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October 7, 2019, 10:31 PM #1
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- Nov 2014
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A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Sometime back I bought some anti vibration pads ($1.50 each) and furniture sliders ($1.60 each).
Yesterday I saw them laying around and decided to do a little experiment using them as speaker isolators.
I placed a vibration pad atop the slider (4 per speaker). Total cost $25 for the entire set of 8.
Have not listened critically yet. Will have to do a few position adjustments, but moving the speakers is now breeze. That alone was worth the trouble.
Here are the pads (2" X 2" x 7/8")
Here are the sliders:
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October 12, 2019, 04:46 AM #2
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Try hockey pucks too.
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October 12, 2019, 01:33 PM #3
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A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Thanks for suggesting that!
The experiment that I described above did not work. The speakers were a little wobbly and unsteady using what I described. Too many layers of rubber on a soft carpet.
So next I tried using the original speakers spikes and a metal washer (to prevent damage to the carpet). I added a self-stick carpet glider to the bottom of the metal washer. I liked the result better. The speakers are way more steady however I can still make the top of the speaker move laterally by applying not much force. I can trace this to the soft carpet and the (small) metal washer sitting on the soft carpet.
I am waiting for a set of Herbie Giant spike decouplers and see how they work.
Now that you suggested the hockey pucks, I can also try the combo of spikes, "puck", and the sliders (from my first post) and see how that works. That would be a much cheaper solution than the Herbie!
I am aiming to: eliminate/minimize vibration to/from speakers, speakers solidly grounded, and ease of moving speaker.
Thanks!
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October 12, 2019, 02:47 PM #4
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- Feb 2016
- Location
- west Michigan
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- 713
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Not sure if you can meet all of your goals.
Getting the speakers solidly grounded and easily moved are counter to each other.
I used the furniture sliders to find the best location for my speakers and then removed the sliders and installed spikes.
This worked out well for me.
A friend is using the Gaia footers and really likes them over the spikes he had previously used.
I've also been to other audiophiles homes where they have placed slabs of granite on the floor over the carpet to provide a stable base.
Many ways to skin this cat. Just need to find the one that works best for you.
Have fun and enjoy the journey.My System
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October 12, 2019, 05:59 PM #5
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- Dec 2017
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October 12, 2019, 09:04 PM #6
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- Nov 2014
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Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Thank you for sharing. I agree with your observations. What I meant by "solidly grounded" is actually making sure that the speakers are not wobbly when touched on the side on the top. The thing is any slight movement/flexing/bending at the speaker/carpet level is exacerbated/amplified at the top of the speaker. So I am looking for a solution that eliminates that flexing/bending without allowing the spikes to penetrate the carpet. The use of a granite slab is an option that I will likely explore as well. Thank you!
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October 13, 2019, 04:44 AM #7
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Be careful with that granite slab, sometimes it can really bring out the worst in your tweeter. The hockey pucks will give you flabby bass, but, for the price they are an exemplary experiment. Try cork, try tiles, try rubber glued together, then not glued. Try wood, especially hardwood. Timber is very exceptional for isolation if you get the right variety,...
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October 13, 2019, 07:06 AM #8
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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October 13, 2019, 12:41 PM #9
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- Nov 2014
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October 13, 2019, 05:06 PM #10
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- Nov 2014
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A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
Happy to report a positive development.
I remembered that I had a set of amp stands (wood stands that can be filled with sand). (When loaded with the sand, they become fairly heavy similar to a slab of granite). The stands sit nearly flush with the carpet (low center of gravity).
I put carpet sliders under the stands and placed the speakers with spikes directly on the wood stand. The spikes really dig into the wood. But that's ok since the wood is under the speaker and never exposed.
The sliders allow me to easily move the speakers and try out different positions.
The wooden stands and speaker spikes raise the speaker about 3-1/2 inches above the height of my previous set up bringing the tweeters more in line with my ears.
The speakers are now more solidly grounded (they no longer shake when I poke the top of the speaker).
The result: the music seems as if it slowed down. There is no rush; there is more intimacy. The performers seem to be closer to you. Music notes/instruments that previously were a a bit hidden in the background are now more prominent and better delineated yet not intrusive. I am hearing nuances that I had not noticed before.
My total cost was zero since I already owned the amp stand, the sliders, and spikes.
I just cancelled the order for the hockey pucks and the Herbies.
Once I decide that the speakers are in my desired location I can take the sliders out if I care to.
The is the BEST my system has EVER sounded! Thanks to all for the ideas/suggestions!
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October 20, 2019, 12:13 PM #11
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
I wanted to try isolation under my subs. I purchased Auralex Flat Foam in 2'x4' sheets on eBay. This is the product they use in they SubDude products.
I used 1 1/2" MDF and 1" FlatFoam cut to the shape of the subs. I set Herbies isolation Cups into the top of the MDF to aline with the spikes of the sub.
Very simple and they improved the low-end more than I had expected. I Don't know why it would not work on most speakers as long as they are large enough so the foam doesn't rock on the carpet.
These sideways pictures make me crazy.Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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October 27, 2019, 11:55 AM #12
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- Nov 2014
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- 2,104
Re: A Cheap Speaker Isolation Adventure
So I took my little pads...
And put them under my VPI turntable and now I can hit the rack/stand and it eliminated the vibration shock completely. Another cheap upgrade.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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