It's never any fun putting together furniture, but the MagnaLev system at least comes well packaged and with clear, easy instructions. Aside from the existence of an external power supply, the ML5 Isolator is basically 4 structural supports and 5 shelves. The shelving takes a bit more time to install than most as each shelf weighs approximately 26 pounds. The system came in an unremarkable box containing 5 additional unmarked boxes and a spacer. Everything seemed to be packed well and nothing was damaged during shipping.

The system assembles with just a Philips head screwdriver and it took me only 25 minutes to get everything ready for power up - including putting my gear back onto the shelves (but not making the connections of course). Each shelf has a small jumper that connects it to the left rear support which houses all of the main cabling. The ML5-Pads require that a small plastic wire called a Safe-T system be applied which keeps your gear from ever flying off the rack (more to follow).

Using the System
Using the system is as easy as plugging it in and turning it on via a rocker switch on the right side near the top. At once I heard a low hum that gradually dropped in frequency and went away completely after 15 seconds (whew!) At first nothing happened - and then I remembered that the capacitor had to charge. After 60 seconds my equipment slowly lifted into the air!!! It was amazing to actually look under each of my components and see that NOTHING was touching the shelf below. All of my equipment had a 1/4-inch space underneath, including a rather hefty stereo amplifier I am testing at the moment and a loaded Sony SCD-CE775 5-disc SACD changer.

I tested the mobility of the equipment and found, as indicated by the literature, that the individual components can be moved forward or backwards up to 5 inches until the Safe-T lock system kept it from going any further. This makes hooking up your gear infinitely easier as you can pull out, for example, a DVD player and make rear connections - then slide it back in. There is no friction but the gear still feels as if it has a modicum of resistance, so it's not as if you will graze a product and it will fly out on you. I was amazed at how easily everything just held its place until I wanted it to move.

Suggestions and Recommendations
It would be pompous of me to make too many recommendations - that would be like critiquing the Model-T or the Wright Bros first plane. Still, my few comments would include a way to provide more color options -either through paint or anodizing. Secondly, I can't wait until the price drops - everyone with money to blow needs to pick this up so others can benefit as soon as possible! Thirdly, the exposed screws on the sides of the unit take away from the elegant look and clean lines. All of these things don't even make a DENT in the overall impressiveness of this product, however.

Conclusions
This is NEW. And when I say new I am talking about mind-bendingly amazingly new. If you can't afford this product, you owe it to yourself to at least go see it as soon as one comes to a dealer near you (they are gearing up currently and should be soliciting a multitude of dealers at CEDIA in September. If you have $2900 to spend on an AV rack - just get this thing - it is the most amazing thing you will ever buy.

About MagnaLev
MagnaLev was formed in 2003 as a technology investment firm to explore areas of electrical-mechanical engineering principles and electromagnetics in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. As a result of numerous patents and personal passion, MagnaLev has adapted its technology to the home theater market in an effort to provide innovative and helpful products to consumers looking for high-end solutions and trend-setting products.

Oh , PS: April Fools. :-)