Variable height media and spacer combination

An assembly comprising:

• a first data storage disk comprising:
• a disk surface defining a x-y plane, wherein the disk surface comprises a plurality of data tracks surrounding a first central opening;
• a first disk step disposed proximate the first central opening at a first disk step level measured in a z direction from the disk surface;
• and
• a second disk step disposed proximate the first central opening at a second disk step level measured in the z direction from the disk surface, wherein the first disk step level is different from the second disk step level;
• and
• a first spacer ring comprising:
• a ring surface surrounding a second central opening;
• a first ring step disposed proximate the second central opening at a first ring step level measured in the z direction from the ring surface;
• and
• a second ring step disposed proximate the second central opening at a second ring step level measured in the z direction from the ring surface;
• and
• wherein in the assembly, the disk surface faces the ring surface.