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  1. #1
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    SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    In my listening room I have carpet over pad over cement.
    I would be interested in hearing what other sharks have used under their speakers. And the results of any of their trials.
    Spikes, wood platforms, isolation material ETC ETC.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  2. #2
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    It depends on what your objectives are. Raising the speaker for proper ear height? Minimizing a bass resonance? Decoupling the speaker completely from the floor?

    When I had my Raidho's, although nothing ultimately worked, the granite slabs helped. With my Focal Scala V2's, the bass really tightened up with Stillpoints (because spiking into my wood floors was not an option!)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Thanks Mike for the insight.
    I am a snow bird and have recently purchased these speakers and had them shipped to my northern home. I have not heard them in my room yet and am just getting ideas from others to be prepared.
    My room has been very problematic so while gone I had some bulkheads and other built-ins removed that I believe were affecting the acoustics of the space.
    I am very anxious to hear both the room corrections and the new speakers.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  4. #4
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    Apr 2013
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    Sarasota, FL
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    What new speakers?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  5. #5
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    The SONIST Concerto 4's. They are replacing Coincident Super Eclipse's.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  6. #6
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    It appears to me that those have spikes. You may want to ensure you have the stuffed animal however. There might be some magic there.



    I would think that would be best.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I have carpet over pad over cement too. When I had Dyn C1's the spikes were thin enough to go all the way to the cement. That was a lot better than no spikes on the carpet. Later I got the Raidho D1's (which decouple) and they sounded a lot better on granite slabs. Tighter bass more detailed mids and highs. A bit more forward sounding in a very good way. But then I upgraded to D2's and I'm not sure I want to try granite again. I tried granite when the D2's were new and didn't care for it. Now they are broken in the granite might be worth a try.

    So the short version - I found if you use slabs or spikes you'll get get a slightly more forward and tighter sound than just resting on the carpet.
    George

    Aavik U300 - Borresen 03 with optional Supreme D-TC feet - Naim unitiserve 2tb - Ansuz DTC digital cable with power box - Ansuz Mainz8 D-TC with 1 Ansuz Supreme D-TC and 1 Ceramic V2 power cords - Ansuz Ceramic V2 speaker cables - Ansus X Ethernet - pARTicular Novus full suspension rack.

  8. #8
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Bummer, mine didn't come with the stuffed animal. Now you've ruined my entire evening.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  9. #9
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I read through Steve Hoffman's year long loaner review and they appear to be pretty impressive speakers for a fair price. Attractive too.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  10. #10
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I am hopeful that they will make the cut. Their efficiency was one of the major factors in selecting them. However they are kind of old school in appearance. But while aesthetics are nice it is really all about the sound.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  11. #11

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Earth, Yellow tongue floor on stumps, Tasmanian Oak floating floor, single industrial carpet tile, Spike into Quadraspire QX7 isolator


    Speakeasy

  12. #12
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    This is a great topic that I have found to be particularly important. Both of my systems are on carpet over concrete and I've been experimenting for years with different ways to improve the performance of my speakers. In every case, Maggies, Quads, Utopias, AZ Crescendos, the sound has improved with spiked feet directly on concrete. Then I started playing around with Mapleshade plinths. I tried 2" thick then 4" with heavy brass footers. Another terrific improvement in every case. Then I put Herbies gliders under the brass footers so I could move them around (per Jim Smith) and it seemed to improve the sound so I've left them on permanently. Next, I tried spikes from the bottom of the speaker to the top of the plinths, sort of a double spiking scenario and bingo...... That's where I felt the speakers were really able to come alive and disappear at the same time. Of course now the speakers are about 6" higher off the floor than normal so I've built a platform under the listening couch to raise it up. Its sort of like a stadium seating experience and the platform actually isolates the couch and creates an effect where it feels like swimming in the music. I love it.
    Ted

    Main System; VPI Classic 3 TT, Koetsu Blue Lace Platinum, Eagle/RR, Cinemag SUT, CJ Prem 15 Phono Pre, Modwright Oppo 105 CD/Dac, CJ Gat Ser 2, CAT Legend, Carver BB 305's, Magnepan 3.7i's/Mye Stands, REL G2's (pair), Triton/Typhon, Shunyata Loom, Merrill Rack, Mapleshade Plinths/Footers, Herbie's Tenderfeet/Tube Dampers, Synergistic Research; HFT's, FEQ's, Black Box, Apertures & Tube Traps.

    2nd System; Kuzma Stabi/Stogi TT, Soundsmith Voice/Cad Bronze/Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Sutherland 20/20 Phono Pre, Bryston CD1, Cyrus Dac, Triode TRX-2, CJ Prem 8's (upgraded KT120's), Peter Gunn MMG's, REL S3's (pair), Audience Au24 SE Loom, Mapleshade Rack, Plinths & Footers. (Quad 2905's, ESL63's, PK Customs, AZ Crescendos, Utopias, Nuforce R20's, Modwright SWL9.0SE, CJ Classic 60SE)


  13. #13
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Attached Images Attached Images
    Ted

    Main System; VPI Classic 3 TT, Koetsu Blue Lace Platinum, Eagle/RR, Cinemag SUT, CJ Prem 15 Phono Pre, Modwright Oppo 105 CD/Dac, CJ Gat Ser 2, CAT Legend, Carver BB 305's, Magnepan 3.7i's/Mye Stands, REL G2's (pair), Triton/Typhon, Shunyata Loom, Merrill Rack, Mapleshade Plinths/Footers, Herbie's Tenderfeet/Tube Dampers, Synergistic Research; HFT's, FEQ's, Black Box, Apertures & Tube Traps.

    2nd System; Kuzma Stabi/Stogi TT, Soundsmith Voice/Cad Bronze/Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Sutherland 20/20 Phono Pre, Bryston CD1, Cyrus Dac, Triode TRX-2, CJ Prem 8's (upgraded KT120's), Peter Gunn MMG's, REL S3's (pair), Audience Au24 SE Loom, Mapleshade Rack, Plinths & Footers. (Quad 2905's, ESL63's, PK Customs, AZ Crescendos, Utopias, Nuforce R20's, Modwright SWL9.0SE, CJ Classic 60SE)


  14. #14
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Thanks Ted for sharing your trials. I see that you have mentioned Jim Smith. He had recommended using bamboo cutting boards from Ikea under audio equipment. Did you ever try that? Under the speakers?
    I have a height issue whereas my ceiling is only 7'3" so I need to keep everything as low as possible.
    Your solutions are both interesting and ingenious.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  15. #15
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Here is the Ikea cutting board that I will try either under the speakers or the amps. They are approx 18 x 15 x 1 1/4,Attachments_2016315.zip
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  16. #16

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Tedtag View Post
    This is a great topic that I have found to be particularly important. Both of my systems are on carpet over concrete and I've been experimenting for years with different ways to improve the performance of my speakers. In every case, Maggies, Quads, Utopias, AZ Crescendos, the sound has improved with spiked feet directly on concrete. Then I started playing around with Mapleshade plinths. I tried 2" thick then 4" with heavy brass footers. Another terrific improvement in every case. Then I put Herbies gliders under the brass footers so I could move them around (per Jim Smith) and it seemed to improve the sound so I've left them on permanently. Next, I tried spikes from the bottom of the speaker to the top of the plinths, sort of a double spiking scenario and bingo...... That's where I felt the speakers were really able to come alive and disappear at the same time. Of course now the speakers are about 6" higher off the floor than normal so I've built a platform under the listening couch to raise it up. Its sort of like a stadium seating experience and the platform actually isolates the couch and creates an effect where it feels like swimming in the music. I love it.
    Man..... you've got it bad!!

  17. #17
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted



    As per Jim's recommendation I use them in my system. Like them a lot


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  18. #18
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    good to hear, and they look nice also. I only got two when I went to Ikea, Looks like I need to pick up several more. Paul, have you tried them under your speakers?
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  19. #19
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    Apr 2013
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    Toronto,Ontario
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    SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    good to hear, and they look nice also. I only got two when I went to Ikea, Looks like I need to pick up several more. Paul, have you tried them under your speakers?
    Sorry. No, I haven't used them under the speakers. However some one liked it so much turned that in to turntable LOL




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  20. #20
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    OH MY! It never fails to amaze/amuse me at the lengths that we go to in this hobby.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  21. #21

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    ^^^ I wonder how balanced that wooden table is.. I think a wooden platter wood be an issue as the characteristics of wood are temperature and humidity sensitive. But it looks nice!


    Speakeasy

  22. #22
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I've got it bad alright, Kev! (sort of like a crack habit I suppose.) And I had forgotten about those bamboo cutting boards. Last time I was in Ikea I looked all over for them and no luck. Haven't mustered the courage to go back since; its sort of like a "field trip experience" to wind through the aisles and I'm a little short on that kind of patience. Although I seem to have plenty of patience to spend hours tweaking vtf and azimuth. Thanks for the link and I'll try to order a few on line.
    Ted

    Main System; VPI Classic 3 TT, Koetsu Blue Lace Platinum, Eagle/RR, Cinemag SUT, CJ Prem 15 Phono Pre, Modwright Oppo 105 CD/Dac, CJ Gat Ser 2, CAT Legend, Carver BB 305's, Magnepan 3.7i's/Mye Stands, REL G2's (pair), Triton/Typhon, Shunyata Loom, Merrill Rack, Mapleshade Plinths/Footers, Herbie's Tenderfeet/Tube Dampers, Synergistic Research; HFT's, FEQ's, Black Box, Apertures & Tube Traps.

    2nd System; Kuzma Stabi/Stogi TT, Soundsmith Voice/Cad Bronze/Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Sutherland 20/20 Phono Pre, Bryston CD1, Cyrus Dac, Triode TRX-2, CJ Prem 8's (upgraded KT120's), Peter Gunn MMG's, REL S3's (pair), Audience Au24 SE Loom, Mapleshade Rack, Plinths & Footers. (Quad 2905's, ESL63's, PK Customs, AZ Crescendos, Utopias, Nuforce R20's, Modwright SWL9.0SE, CJ Classic 60SE)


  23. #23
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I have not experimented with the more elaborate (and more expensive) options of platforms. I have padded carpet over concrete. I have found that in every case, spikes beat no-spikes definitively. The spikes must penetrate the carpet and contact the cement otherwise they aren't spikes. They are just pointy things.

  24. #24
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    I have not experimented with the more elaborate (and more expensive) options of platforms. I have padded carpet over concrete. I have found that in every case, spikes beat no-spikes definitively. The spikes must penetrate the carpet and contact the cement otherwise they aren't spikes. They are just pointy things.
    I'm in near total agreement with Dizzie on this one. Just about every speaker I've tried in my listening room benefits from being spiked through the carpet to the concrete. The one and only exception have been my Ohm 1000's... which do their best work with their plinths simply sitting on the carpet.

  25. #25
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Sorry - can't accept the "hi-fi sound" (IMO, etc....) of spikes - ever - no matter what the surface - or the components - may be.

    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  26. #26
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Smith View Post
    Sorry - can't accept the "hi-fi sound" (IMO, etc....) of spikes - ever - no matter what the surface - or the components - may be.

    If tighter, better-defined bass and clearer, more detailed mid-range are Hi-Fi then I say the higher the fier the better.

  27. #27
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I have thick carpet over wooden floors. I found good improvement with a few pairs of speakers by placing a granite slap between carpet and spikes. Cleaned up boomy bass tremendously.
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  28. #28
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    If tighter, better-defined bass and clearer, more detailed mid-range are Hi-Fi then I say the higher the fier the better.
    OK
    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  29. #29
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Jim, could you share your thoughts on what to use in this situation? I.E. Carpet over pad over cement.
    Thanks
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
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  30. #30

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    If tighter, better-defined bass and clearer, more detailed mid-range are Hi-Fi then I say the higher the fier the better.
    +1

    I don't mind the bigger, looser bass that results from planting my speakers directly on the floor w/o spikes, but I can't stand the chesty, boxy character it invariably adds to male vocals.

  31. #31
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    Here is the Ikea cutting board that I will try either under the speakers or the amps. They are approx 18 x 15 x 1 1/4,Attachments_2016315.zip
    For your information a friend of mine cut one of those thicker Ikea boards and they are hollow inside, so I think that you would be better off with the thinner ones. Been using them for a while now to great effect.

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  32. #32
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Smith View Post
    Sorry - can't accept the "hi-fi sound" (IMO, etc....) of spikes - ever - no matter what the surface - or the components - may be.

    I completely agree with you in regard to spiking source components, amps, etc. Also my experience spiking speakers directly to a suspended wood floor was a sonic disaster as well. Decoupling is more in order here. That said, spiking floor standing speakers or stand mounts to a few tons of concrete has always yielded a positive and "more lifelike" presentation.....not "hi-fi sound" in my experience. I'm afraid we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

  33. #33
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Mick Wolfe View Post
    I completely agree with you in regard to spiking source components, amps, etc. Also my experience spiking speakers directly to a suspended wood floor was a sonic disaster as well. Decoupling is more in order here. That said, spiking floor standing speakers or stand mounts to a few tons of concrete has always yielded a positive and "more lifelike" presentation.....not "hi-fi sound" in my experience. I'm afraid we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
    OK. Just my opinion/observation - not stated as fact - after successfully voicing over 800 systems.

    So we can agree to disagree.

    Along those lines, there's no need to disagree further in this thread.

  34. #34
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    Jim, could you share your thoughts on what to use in this situation? I.E. Carpet over pad over cement.
    Thanks
    Sorry I missed replying to this note.

    Rather than getting into disagreements, here are links to two of the QUARTER NOTES newsletters (there are 18, with #19 coming out soon). These newsletters are provided to Get Better Sound owners as part of their purchase.

    The first one is more concerned with ACK, but it has some info that you might find of use. The second issue is more directly concerned with the question at hand.

    Sorry for the delay!

    ACK issue, plus some spike info:

    http://www.getbettersound.com/quarternotesv2i1.html

    Question about the Best Coupling to the Floor:

    http://www.getbettersound.com/quarternotesv3i2.html
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Thanks Jim for sharing your experiences and insight. Always appreciated.
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  36. #36

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    My speaker spikes sit inside Stillpoints Ultra 5's, isolators, regardless of the floor

  37. #37

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I think generic recommendations like this need to be taken within the context of the system at hand and the specific speakers being discussed. I can definitively say that the use of Herbie footers under speakers are that are not dense in terms of weight distribution is asking for trouble. My 20.7's at nearly 7 feet high are a disaster on the Herbie's since the amount of sway as the footers sit on carpet is nothing short of alarming. Those with small children , pets or klutzy people around, need not apply. Under something like my Q3's, no issues at all.

    Coming to the wider issue of coupling vs decoupling, there may be a solution no-one has yet discussed. I use Track Audio feet from the UK which are beautifully machined, have deep spikes to penetrate any carpet pile and more to the point, are available in both coupled and de-coupled versions. To those of you agnostic on the issue of coupling speakers via spikes to let's say, a concrete sub-floor - the Track feet allow you to pretty much have your lunch and eat it too. I use the Decoupled versions under my 20.7's on a carpet-over-concrete base and am quite happy with the results. For those of you on wooden floors, the Track feet come with a SS insert which slides quite smoothly over a wooden surface(but not over carpet) . Can't recommend the product highly enough.

    Roy Gregory did a review of them where he talks about the two versions available. There are also simple deep spikes available .

    http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipmen...spike_kits.htm

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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I had some custom quartz slabs cut to go under my Sonus Venere 1.5's. The stands come with very shallow cone spikes in the rear that would just "float" on the carpet. Putting the speaker stands up on these slabs solved the unstable issue. It also gets them to stand at their proper angle.
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2

  40. #40
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    I spike my stands through a 1/2" heavy wool rug onto a tile floor which sets on a 6" concert slab.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  41. #41

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by chops View Post
    I had some custom quartz slabs cut to go under my Sonus Venere 1.5's. The stands come with very shallow cone spikes in the rear that would just "float" on the carpet. Putting the speaker stands up on these slabs solved the unstable issue. It also gets them to stand at their proper angle.
    With respect , this doesn't make any sense at all in the context of keeping a near 20 square foot panel which is only 3" thick , stable on carpet.

  42. #42
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    With respect , this doesn't make any sense at all in the context of keeping a near 20 square foot panel which is only 3" thick , stable on carpet.
    Huh?... What does that have to do with anything? My answer is in regards to the OP which is what this thread is about.

    These don't look like 20 sq ft, 3" thick panels to me...

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  43. #43
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    If the spikes provided by the manufacturer are long enough they should be more than sufficient with your flooring setup and the weight of that cabinet. If they are too short places like Adona in Central Florida sell ones up to about 2". Another option are outriggers from Soundocity.
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  44. #44
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Herbies, Track Audio, Mapleshade, quartz slabs ETC, all great suggestions. I really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences as to what works for you. Keep them coming.
    My System
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    Complete system on battery power/solar
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    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  45. #45

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by chops View Post
    Huh?... What does that have to do with anything? My answer is in regards to the OP which is what this thread is about.

    These don't look like 20 sq ft, 3" thick panels to me...

    I raised the stability issue in the context of the Herbie footers and you referenced the "unstable" issue which is not what the OP is about in the first place. Let's keep the decorum or at least the pretense of it going....

  46. #46
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    In my listening room I have carpet over pad over cement.
    I would be interested in hearing what other sharks have used under their speakers. And the results of any of their trials.
    Spikes, wood platforms, isolation material ETC ETC.
    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    I raised the stability issue in the context of the Herbie footers and you referenced the "unstable" issue which is not what the OP is about in the first place. Let's keep the decorum or at least the pretense of it going....
    Well, as you can clearly see, the OP didn't mention anything about stability issues either. The last time I checked, this wasn't a curated thread, nor you the curator...

    The OP asked what people are using under their speakers, and as I quote, "etc, etc..". I posted what I have done with my speakers and why. So I see no point behind your argument.
    Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2

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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    Bummer, mine didn't come with the stuffed animal. Now you've ruined my entire evening.
    Don't you need TWO stuffed animals?

  48. #48
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Welcome MusicFirst
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  49. #49

    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    Quote Originally Posted by Musicfirst View Post
    Don't you need TWO stuffed animals?
    What will you be using them for?

  50. #50
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    Re: SPEAKERS ON CEMENT. SPIKES OR ISOLATION? Personal experiences wanted

    One for each speaker!!

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