Audio T Verdict
The Bassocontinuo Lyra XL4 2.1 is designed for larger and heavier Hi-Fi components that may be difficult to accommodate on a conventional equipment rack.
Its wide four-leg structure, 25mm independent shelves and 70kg load capacity per level provide a substantial platform for sizeable amplifiers, turntables, streamers and power supplies. Two-stage decoupling helps control vibration between the shelves, supporting structure and floor.
The fully modular construction allows the shelf count and equipment clearances to be chosen around the system. Additional levels and alternative spacer arrangements can also be added later as the equipment changes.
Bassocontinuo Classic Line Lyra XL4 2.1 Modular Hi-Fi Rack
The Lyra XL4 2.1 is the wider four-leg equipment rack in the Bassocontinuo Classic Line.
Designed and manufactured in Italy, it combines independent 25mm shelves, solid metal supports, adjustable floor spikes and elastomer decoupling within a completely modular structure.
Its 660mm width, 560mm depth and 70kg shelf capacity make it particularly suitable for bulky electronics and heavy amplifiers that may not fit comfortably on the smaller three-leg Lyra 2.1.
Price Depends on the Configuration
The advertised price is a guide rather than a fixed price for every possible Lyra XL4 2.1 arrangement.
The final cost depends on the required number of shelves, spacing between levels, support finish and selected shelf finish. Contact Audio T with your equipment list and preferred layout for an accurate quotation.
Wide Four-Leg Structure
The Lyra XL4 2.1 uses four solid metal supporting legs positioned towards the corners of each shelf.
This provides a wider and higher-capacity alternative to the three-leg Lyra 2.1 while avoiding a central rear support that could obstruct large components and their cable connections.
The four-leg layout is particularly useful for wide power amplifiers, substantial integrated amplifiers and source components with closely spaced rear connections.
Designed for Larger Electronics
The rack measures 660mm wide and 560mm deep, giving it a larger overall footprint than the standard Lyra 2.1.
The additional width can accommodate components that would overhang a conventional rack, while the open rear structure provides access to power, signal and speaker-cable connections.
Component dimensions should still be checked carefully because the legs reduce the usable area available to the equipment feet on the lower shelves.
Lower-Shelf Dimensions
Bassocontinuo publishes a lower-shelf useful size of 565mm wide by 560mm deep.
However, the manufacturer’s detailed dimensions guide states that a component’s supporting feet must fit within a 485mm-wide by 560mm-deep area.
The component cabinet itself can be wider than 485mm, provided its feet remain securely supported and the chassis does not interfere with the rack legs.
Measure the Equipment Feet, Not Just the Cabinet
Measure the distance between the outer edges of the component’s left and right feet.
The supporting feet must fit inside the 485mm by 560mm permitted area. A wide component may still fit if its feet are positioned further inboard beneath the chassis.
Full-Width Top Shelf
The top shelf provides the complete 660mm by 560mm useful surface because there are no further legs extending upwards around the equipment.
This makes it the most flexible position for a large turntable, wide source component or another product that does not fit between the legs on a lower level.
Allow additional space around the rack for turntable lids, cables, ventilation and access to controls.
25mm Independent Shelves
Each Lyra XL4 2.1 shelf is 25mm thick and supported independently within the modular structure.
The substantial shelf construction creates a rigid platform for heavy Hi-Fi equipment while helping control unwanted flexing under load.
Because the shelves are separated from the metal supports by elastomer washers, they are not coupled directly to one completely rigid structure without a damping interface.
70kg Load Capacity Per Shelf
Each shelf has a maximum published load capacity of 70kg.
This makes the Lyra XL4 2.1 suitable for many heavy integrated amplifiers, stereo power amplifiers, monoblocks, turntables and substantial power supplies.
The component must also fit within the permitted shelf and foot dimensions and receive the ventilation required by its manufacturer.
Distribute the Weight Sensibly
Position heavy equipment centrally and ensure that all of its feet are fully supported.
Do not place most of the load against one shelf edge or allow a component foot to sit partly unsupported.
Configurable Shelf Spacing
The space between shelves, or between the floor and the bottom shelf, can be configured from 90mm to 290mm.
Standard published clearances include:
- 90mm
- 140mm
- 190mm
- 240mm
- 290mm
This allows compact streamers, phono stages and power supplies to occupy shallower sections while taller amplifiers can be given substantially more room.
The completed rack height therefore depends on the number of shelves and the selected clearance for each level.
Measure Before Ordering
Measure every component before selecting the Lyra XL4 2.1 configuration.
Include:
- The full cabinet width, depth and height
- The position and spacing of the equipment feet
- Projecting switches, handles and fascia panels
- Rear terminals and connected plugs
- The natural bend radius of cables
- Ventilation clearance above and around the component
- Space required to operate top-mounted controls
- Clearance for an open turntable lid
A component can appear to fit according to its main cabinet dimensions but still be unsuitable because of its feet, connectors or ventilation requirements.
Red PU Shelf Decoupling
A red polyurethane elastomer washer is positioned between each shelf and its supporting structure.
The washer has a published hardness of 90 shore and provides a controlled interface between the independent shelf and solid metal legs.
This helps reduce the direct transmission of vibration through the rack while creating the distinctive red detailing associated with the Bassocontinuo Classic Line.
Decoupled Spike Discs
The rack uses adjustable spikes to create small and accurately controlled contact points with the floor.
Matching spike discs are supplied and include SBR rubber decoupling beneath them.
The rubber has a published hardness of 70 shore and provides a second vibration-control interface between the complete rack and the floor.
Protect Delicate Flooring
Use the supplied spike discs on wooden, tiled, laminate and other vulnerable hard floors.
Check that every disc remains correctly positioned while the rack is being levelled and never drag the assembled rack across the floor.
Adjustable Floor Spikes
The spikes allow the rack to be levelled where the floor is not completely even.
Place the empty rack in its intended position and adjust the spikes until all four make secure contact and the shelves are level.
Because a four-leg rack can rock if one point is incorrectly adjusted, take time to establish firm and even contact at every corner.
Recheck the adjustment after the rack has been loaded, as the additional weight may cause minor settling.
“Zero Shaking” Tightening System
The 2.1 version incorporates Bassocontinuo’s revised “zero shaking” shelf and leg tightening system.
The updated connections are designed to increase structural rigidity and reduce unwanted movement within the assembled rack.
Bassocontinuo states that the 2.1 structure increases stability by more than 50 per cent compared with the previous Classic Line generation.
Modular Construction
The Lyra XL4 2.1 is assembled from independent shelves and modular solid metal structural components.
The number of shelves and the distance between levels can be selected around the equipment being installed rather than accepting one fixed factory arrangement.
The system can also be reconfigured later by adding shelves or changing the spacer combination.
Plan for Future Components
Consider any likely future additions before choosing the initial rack layout.
Including an extra level or additional clearance for a larger amplifier can make future system changes considerably easier.
Expandable After Purchase
Additional shelves can be added after the original rack has been purchased.
The clearance between existing levels can also be altered using the appropriate modular components.
Bassocontinuo states that Classic Line 2.1 components are compatible with suitable earlier Classic Line versions, allowing previous owners to add or mix later shelves.
The existing rack model, generation, shelf finish and support configuration should be confirmed before ordering expansion parts.
Laboratory-Informed Development
Bassocontinuo develops its equipment supports using structural and accelerometric testing rather than relying solely on appearance.
The Classic Line has been evaluated in collaboration with engineering specialist Vicoter and the Politecnico di Milano.
The objective is to combine the practical strength required for heavy electronics with controlled vibration behaviour and furniture suitable for a domestic listening room.
Turntable Placement
The full-width top shelf is normally the most practical position for a turntable.
It provides the greatest usable area, unrestricted access from above and no upper support legs to interfere with the lid or chassis.
Check the complete turntable dimensions with its lid both closed and raised.
The rack should stand on a firm floor away from heavy footfall. A suspended wooden floor may still transfer movement to the turntable, even when dedicated Hi-Fi furniture is being used.
Heavy Amplifiers
Heavy amplifiers and power supplies should normally be placed on the lowest practical level.
This keeps the rack’s centre of gravity closer to the floor and reduces the amount of weight that must be lifted during installation.
The 70kg shelf capacity supports many substantial amplifiers, but their feet must remain inside the permitted area and all ventilation requirements must be respected.
Allow Heat to Escape
Leave the clearance specified by the amplifier manufacturer and keep ventilation slots unobstructed.
Valve amplifiers, Class A designs and other warm-running products may require considerably more than the minimum physical clearance needed to fit them onto the shelf.
Large Power Amplifiers and Monoblocks
The Lyra XL4 2.1 can support large stereo power amplifiers or individual monoblock amplifiers where their dimensions and weight fall within the published limits.
Where two very large monoblocks are used, separate amplifier stands may provide easier positioning and shorter speaker-cable runs.
Audio T can help compare a complete rack arrangement with dedicated floor-level amplifier supports.
Cable Clearance
The published shelf depth does not include the additional space that may be required behind the rack for connected cables.
Large mains plugs, IEC connectors, speaker cables and rigid interconnects can extend well beyond the rear of a component.
Allow each cable to follow a natural curve without being crushed against the wall or placing sideways pressure on an equipment socket.
Avoiding the Central Rear Leg
One of the practical advantages of the XL4 design is the absence of a central rear support.
This leaves the middle of the rack more open for closely spaced terminals, large plugs and substantial cable looms.
The corner legs must still be considered when positioning components and routing cables towards either side of the rack.
Cable Organisation
Arrange cables so they remain accessible, tidy and mechanically relaxed.
Where practical:
- Keep mains cables away from low-level analogue signal cables
- Avoid tightly coiling surplus cable
- Do not suspend heavy cables from equipment sockets
- Keep connectors away from the rack legs
- Leave enough slack to service or reposition a component
- Keep cables clear of spikes and floor discs
- Do not trap cables between shelves and structural parts
The open construction provides useful access but does not replace the need for careful cable planning.
Assembly
The Lyra XL4 2.1 requires assembly.
Build the rack on a clean, protected surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific shelf count and spacer arrangement supplied.
Install each shelf, structural component, elastomer washer, spike and locking part in the correct sequence.
Do not place equipment onto the rack until the complete structure is upright, level and securely tightened.
Retain the Configuration Details
Keep the assembly instructions, quotation and configuration information after installation.
These details will be useful if additional shelves, different spacers or replacement components are required later.
Loading the Rack
Once assembly and levelling are complete, install the heaviest components first.
Use suitable assistance when lifting large amplifiers and protect the shelf finish from sharp feet or accidental contact.
Make sure each product is stable before connecting cables or installing equipment onto the shelf above.
Recheck the rack’s level and structural connections after all components have been fitted.
Moving the Rack
Remove every component and disconnect all cables before moving the Lyra XL4 2.1.
Do not attempt to carry or slide a fully loaded rack, even over a short distance.
Lift the empty structure carefully with suitable assistance rather than dragging it or pulling it by one shelf.
Check the spikes, discs, shelf connections and overall level again after repositioning.
Lyra XL4 2.1 or Lyra 2.1?
The Lyra XL4 2.1 uses four legs, measures 660mm by 560mm and supports up to 70kg per shelf.
The standard Lyra 2.1 uses a smaller three-leg isostatic arrangement, measures 600mm by 550mm and supports up to 60kg per shelf.
The XL4 is likely to be the better choice for wide, deep or heavy electronics, while the three-leg Lyra occupies less space and cannot rock because its three contact points naturally define a plane.
Lyra XL4 2.1 or Accordeon XL4 2.1?
The Lyra XL4 2.1 is part of the more affordable Classic Line and uses 25mm shelves with a 70kg capacity per level.
The Reference Line Accordeon XL4 2.1 uses 30mm shelves, stainless-steel construction and additional vibration-control technology.
The Accordeon also supports considerably greater weight, with a 110kg bottom shelf and 90kg capacity on its remaining levels.
The best choice depends on component size, weight, system value, finish preference and the level of isolation required.
Finish Options
The wider manufacturer range includes:
- Cerbero Black
- Iside White
- MC Edition
- Accuphase Edition
- Sf Edition Walnut
- Sf Edition Wenge
Cerbero Black can be combined with anthracite-black or stainless-steel legs.
Iside White uses matching milky-white legs, while the special editions combine alternative shelf details and support finishes.
Finish availability, lead time and pricing should be confirmed when requesting a quotation.
Key Features
- Wide four-leg Hi-Fi equipment rack
- Part of the Bassocontinuo Classic Line 2.1
- Designed for bulky and heavy electronics
- No central rear support leg
- Completely modular and expandable construction
- Independent 25mm-thick shelves
- Solid metal structural components
- Available shelf clearances from 90mm to 290mm
- Overall dimensions of 660mm by 560mm
- Published lower-shelf area of 565mm by 560mm
- 485mm by 560mm permitted equipment-foot area
- Full-size 660mm by 560mm top shelf
- 70kg maximum load capacity per shelf
- Red 90-shore PU shelf-decoupling washers
- Adjustable floor spikes
- Spike discs with 70-shore SBR rubber decoupling
- Revised “zero shaking” tightening system
- Can be expanded or reconfigured after purchase
- Compatible with suitable earlier Classic Line versions
- Six manufacturer finish families
- Five-year manufacturer’s guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the displayed price fixed?
No. The advertised price is a guide because the final cost depends on the shelf count, spacing, structural finish and shelf finish.
How many shelves are included?
The Lyra XL4 2.1 is configured around the customer’s requirements rather than supplied in one universal arrangement. Confirm the required shelf count when requesting a quotation.
Why does the XL4 have four legs?
The four-leg structure provides greater width and a 70kg shelf capacity for larger electronics while avoiding a central support at the rear of the rack.
What are the overall dimensions?
The Lyra XL4 2.1 measures 660mm wide and 560mm deep. Its total height depends on the shelf count and selected spacing.
How large is each lower shelf?
Bassocontinuo publishes a useful lower-shelf size of 565mm wide by 560mm deep.
Why is the equipment-foot area narrower than the shelf?
The four legs occupy part of the shelf corners. The manufacturer’s detailed guide states that the component’s feet must fit within a 485mm-wide by 560mm-deep area.
Can the equipment cabinet be wider than 485mm?
Potentially, provided the component’s feet remain securely inside the permitted area and the chassis does not interfere with the rack legs.
How large is the top shelf?
The top shelf provides the full 660mm by 560mm useful area.
How thick are the shelves?
Each shelf is 25mm thick.
How much weight can each shelf support?
The maximum published load capacity is 70kg per shelf.
What shelf clearances are available?
Published options are 90mm, 140mm, 190mm, 240mm and 290mm.
Is the total rack height fixed?
No. The final height depends on the number of levels and the clearance selected for each section.
Can extra shelves be added later?
Yes. The Lyra XL4 2.1 is modular and can be expanded after the original purchase.
Can the shelf spacing be changed later?
Yes. The spacer arrangement can be revised using the appropriate modular components.
Is it compatible with older Classic Line racks?
Bassocontinuo states that the 2.1 upgrade is compatible with suitable preceding Classic Line versions. Confirm the existing model and finish before ordering parts.
Are the shelves decoupled from the legs?
Yes. A red 90-shore polyurethane elastomer washer sits between each shelf and its supporting structure.
Are floor spikes included?
The rack uses adjustable floor spikes with matching spike discs incorporating SBR rubber decoupling.
Can it be used on wooden flooring?
Yes. Use the supplied spike discs, level the rack carefully and avoid dragging it across the floor.
Can it support a large power amplifier?
Each shelf supports up to 70kg, but the amplifier’s feet, dimensions and ventilation requirements must also be checked.
Can a turntable be placed on the rack?
Yes. The full-width top shelf is normally the most practical location, provided the turntable fits with its lid raised and the floor is sufficiently stable.
Does the rack include enclosed cable management?
No enclosed cable-management channel is specified. The open rear structure provides access for routing cables between the equipment and wall.
Does the rack require assembly?
Yes. The shelves, legs, elastomer washers, spikes and structural components must be assembled in the correct sequence.
Can the rack be moved while loaded?
No. Remove all equipment and disconnect every cable before moving or adjusting the rack.
What is the difference between Lyra XL4 2.1 and Lyra 2.1?
The XL4 uses four legs, measures 660mm by 560mm and supports 70kg per shelf. The smaller Lyra uses three legs, measures 600mm by 550mm and supports 60kg per shelf.
What is the difference between Lyra XL4 and Accordeon XL4?
The Accordeon is a higher-level Reference Line rack with 30mm shelves, stainless-steel construction and greater load capacity. The Lyra XL4 provides a more affordable and fully modular alternative.
Which finishes are available?
The wider manufacturer range includes Cerbero Black, Iside White, MC Edition, Accuphase Edition, Sf Edition Walnut and Sf Edition Wenge.
What guarantee is included?
Bassocontinuo provides a five-year guarantee covering manufacturing defects, subject to its current terms and proof-of-purchase requirements.
Related Bassocontinuo Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help designing the correct Lyra XL4 2.1 configuration
- Advice on measuring cabinets and equipment feet
- Turntable, amplifier and source positioning guidance
- Help selecting shelf spacing and future expansion
- Advice comparing Lyra, Lyra XL4 and Accordeon XL4
- Finish and support combination guidance
- Equipment isolation and vibration-control advice
- Assembly and levelling support
- Ongoing after-sales assistance
Contact your local Audio T store with your equipment dimensions, foot positions and weights for help configuring a Bassocontinuo Lyra XL4 2.1 rack.