Question from newbie about bookshelf speakers

[jah732]

I bought Titans as my front speakers. I was planning to place these on top of short bookcases, not on speaker stands. Is there any underlayment/ padding/ spikes, etc that I should use to ensure both stability and quality of sound? I seem to remember reading somewhere on the Paradigm site that you can get special isolation pads for bookshelf speakers. Are these worth getting?

Thanks

[Rip Van Woofer]

You woudn't want spikes; they couple rather than isolate the speaker. Before spending top dollar on specialized isolation stuff, try heavy-duty rubber or silicone stick-on feet from the hardware store. Might be all you need to keep the bookshelf from "singing along". And of course if the bookshelf is already full of books that helps a lot, too.

If reflections/diffraction from the top of the bookshelf are a concern try something like heavy felt or a piece of carpet covering the shelf instead of the feet. You could probably find a 'table runner' made of reasonably heavy fabric in the linens or tablewear section of a dept. store, or someplace like Pier One or Bed, Bath & Beyond that would be more stylish if that's important.

[jah732]

Thanks for the advice Rip Van Woofer. I had a feeling the specialized isolation pads would be pricey, although I never discussed them with the place I got my speakers. I am going to try silicone feet and see how that goes. - jah732

[Khellandros66]

Get a package of Velcro that tapes onto objects and use it, me and my dad have and it tranfers mids and mid bass fairly well, believe it or not.

~Bob

[Westrock2000]

I buy pads of felt at craft stores and place those between the speaker and the stand, pretty much just for scratch protection.

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Most grocery stores have 8" square rubber 'grippy pads' that are supposed to be used for opening stubborn jars. They make excellant cheap non-slip surfacing for speakers.

also consider Blu-Tack

and I think my Atoms came with stick-on speaker "feet" (I know my PSB's did). so you might not need to make a second store-run after all.

[m1abrams]

I am in a similiar situation.

Was thinking of using that rubber mat stuff that looks like a hole bunch of rubber beads in a screen type fashion. It is used mainly for a non-slip surface, boaters use it ALOT.

Seems like it should work as a good isolator and also prevent scratches.

What do y'all think?

[Rip Van Woofer]

I am in a similiar situation.

Was thinking of using that rubber mat stuff that looks like a hole bunch of rubber beads in a screen type fashion. It is used mainly for a non-slip surface, boaters use it ALOT.

Seems like it should work as a good isolator and also prevent scratches.

What do y'all think?

Sounds good. A lighter-duty version is sold in stores for lining drawers; that'd work too. And it comes in purty colors! ;)

[Unregistered]

I use 2 sided grip mouse pads !!