Ultra Surrounds and question about feet for PB16

[Steelers252006]

So for surrounds to go with my towers, center channel, and sub, should I go with the Ultra surrounds or bookshelves and why? Also, knowing my room will mounting on the wall behind the couch work best?

Far as the sub, I read there are feet or “dampeners” you can purchase that will keep the walls from rattling. This right? And if so what works best?

 

[ryanosaur]

Far as the sub, I read there are feet or “dampeners” you can purchase that will keep the walls from rattling. This right? And if so what works best?

You enjoying the show?! seems like a moment since I've seen you post.
They cost, unfortunately, but I really like my SVS Soundpath Isolation Feet. I think for your behemoth, you need the 6-pack. They do work, though.
For my subs, and the structure I live in, I had to take it a step further, too. Mind, I can very easily break the isolation I did, but it works well about 85-90% of the time.
I built a platform on cones to minimize the surface area in contact with the floor, thus (in theory) minimizing the transference of energy from the sub. I put the Isolation feet on my subs, and put them on those platforms. For me, its a night and day difference. The subs perform better, and the house doesn't feel like its shaking apart... unless I want it to!

 

[shadyJ]

The Ultras might be overkill for surrounds. You could probably just use the Prime speakers and not notice a difference.

As for feet or isolation platforms, they might help reduce vibrations. They definitely will not eliminate all of them. You could just make a pad with alternating layers of polyurethane foam and polyethylene foam, in other words the soft packing foam and the stiffer packing foam. That will really damp mechanical vibrations. SVS's soundpath feet might help, and that would look a lot classier.

 

[ryanosaur]

Here is what I did... will suggest an easier path... might be available to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shadyJ]

Here is what I did... will suggest an easier path... might be available to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol outriggers for a subwoofer! you crazy!

 

[lovinthehd]

Here is what I did... will suggest an easier path... might be available to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I saw that in the dictionary with the definition of "overkill" Kinda cute in a nerdy sort of way.

 

[ryanosaur]

(I am not a fan of tapatalk, sorry to say for all the other users out there... but its great for getting photos posted!)

Anyway, I have a local Custom Concrete Shop that sold me some "bones" from cancelled/substandard work... they cut apart poured countertops for Kitchen and Bathroom for me at a killer price! The concrete is pretty inert: it does not ring when 'knocked.' Granite is good for this too. So is a good wood cutting board!
Anyways... drilled out and set threaded inserts into the slabs using epoxy. If using wood cutting boards, just drill and screw in... maybe a little glue on the threads as you do. I used outriggers with spikes, but it is just as functional to put the spikes straight into the platform. Level it. Put your sub on top.

The feet on my sub were two-part... there was a small rubber cone that was easier to remove that the posts, so I left the posts and put the Soundpath Feet on the stock posts.

SVS claims that your sub will perform better, as well as eliminating the energy transference vibrations. This has been my experience. Especially when I used the 2-step approach.

Regarding what you can use as a platform, check out the wood cutting boards on Webstaurant.com, if you choose to go this path. I'm sure it would be cool to use a big Boos board for this, but its at least twice the cost. Just for comparison, the concrete shop was highly competetive with the wood cutting boards... only reason I did that. Plus they look cool AF!

 

[ryanosaur]

Lol outriggers for a subwoofer! you crazy!

Certifiable!

I think I saw that in the dictionary with the definition of "overkill" Kinda cute in a nerdy sort of way.

Awww, shucks. *Blushes

 

[ryanosaur]

I used outriggers with spikes, but it is just as functional to put the spikes straight into the platform

Parts express sells Dayton Cones. https://www.parts-express.com/cat/speaker-cabinet-spikes/317
Can find them on Amazon, too.

If you try the Isolation Feet by themselves, and still feel you need more, this is what worked for me. Don't get me wrong... I warned earlier, it doesn't take much to push the vibrations through. The Lady still comes to my door and 'Moms" me by giving me that "turn-it-down" gesture!

(BTW, I chose the outriggers because I am, as aforementioned, certifiably crazy. And I liked the way they looked. And I saved a lot of money buying the speakers I did!!! (so a couple sets of outriggers was my extravagance.))

 

[ryanosaur]

The Ultras might be overkill for surrounds. You could probably just use the Prime speakers and not notice a difference.

As for feet or isolation platforms, they might help reduce vibrations. They definitely will not eliminate all of them. You could just make a pad with alternating layers of polyurethane foam and polyethylene foam, in other words the soft packing foam and the stiffer packing foam. That will really damp mechanical vibrations. SVS's soundpath feet might help, and that would look a lot classier.

To add to this:
SVS voice matches all their speakers, so the Primes and Ultras can mix and match. Your Surrounds don't have to be so beefy unless you want them to.

Another option, much as Shady suggested there are ... is industrial vibration pads like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Diversitech-MP4-V-Anti-Vibration-Pack/dp/B00BVEMLR4/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjqqizPaF4gIVldlkCh15dgCzEAAYAiAAEgIJkvD_BwE&hvadid=241915752401&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032360&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5274323020699443950&hvtargid=kwd-19179603797&hydadcr=24630_10399597&keywords=vibration+isolation+pads&qid=1557112107&s=gateway&sr=8-3
They don't look as cool, but many have reported success with them at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Steelers252006]

You enjoying the show?! seems like a moment since I've seen you post.
They cost, unfortunately, but I really like my SVS Soundpath Isolation Feet. I think for your behemoth, you need the 6-pack. They do work, though.
For my subs, and the structure I live in, I had to take it a step further, too. Mind, I can very easily break the isolation I did, but it works well about 85-90% of the time.
I built a platform on cones to minimize the surface area in contact with the floor, thus (in theory) minimizing the transference of energy from the sub. I put the Isolation feet on my subs, and put them on those platforms. For me, its a night and day difference. The subs perform better, and the house doesn't feel like its shaking apart... unless I want it to!

Man, I can't lie, this has been a blast. We were watching a move the other night where someone quickly pulled a gun and fired a shot, and I swear it sounded like a gun went off for real right in the room. I could never go back after experiencing the awesomeness of audio like this. It definitely makes you want more.

I'll try those Soundpath Isolation Feet for sure, should do the trick.

 

[Steelers252006]

Lol outriggers for a subwoofer! you crazy!

Haha, that's great, though!

 

[Steelers252006]

The Ultras might be overkill for surrounds. You could probably just use the Prime speakers and not notice a difference.

As for feet or isolation platforms, they might help reduce vibrations. They definitely will not eliminate all of them. You could just make a pad with alternating layers of polyurethane foam and polyethylene foam, in other words the soft packing foam and the stiffer packing foam. That will really damp mechanical vibrations. SVS's soundpath feet might help, and that would look a lot classier.

So I take that to mean that the surrounds play a lesser role in the overall hierarchy of the system? You can get away with cheaper options there?

 

[Steelers252006]

(I am not a fan of tapatalk, sorry to say for all the other users out there... but its great for getting photos posted!)

Anyway, I have a local Custom Concrete Shop that sold me some "bones" from cancelled/substandard work... they cut apart poured countertops for Kitchen and Bathroom for me at a killer price! The concrete is pretty inert: it does not ring when 'knocked.' Granite is good for this too. So is a good wood cutting board!
Anyways... drilled out and set threaded inserts into the slabs using epoxy. If using wood cutting boards, just drill and screw in... maybe a little glue on the threads as you do. I used outriggers with spikes, but it is just as functional to put the spikes straight into the platform. Level it. Put your sub on top.

The feet on my sub were two-part... there was a small rubber cone that was easier to remove that the posts, so I left the posts and put the Soundpath Feet on the stock posts.

SVS claims that your sub will perform better, as well as eliminating the energy transference vibrations. This has been my experience. Especially when I used the 2-step approach.

Regarding what you can use as a platform, check out the wood cutting boards on Webstaurant.com, if you choose to go this path. I'm sure it would be cool to use a big Boos board for this, but its at least twice the cost. Just for comparison, the concrete shop was highly competetive with the wood cutting boards... only reason I did that. Plus they look cool AF!

I have met to meet a Ryan yet that isn't SUPER BAD ASS!!! Thanks for all the info, very, very helpful.

 

[Steelers252006]

Now another stupd

(I am not a fan of tapatalk, sorry to say for all the other users out there... but its great for getting photos posted!)

Anyway, I have a local Custom Concrete Shop that sold me some "bones" from cancelled/substandard work... they cut apart poured countertops for Kitchen and Bathroom for me at a killer price! The concrete is pretty inert: it does not ring when 'knocked.' Granite is good for this too. So is a good wood cutting board!
Anyways... drilled out and set threaded inserts into the slabs using epoxy. If using wood cutting boards, just drill and screw in... maybe a little glue on the threads as you do. I used outriggers with spikes, but it is just as functional to put the spikes straight into the platform. Level it. Put your sub on top.

The feet on my sub were two-part... there was a small rubber cone that was easier to remove that the posts, so I left the posts and put the Soundpath Feet on the stock posts.

SVS claims that your sub will perform better, as well as eliminating the energy transference vibrations. This has been my experience. Especially when I used the 2-step approach.

Regarding what you can use as a platform, check out the wood cutting boards on Webstaurant.com, if you choose to go this path. I'm sure it would be cool to use a big Boos board for this, but its at least twice the cost. Just for comparison, the concrete shop was highly competetive with the wood cutting boards... only reason I did that. Plus they look cool AF!

 

[Steelers252006]

Now another stupd

Now another stupid question: So the SVS Sound Feet alone sometimes aren't enough to get the job done essentially? Or does it depend on the room layout? Educate me a little more...

 

[shadyJ]

So I take that to mean that the surrounds play a lesser role in the overall hierarchy of the system? You can get away with cheaper options there?

The surrounds absolutely play a lesser role in the speaker hierarchy. They don't do a heck of a lot except play ambient noises and effects sounds. You don't need a pristine speaker to do any of that. Those who think they need beefy surround speakers ought to turn off their front stage speakers and sub and just listen to the surrounds alone on a surround sound mix sometime. They will be surprised at just how little the surrounds are actually doing.

 

[snakeeyes]

I am not a believer in overkill. The ultra books would be a perfect match to your ultra towers. If you ever listen to a surround format music disc or just decide to use a music dsp on your receiver that uses all speakers, you will notice the difference there. On the other hand, all the SVS series should sound great together and you can save a little money by choosing the lower end model. Good luck!!

 

[shadyJ]

Now another stupid question: So the SVS Sound Feet alone sometimes aren't enough to get the job done essentially? Or does it depend on the room layout? Educate me a little more...

It may be that no mechanical damping system will get the job done. Your sub is slamming your floors, walls, and ceiling with pressure waves. Isolation platforms do nothing to alleviate that. All they can do is reduce some of the rocking motion that the cone imparts on the enclosure. You can't have bass without the structure absorbing that acoustic energy in some manner. One thing you might be able to do is use the sub in a near-field placement so that it doesn't have to be cranked up as high to achieve the same SPL at your listening position. That should help to reduce structural vibrations.

 

[snakeeyes]

Almost sounds like those feet should just be included in the purchase with each sub.