Cones vs. factory spikes?


Has anyone done any A-B testing for various speaker cones? Currently, my KEF REF 4s (120 lbs each, ported base) have the factory spikes. Before spending big bucks on Orchard Bay cones (used on Talon Khorus and recommended by my dealer) or Black Diamond Racing (why is their web site is abysmal?), I would like to know what others have used on the bottom of their speakers and if they make an "audible" differnce. Rest of system (for 2 channel) is: Aranov tubemonos, firstline pre, Sony SCD-1 (on order).
lornecherry

Showing 2 responses by garfish

Ikarus; you're right, it is complicated. I recently called Dunlavy Labs and ended up talking to John Dunlavy himself. I asked him why he did not put spikes/cones on Dunlavy speakers and he said "because they don't measure as well as without" (he was referring to flat frequency response).

It's true, Dunlavy does not use any coupling devices between speakers and floor. J. Dunlavy also said the best thing to do is to just let the speakers "float on carpet". Dunlavy speakers are mostly pretty heavy, and he did not specify conditions under which measurements were made.

All that said, my Vandersteen 3Asigs have Tiptoes, which I like, and my 2Ces have good quality spikes threaded into the steel basees. While I am considering spikeless Dunlavy speakers, I do prefer spiked speakers, based on my experience with the Vandys. Craig
JD; you are correct. I just mentioned J. Dunlavys's comments because he is a well respected speaker manufacturer, and I found his position regarding spikes "interesting".

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know Dunlavys weren't spiked. I personally think that conditions would dictate whether or not the speakers (Dunlavys) sound better with spikes or not-- regardless of how they measure-- or who they are made by. BTW, which model Dunlavy's do you have? Cheers. Craig