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Coupling or Decoupling speakers?

I have always coupled my loudspeakers to the listening room floor with cones/spikes and thought that is how it should be.  I recently stumbled on a discussion of the issue.  After reading a good bit I decided to decouple my Vandersteen Treo CT speakers using Herbie's Audio Lab Titanium Cone/Spike Decoupling Gliders.  So now, instead of having my speakers spiked into the concrete slab under my carpeted listening room, the cones and spike fit into the decoupling gliders and ride on the carpet.

I was assuming I would hear a difference with music containing bass, especially as my 2wq subwoofers sit right behind each speaker.  The unexpected outcome is that even music with virtually no bass sounds smoother/cleaner and more "real".  The frequency balance does not seem to have been altered, everything, and I mean everything I play is smoother and cleaner.  The soundspace is more open and the decay into the recesses is just a bit l o n g e r.

Please share your experience/ideas/opinions about what is happening with decoupling versus coupling speakers.

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Showing 1 response by dentdog

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dentdog
476 posts
 
 I have Sistrum stands under my speakers and mono blocks which are between the speakers to excellent effect. 
My DIY rack is 3 3/4" Butcher Block with brass threaded rod through to the floor using acorn nuts top and bottom.  At some point, about a year ago I decided to use some Herbie's Giant Cone Decoupling Gliders under the acorns on the floor, hardwood. They make the equipment much easier to move as well as preserve the floor. A definite clearing up of the musical resolution. 
Roxy54, I have yet to completely understand if the Sistrum stands couple or decouple, but like you they are in my system to stay.
In What's Best Forum, garylkoh has an extensive paper on the coupling/decoupling subject, quite extensive and informative .I read the whole thread and the splitting hairs and opinions abound throughout. 
And Eric, yes the decoupling does leave the situation of back and fro movement or rather the stability of the speaker in doubt, according to Mr Koh.
Bottom line, if it sounds better go with it. I mean, it's a hobby so fiddle away, right?
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