Footers under new speakers


Hi , I’m seeking advice regarding footers and/or platforms under my speakers. I purchased Tekton Double Impact’s and have heavy shag carpet and padding over a cement slab floor. House is 35 years old, cement is thick and well cured. I’m from that old mindset of spikes into cement and I am looking for an improvement. I’ve looked online at Gaia footers and Herbie's Studded Giant Gliders. I emailed Herbie’s and specifically inquired about the studded gliders alone on the DI’s over carpet. I asked about stability and was told the speakers were “ heavy enough “. Unfortunately I just set up the DI’s temporarily to get a little break in time. They are without any footers upright on my carpet. At 115 lbs the speaker does about zero to compress the carpet. I understand weight Vs footprint is abysmal but they won’t even stand straight. I’ll probably put the spikes on for a bit until I formulate a plan. But my first concern is that Herbie’s gliders alone are not enough and due to the minimum cost of the speakers I am struggling with purchasing Gaia’s footers and footer spikes. The seismic stands look exceptional, but I’m trying to be frugal. So I’m looking for suggestions like, gliders or dots with or without spikes on wood / stone plinths spiked to the floor. My goal is to try some sort decoupling (Gliders / Springs / Dots) AND eliminate the need of having to rely on the carpet being compressed. And yes I have cheap speakers and seek a cheap solution, so I get that limitation. Unfortunately I can’t afford Tannoy’s or Fynes to compliment my 180 watt tube mono blocs for at least a year. Cheers , Mike B. 

buellrider97

Showing 11 responses by slaw

@pindac  Enjoyed reading your post above. I appreciate your experience and passion in audio pursuits.

I’ve spent the last 25+ years evaluating various isolation/decoupling approaches. I’m a big Townshend user and proponent. Have discovered some of the latest more scientific approaches in a plyable material designed well, can be superior to expensive ball/n" cup devices. HRS for example. I have a lot of interest in Stack Audio.

I haven’t contributed to this thread as much as I should have. I have followed it and do appreciate the nature and tone of the discussion. 

IE:sliders .... I just love simple, effective, easy solutions.... that’s all.  😉

I was already a big Townshend Audio fan before trying my Podiums. In my space, the main impact was the Ushers disappeared even more. On my carpeted suspended floor .

A nice feature Townshend Podiums is their low profile. IMO, Adding subdudes then footers really throws off how your speakers integrate with the listening position.

@sls883 

Ever watched the videos where Max Townshend setup an accelerometer, A/B ing on concrete floor?

If removing vibrations make one's system sound bad, you have another issue.

 

In my experience, with modding my VPI Jr. up to Mk.IV status and beyond, decoupling is the way to go.

I bought a Townshend Rock 7, later that confirmed the benefit of springs. Then developed my wall decoupling shelves, integrating Townshend Pods

I use Townshend Podiums under my floor standers. Love them.

Read lots of good things on Stack Audio as well.