your desired spacing. Orient the HRS logo so that when the stand is
sitting on its feet the HRS logo will be in the proper orientation. Make sure that
all eight screws are fully installed connecting the horizontal crossmember
subassembly to the legs, but 1/4 away from fully tightened before moving to the
next assembly process.
Photo 11
Remove two more vertical leg subassemblies from the wooden crate and place
them on your work surface. If you are assembling a VXR frame system that is
more than one column wide, use all the double-sided vertical leg subassemblies
(with bolt plates on two sides) before installing the second set of one-sided
subassemblies. Remove the legs from the crate by lifting vertically at each end
and move them directly to your prepared work surface. Again, saving all the
packing material is critical to secure transportation of the frame in the future.
Shipping or moving the vertical leg subassemblies by any other means may result
in permanent damage to the unit.

Install feet, nuts, and washers on the vertical leg subassemblies in the same way
you did the first set. Unwrap two of the four feet supplied with the unit. Remove
the nut and washer from each foot (see Photo 12).
Photo 12
Hand-tighten the nut all the way down on each individual foot. Then back the nut
off one half rotation (see Photo 13).
Photo 13
Place the supplied washer on top of the nut and then screw each of the feet into
the threaded inserts on the bottom of the first vertical leg subassembly (see
Photos 14 & 15). The feet should be threaded into the insert until the washer is
held in contact with the bottom of the leg. (This ensures maximum engagement
between the insert and the foot).
Photo 14 Photo 15

Second VXR Vertical Leg Subassembly Installation -If you are assembling a
VXR frame system that is more than one column wide, use all the double-sided
vertical leg subassemblies (with bolt plates on two sides) before installing the
second set of one-sided subassemblies.
Carefully lower one leg onto the open side of the mount assemblies you already
installed (see Photo 16). Make sure the keys on the mount assemblies slot into the
keyway on the leg completely (see Photo 17). Note that the photographs here
show the installation of a one-sided vertical leg subassembly for a single-column
frame system. Make sure that if you are assembling a frame system with multiple
columns you install double-sided vertical leg subassemblies at this stage so that
the other columns can be built off of the first.
Photo 16
Photo 17
Install all the 1/4-20 x 3/4" screws on the third vertical leg subassembly (four at
each mount location) until they are fully engaged, but do not torque the screws
tightly at this time. As before, leave them 1/4 turn from fully tightened to allow a
very small amount of play to complete the balance of the assembly.

Repeat “VXR Vertical Leg Subassembly Installation” section to install the fourth
vertical leg subassembly (see Photo 18).
Photo 18
Torque all of the 1/4”-20x3/4" screws to rigidly secure all locations in the
horizontal crossmember subassemblies to the vertical leg subassemblies (see
Photo 19). Proper torque is achieved when you can turn the tip of the handle of
the provided T-wrench 1/8 turn without turning the fastener. Do not use any
extension or large wrenches that could over-torque and strip the threads. Tighten
the sixteen 1/4”-20 x 7/8" screws (eight on top and eight on bottom) in each of the
horizontal crossmember subassemblies to the same torque (see Photo 20).
Photo 19 Photo 20

You can now stand the frame up on its four feet. Clear any objects out of the way
first to prevent damage to them or the stand. Then, at least two people should lift
the top of the stand together to tip it onto its feet (see Photo 21). If your stand is
only one column wide, skip the following instructions for doublewide systems and
refer to the steps for final assembly.
Photo 21
Doublewide Systems - The second column of the stand will be built off the first
while it is standing as shown in Photo 21. First loosen the sixteen fasteners
holding the horizontal crossmember subassembly rigid as you did for the ones in
the first column. The eight on the top of the subassembly are circled in Photo 22
and there are eight more opposite them on the underside of the subassembly.
Loosen the two fasteners at either end of each brace on both the top and bottom
by 1/4 turn (four fasteners per brace per side for a total of sixteen). Do not loosen
the two fasteners at the center of each of the braces; they must remain torqued as
delivered. Remove one horizontal brace subassembly from it’s crate and use the
5/32” T-wrench or ratchet wrench supplied with the VXR to loosen (counter
clockwise) the sixteen bolts that connect to the isolation base mounts. Only loosen
each fastener 1/4 turn to give the assembly some flexibility for easy installation.
Photo 22

Have another person hold a horizontal crossmember subassembly in the desired
place at the bottom of the stand and fasten it to the bolt plates using a 5/32” T-
wrench and eight 1/4”-20x3/4” screws (see Photo 23). Attach the rest of the
horizontal crossmember assemblies in the same way (see Photo 24).
Photo 23 Photo 24
Once all the mount assemblies are in place, collect the next two vertical leg
subassemblies in your work area. Install feet, nuts, and washers into these legs as
you did for the others. Unwrap two of the four feet supplied with the unit. Remove
the nut and washer from each foot (see Photo 25).
Photo 25
Hand-tighten the nut all the way down on each individual foot. Then back the nut
off one half rotation (see Photo 26).
Photo 26

Place the supplied washer on top of the nut and then screw each of the feet into
the threaded inserts on the bottom of the first vertical leg subassembly (see
Photos 27 & 28). The feet should be threaded into the insert until the washer is
held in contact with the bottom of the leg. (This ensures maximum engagement
between the insert and the foot).
Photo 27 Photo 28
Carefully set one leg assembly against the base mounts so that the keys and
keyway lock together (see Photo 29), then fasten the leg to the mounts using four
1/4”-20x3/4” screws at each level (see Photo 30). Leave the fasteners 1/4 turn
away from fully tightened until the stand is completely assembled. Do not force
the alignment of the horizontal crossmember subassembly and vertical leg
subassembly. If the subassemblies do not line up easily make sure the sixteen
fasteners (see Photo 22) holding the horizontal crossmember subassembly have
been loosened a full 1/4 turn from fully tightened.
Photo 29 Photo 30
Torque all fasteners in each column prior to installing additional columns. When
assembling a stand with more columns, repeat this “Doublewide Systems” section
to install the next column. Once you have fully assembled your stand, use the
provided 5/32” T-wrench and ratchet wrench to apply the final torque on each
fastener. Final torque is achieved when you are able to turn the T-wrench handle
1/8 turn without rotating the fastener. Do not use any extension or large wrenches
that could over-torque and strip the threads.

Final Assembly of VXR Audio Stand - You are now ready to stabilize and level
the frame. Move the frame to its exact final location for use in your system. Once
the frame is in the final location, check to see if the frame is level and stable. If it
is not, level the stand by extending the feet using the provided 1-1/4” crescent
wrench. If there is instability, find out which foot is causing the instability by
gently rocking the frame with the provided level laid across the top. Only adjust
the feet required to make the frame system completely stable and level. Never
thread any foot system out more than six full rotations (1/4 inch) from full
engagement for any reason. There should always be at least four complete
rotations of engagement remaining on each foot system.
If you have lost track of how many threads of engagement remain, start over by
fully engaging the foot per the original instructions and work your way back out.
If the floor the frame is sitting on is so uneven that this adjustment range is not
adequate, place a metal shim under the feet as necessary to provide proper
support of the frame system at each location.
Once all the feet are in a location where the frame is stable and level, use the
provided 1-1/8” crescent wrench to tighten the nut on each foot against the
bottom of the frame so that it locks the foot point in place. Use the 1-1/4” crescent
wrench to hold the foot in place while you do this (see Photo 31). The nut is
properly tightened when the frame system cannot rock in any direction (i.e. all
feet are in constant contact with the floor or HRS floor protectors).
Photo 31
Isolation Base Installation into VXR Frame - Uncrate each of the isolation
bases if not already complete. Make sure you read and follow all of the
instructions in the isolation base manual prior to installing into the VXR Audio
Stand frame. You will want to verify that the frame size matches the isolation base
size. The VXR-1921 uses 1921 isolation bases. The VXR-1719 uses 1719 isolation
bases.
Match the load range of each isolation base with the component weight. Matching
the isolation base to the proper component weight will ensure optimum
performance. Identify the load range of each isolation base by the colored sticker
on the back of the isolation base (opposite the HRS logo) or the colored dots on

the rubber mounts in the feet of the base. The load range can be changed for a
nominal factory fee so if you do not have the correct load range for a component,
please contact Harmonic Resolution Systems or your local certified retail location
to arrange to have this corrected. It is very easy to change from one load range to
another, and with the proper tools, this can be done in your own home in about
five minutes.
Load the HRS Isolation Bases onto the isolation base mounts, with the HRS logo
facing the front of the rack system (see Photo 32 and Photo 33). Be sure that the
isolation base (shelf) foot is located securely in the pocket of the isolation base
mount. This will automatically occur when the front and back edge of the
isolation base are in line with the front and back faces of the vertical leg
subassemblies. If the front and back edges do not line up with the front and back
of the rack structure, contact Harmonic Resolution Systems or your certified
retail location because you do not have the proper size isolation base or frame.
Measure the height of each component and determine if the shelves are in the
proper location. If needed, you can move the isolation base (shelf) up or down by
removing the shelf and adjusting the location of the mount for that isolation base.
Always follow the instructions above for mount assembly installation when
moving mounts. Be very careful not to cross-thread the fasteners. The fastener
should thread in very easily. If any do not, back them out and start in again. If
necessary, back out the other three nuts and move the bracket until they all thread
in with minimal torque. Apply proper torque once they are all fully threaded into
the rack frame.
Photo 32 Photo 33
Loading Components into VXR Frame - Carefully load each component into the
VXR Audio Stand. Be careful not to hit the front edge of the isolation base
because you may scratch the aluminum frame.
Once all the components are loaded, you should check to see that none of the
isolation bases are overloaded. By placing one or two fingers on the bottom of the
bracket and your thumb on the top of the isolation base, you should be able to

move the top of the isolation base slightly (at all four corners) when you squeeze
your finger(s) together. If there is no compliance, remove the component and
isolation base to verify the load range of the isolation base is correctly matched
with the component. Identify the load range of each isolation base by the colored
sticker on the back of the isolation base (opposite the HRS logo) or the colored
dots on the rubber mounts in the feet of the base. Please consult with your
authorized Harmonic Resolution Systems dealer or contact Harmonic Resolution
Systems if you need assistance. Any isolation base load range can be easily
modified at any time by sending it to Harmonic Resolution Systems or an
authorized dealer to have the primary isolation stage rebuilt.
Adjusting the Height of the VXR Horizontal Crossmember Subassemblies - If
you need to adjust the locations of the horizontal crossmember subassemblies for
any reason, first remove all components and isolation bases from the frame
system. The subassemblies are fit very tightly into the system so you will need to
partially disassemble them to relocate them.
Once all components and isolation bases have been removed from the stand, use
the provided 5/32” T-wrench or ratchet wrench to remove all six screws from the
top of each of the two horizontal braces so that you can remove the tops of the
braces (see Photo 34). Once they are removed, set the tops of the braces aside on
clean, soft surface so they will not be scratched or damaged.
Photo 34
Next, have someone support the bottom of each brace while you remove the four
screws securing each of them to the mounts so that they do not fall onto the lower
parts of the frame system. Remove the bottoms of the braces and set them aside as
you did with the tops (see Photo 35). Keep the spacer pieces with the HRS logo
and dampers attached to the bottom horizontal brace. Photo 36 shows all the
brace parts set aside.

Photo 35
Photo 36
With the horizontal braces removed, you are now able to remove the eight
fasteners securing the isolation base mounts to the vertical leg assemblies (see
Photo 37). Have someone support the mounts as you do this so they do not fall
onto lower parts of the frame system.
Photo 37
Once all the fasteners have been removed, you can move and reattach the
isolation base mount at your desired location. Torque all eight 1/4”-20x3/4”
screws on each isolation base mount with the 5/32” T-wrench until you can turn
the handle of the T-wrench 1/8 of a rotation without turning the screw.

Refasten the bottoms of the horizontal braces to the isolation base mounts using
four 1/4”-20x7/8” screws on the underside of each brace (see Photo 38). Make
sure to orient the horizontal braces so the HRS logos are facing out. Refasten the
brace tops at the center two holes first using two 1/4”-20x7/8” screws (see Photo
39).
Photo 38
Photo 39
Finally, thread in the other four 1/4”-20x7/8” screws at the ends of each
horizontal brace top (see Photo 40). Torque all the fasteners in the horizontal
crossmember assembly until you can turn the T-wrench 1/8 turn without the
fastener rotating. When all the fasteners are properly torqued the relocation of
the horizontal crossmember subassembly is complete. All isolation bases and
components can be placed back in the frame system at this time.
Photo 40

VXR Modular Leg Assembly/Extension - All the necessary equipment to
disassemble and reassemble the modular vertical leg assemblies is included with
your HRS VXR Audio Stand. Refer to these instructions if you need to disassemble
your frame system for any reason, including altering the height by adding or
removing leg sections. To disassemble and reassemble the modular vertical leg
assemblies you will need the following tools supplied with the frame system:
- 1/8” T-wrench (see Photo 41)
- 5/32” T-wrench (see Photo 42)
- Ratchet wrench with 5/32” bit (see Photo 43)
- Two VXR modular bolt plate assembly jigs (see Photo 44)
- Six .01” metal shims packaged with assembly jigs (see Photo 45)
- Eight 1/4”-20x3/4” flathead cap screws packaged with assembly jigs
(see Photo 46)
Photo 41 Photo 42
Photo 43 Photo 44
Photo 45 Photo 46