I'm curious

[stasik80]

I am not am not an audiophyte. But I do have a PhD in math and an undergraduate degree in math and physics. I found a set of PSB speakers on craigslist in an estate sale and they're wonderful. Before that I had the sound bar for $50 from Amazon. When I went to pick them up I punctured my palm with a sharp spike which was screwed into the bottom of the speaker. I'm assuming it's for noise isolation. I'm curious if the difference between having those spikes is measurable by a electronic device and by the human ear?

 

[HTfreak2004]

I am not am not an audiophyte. But I do have a PhD in math and an undergraduate degree in math and physics. I found a set of PSB speakers on craigslist in an estate sale and they're wonderful. Before that I had the sound bar for $50 from Amazon. When I went to pick them up I punctured my palm with a sharp spike which was screwed into the bottom of the speaker. I'm assuming it's for noise isolation. I'm curious if the difference between having those spikes is measurable by a electronic device and by the human ear?

The spikes are actually for carpet to give the speaker enclosure grip so the enclosure doesn’t tip as easily. Metal spikes are not great for vibration cancellation since metal is a good conductor for sound.

There isn’t anything you can measure from the spikes since the spikes are not capable of any sound production of there own. If you hear any rattles it will usually result from the spikes being loose in the speaker enclosure or from the floor receiving vibration from the speaker vibrations through the spikes. The spikes will not make any measurable noise!

 

[ryanosaur]

I would add it is more a consideration of isolation. The idea is that by minimizing surface ares contact, you are minimizing the transference of vibration.

Speaker Spikes and Cones – What’s the point?

In recent years it has become common for items of audio equipment to be mounted using “spikes” or “cones”. These come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials, at all kinds of prices. The Hi-Fi

www.audioholics.com

Just as an example. There are many articles out there on isolation, decoupling, coupling, etc...

 

[lovinthehd]

No, your forum description isn't "audiophyte" at this time, it's "enthusiast"

 

[JerryLove]

I would add it is more a consideration of isolation. The idea is that by minimizing surface ares contact, you are minimizing the transference of vibration.

Speaker Spikes and Cones – What’s the point?

In recent years it has become common for items of audio equipment to be mounted using “spikes” or “cones”. These come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials, at all kinds of prices. The Hi-Fi

www.audioholics.com

Just as an example. There are many articles out there on isolation, decoupling, coupling, etc...

On carpet: the carpet itself is absorbent. Putting on spikes would only help send vibration to the floor. The purpose, therefore, is to stabilize the speaker.

There *could* be an argument on a hard floor about a lack of feet encouraging rattle [the speaker moving and striking the floor over and over generating noise). But in that case, the correct path is rubber feet, not spikes.

 

[stasik80]

The speakers were standing on hardwood flooring.

 

[Pogre]

Hey stasik, welcome to the forums! I like your phrasing of the question and background. I have a feeling you'll fit right in here if you decide to stick around. There are a lot of myths in this hobby and it can be difficult to navigate for a newbie. I like that this site takes an objective look at things and values science and measurements that correlate with subjective impressions.

 

[ryanosaur]

On carpet: the carpet itself is absorbent. Putting on spikes would only help send vibration to the floor. The purpose, therefore, is to stabilize the speaker.

There *could* be an argument on a hard floor about a lack of feet encouraging rattle [the speaker moving and striking the floor over and over generating noise). But in that case, the correct path is rubber feet, not spikes.

A lot of what’s been written seems to be counterintuitive, to me anyway.
Do three or four tiny points couple or decouple? Obviously, coupling is great for stability but not isolation.
I’m of the opinion that combining the two is better. Coupling a vibration damping platform to the floor and then using some sort of anti-vibration pad or rubber feet between the platform and speaker (or whatever gear one is worried about).
I did this with my subwoofers and the bass cabinets of my speakers. On my suspended wood floor that acts more like a trampoline, I was able to greatly cut back on the vibrations being passed by the subwoofers to the floor. Yes, the sonic energy will still rattle things, but compared to before (installing this two-part strategy), the sympathetic vibrations being physically transmitted are greatly reduced.

Is it necessary in most cases? No. I don’t think it is. But some... like my spongy, poorly trussed floors... yes.

 

[JerryLove]

A lot of what’s been written seems to be counterintuitive, to me anyway.
Do three or four tiny points couple or decouple? Obviously, coupling is great for stability but not isolation.

On carpet they couple... because carpet decouples.

On hard floor it's more complex at a theoretic level, but on a practical level, they couple.

I’m of the opinion that combining the two is better. Coupling a vibration damping platform to the floor and then using some sort of anti-vibration pad or rubber feet between the platform and speaker (or whatever gear one is worried about).

If the energy is present at the speaker cabinet, and you don't want it to get to the floor, you must use something to absorb rather than transfer.

Though in most cases, I doubt it matters sonically.

 

[ryanosaur]

Though in most cases, I doubt it matters sonically.

I agree.

With strong Bass content, the sympathetic vibrations are effectively distortion. If you eliminate/minimize that physical transferrance, does the speaker/sub sound better? Or can you just hear it... better?

On carpet they couple... because carpet decouples.

On hard floor it's more complex at a theoretic level, but on a practical level, they couple.

If only I were nerd enough to have the equipment to test and measure this. That would be fun.

 

[Kvn_Walker]

The speakers were standing on hardwood flooring.

If you wish to keep the spikes, get some metal discs that will protect your floor:

Amazon.com : speaker spike discs

Now, for the important questions no one asked: Which PSB speakers did you get? And where are the pictures??

 

[John Parks]

If you wish to keep the spikes, get some metal discs that will protect your floor:

Amazon.com : speaker spike discs

Now, for the important questions no one asked: Which PSB speakers did you get? And where are the pictures??

I've created a Magical Metal DiscTM solution to protect hardwood floors! After years of research and countless DDX (Double Deaf Testing) sessions, I have concluded that a compound of 97.5% Zinc.2.5% Copper is the most effective at eliminating aire born vibrations and odors. My manufacturing facilities are up and running and I am prepared to sell the new and improved Miracle DiscsTM for the low price of $14.99EA or $79.99 for a set of 4! I only sell Internet Direct so I can pass the savings on to you!

Spoiler

 

[Darenwh]

A set of coasters to put under cups would work just as well as metal discs. Think about it, do you want something that is vibrating to sit on sharp points on your hardwood floors? Vibrating points with weight pushing down equals scratched wood. Even a set of heavy paper coasters from a restaurant will be enough to protect the wood finish.

 

[lovinthehd]

Was it just one spike on that speaker? I can't imagine using spikes on bare floors....rubber works so much better.

 

[ryanosaur]

A set of coasters to put under cups would work just as well as metal discs. Think about it, do you want something that is vibrating to sit on sharp points on your hardwood floors? Vibrating points with weight pushing down equals scratched wood. Even a set of heavy paper coasters from a restaurant will be enough to protect the wood finish.

The spikes I've seen are sharp; weaponizible. (I think I just made that word up!) A Soft Coaster won't protect your floor. Your standard bar coaster , even a 1/4 cork or rubber coaster would be shredded.
The discs, many with a soft pad underneath to help protect your wood floor, are designed to keep the spikes in place, and off your delicate floor.

Amazon.com: Dayton Audio DSS3-BK Black Speaker Spike Set 4 Pcs.: Electronics

Amazon.com: Dayton Audio DSS3-BK Black Speaker Spike Set 4 Pcs.: Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[Truthslayer]

If your using these speakers on a wood floor, any of these will work great for you. ( I personally prefer the cork ones )

SupplyHouse.com - Plumbing, Heating & HVAC Supplies - SupplyHouse.com

SupplyHouse.com offers HVAC, PEX, radiant heat, hydronic heating and plumbing supplies. Shop now for great prices on PEX Tubing, thermostats, fittings & more.

www.supplyhouse.com

 

[ryanosaur]

I've recommended the Diversitech product for isolation on many occasions. Good call!

I have heard the rubber can mark/discolor wood: I cannot verify, though.

Also... somebody once asked about using that as a base for a spike. No go. Those guys are only rated up to 50PSI for them to be effective. Pretty sure a speaker spike will far excede that rating. I don't think I would want one of those spikes pressing against me with only 20# applied to the other end!

 

[Truthslayer]

I've recommended the Diversitech product for isolation on many occasions. Good call!

I have heard the rubber can mark/discolor wood: I cannot verify, though.

Also... somebody once asked about using that as a base for a spike. No go. Those guys are only rated up to 50PSI for them to be effective. Pretty sure a speaker spike will far excede that rating. I don't think I would want one of those spikes pressing against me with only 20# applied to the other end!

As far as marking the floor or speaker goes. I suppose it would be possible. However I have never seen this happen nor have I ever heard anyone having this issue. But anything is possible. However I wouldn't worry about it.

And your right on the spike issue. Would be a little silly to use a spike in conjunction with the pads. But removing the spikes and just using the pads work out rather nicely. And very inexpensive.