How to isolate bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf


Yes, I know that bookshelf speakers should never be placed in a bookshelf. My situation is a bit limiting. I temporarily need to place my Triangle Titus 202 speakers on the top of a 30-inch high wood credenza/bookshelf, which runs the entire length of the wall.

So they are surrounded by air on the top and sides, and are about 8 inches from the wall.

What is the best way to improve the sound? Should I isolate the speakers from the base using bits of Blu-Tack, or use isolation cones?

Since this set-up will only last a year or so, I don't want to invest too much $$$, but do need to improve the sound.

Also, what are the acoustic reasons why placing the speakers on the top of a shelf degrades the sound versus using quality speaker stands? Is it that there is room for the sound waves to move more freely, or that the speaker cabinet needs to be isolate from resonant objects? Or both?

Thanks.
kixo
Moon Gel is the way to go. This product will isolate better than anything on the market, very inexpensive too. It can be found at the pro music stores, 123 Music or Musicians Friend, in the section where drummer acessories are sold. Go on line to check it out. Blue in color, each pad is about one inch square. Finally, as noted by others, since the 202's are front ported it may work for you.
Another vote for Herbie's Audio Lab products. His Grungebuster Dots work very well under my monitors.
Any visco-elastic material lowers the natural frequency and dissipates vibrations into heat. All these diamond racing cones, vibrapoints, blue tacks, neoprene, etc., work on the same principle.
Because of space limitations, I have had my bookshelf speakers mounted on a piece of furniture for some time. I have tried both coupling and decoupling approaches. The best solution for me was a combination of Outriggers and Black Diamond Racing cones/pits. The results are quite good, given the limitations. You can see pictures of my solution in my virtual system. Good luck with it.