Spikes - they really are that good!

24

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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,309
    edited December 2011
    Spikes should be one of the first tweaks done IMO!!!

    Spikes Rule not just for speakers but equipment racks and gear as well especially the CD player..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • ratster
    ratster Posts: 324
    edited December 2011
    Are you guys refering to Meniscus Audio in Grand Rapids,MI ? Does it matter which spikes you use as long as the threads match? Seems like I read somewhere in another thread that Polk uses 1/4 X 20 Does that sound correct?
    Thanks,
    Rhett
    Main
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    Parasound A21
    CA music streamer
    marantz 6005
    Clear Day dbl.shotgun
    Morrow Xlr
    1.7 Maggies


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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited December 2011
    ratster wrote: »
    Are you guys refering to Meniscus Audio in Grand Rapids,MI ? Does it matter which spikes you use as long as the threads match? Seems like I read somewhere in another thread that Polk uses 1/4 X 20 Does that sound correct?
    Thanks,
    Rhett

    Yep, 1/4 x 20.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited December 2011
    I have outriggers with rubber feet on my Rti12s. They sit on carpet. Do I need a solid base and then add spikes?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Spikes should be one of the first tweaks done IMO!!!

    Spikes Rule not just for speakers but equipment racks and gear as well especially the CD player..

    I isolate all my components aside from the amp, which I would if it didn't weigh 105lbs so there is no need. This is an easy, cost effective tweak when it comes to audio, that most ppl forget or don't bother to do.

    Check out Bright Star Audio. I use them almost exclusively for my system components.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • ratster
    ratster Posts: 324
    edited December 2011
    drumminman wrote: »
    Yep, 1/4 x 20.

    Thank you,sir.
    Main
    Parasound P5
    Parasound A21
    CA music streamer
    marantz 6005
    Clear Day dbl.shotgun
    Morrow Xlr
    1.7 Maggies


    Bedroom
    adcom Gfp750
    Adcom 555
    Rotel 1072
    CA tuner
    LsiM703
    Clear day dbl shotgun
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  • ratster
    ratster Posts: 324
    edited December 2011
    I'm leaning towards these

    http://meniscusaudio.com/extra-points-p-208.html

    Good choice? Or would those with a hell of a lot more knowledge then me recommend something different.

    Thanks again,
    Rhett
    Main
    Parasound P5
    Parasound A21
    CA music streamer
    marantz 6005
    Clear Day dbl.shotgun
    Morrow Xlr
    1.7 Maggies


    Bedroom
    adcom Gfp750
    Adcom 555
    Rotel 1072
    CA tuner
    LsiM703
    Clear day dbl shotgun
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    Great choice and they have a very good relationship with Club Polk actually. I setup a group buy months ago and it went VERY well to say the least.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited December 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Great choice and they have a very good relationship with Club Polk actually. I setup a group buy months ago and it went VERY well to say the least.

    LOL, they were out of stock for like 2 months straight as a result. I picked up 2 sets of them. Havent found a use for the 2nd set yet.

    Very good build quality on them, and they were very responsive to me (had an issue with my order they resolved start to finish in 15 mins).
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    LOL, yeah we destroyed their inventory for sure. Hell we sent them 135 pairs of spikes worth of business, in one week once the discount was setup....just from OUR forum!
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited December 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    LOL, yeah we destroyed their inventory for sure. Hell we sent them 135 pairs of spikes worth of business, in one week once the discount was setup....just from OUR forum!

    So what was the final tally on total orders from the forum? I never did hear....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    I'm not exactly sure but from the posts and offline messages it was about 135 or more. I know Mark was happy with the offer he and I worked out and subsequent business he received. I meant to order some but never did...oh well, maybe next time.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2011
    I've found that spiking/weighting optical drives is almost as significant as spiking speakers. Years ago I played with mapleshades' heavy hats/cone feet with my CEC, the results were pretty substantial.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2011
    Agreed Steve...transports really benefit from isolation and weight.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited December 2011
    Added spikes to my SDA 20 years ago when I had better hearing.

    Couldn't tell the difference with or without.

    Can damage the floor.

    Moving the speakers left or right in room made a big difference however.

    Just my opinion.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2011
    I think carpeted rooms benefit most from spiking.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • audio_alan
    audio_alan Posts: 770
    edited December 2011
    ratster wrote: »
    I'm leaning towards these

    http://meniscusaudio.com/extra-points-p-208.html

    Are these good enough for carpet, or is a sharper spike recommended?

    So it sounds like you wouldn't even need to use the inserts - just unscrew the plastic feet, and screw in the new brass ones, right?

    I assume these are heavy duty enough for the large SDA-SRS's?

    Thanks.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited December 2011
    audio_alan wrote: »
    Are these good enough for carpet, or is a sharper spike recommended

    They work fine on my LSi 15's on carpet :smile:
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2011
    For another step-up, try tile on top of carpet, then spike the speaker stands:
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,387
    edited December 2011
    I have always used the spikes that came with my RTA11TL's. Would upgrading the spikes make much improvement? If so, I see parts express sells some rather affordable spikes would they be an upgrade?
    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2011
    I doubt different spikes (unless your oems are plastic) would make any noticable difference.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • evhudsons
    evhudsons Posts: 1,175
    edited December 2011
    I am using the cheaper but sharper spikes on my speaker stand as for some reason it works better. I ordered a set from meniscus which I am using for my components. It helped and it looks great and gives a little bit extra airflo underneath. I'm going to get another set so I can use on my cd player as well. Good good heavy brass. Great company and service.
    Don't forget to put the coupon code "polkme" when checking out.
    Polk Audio SDA CRS+ crossover 4.1TL by Trey/VR3 (Rings and custom stand by Larry)-Polk Audio SDA SRS2 crossovers by Trey/VR3Parasound HCA1500aYamaha rxa-3070 with musicast-Celestion SL6S presence,- sl9 surround backNHTsuper1's surroundMagnepan SMGParasound 1500pre- Sofia "Baby" tube amp - Monitor Audio Silver RX2 Marantz 2230/B&Kst140Technics 1200mk2 Gamertag: IslandBerserker I am but a infinitesimally small point meeting the line of infinity in the SDA universe
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  • apc
    apc Posts: 779
    edited December 2011
    Installed the spike that came with this particular set of speakers. Seems like there may be a little more punch, but I need to play some more familiar CDs. So far, I've only listened to a couple of Christmas albums. I think they are solid brass and really dig into the carpet. How much clearance should I be seeing between top of carpet and bottom of speaker or is any clearance the main thing?

    spike3-1.jpg
    Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,309
    edited December 2011
    Just above the carpet is fine.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited December 2011
    steveinaz wrote: »
    For another step-up, try tile on top of carpet, then spike the speaker stands:

    Steve, the spikes would be much more effective piercing the carpet than sitting on the tile as the tile is basically floating and therefore not coupled to the floor.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited December 2011
    evhudsons wrote: »
    I am using the cheaper but sharper spikes on my speaker stand as for some reason it works better.

    That's because the sharper spikes are piercing the carpet. It's important to get the right spikes for the application.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • gordynor
    gordynor Posts: 6
    edited December 2011
    Confession: I'm new to the spike/isolation game... :rolleyes:

    I just recieved my very first pair of Polks (RTi A3) and have them sitting on my desk and a horizontal bookcase in my office. I don't have the option of moving them to stands on the floor given the room layout (but they're positioned well, directed towards me while I sit at my desk). I assume spikes wouldn't be recommended for on top of a desk/bookshelf, so I bought some 3/4" Sorbothane half-rounds and installed 4 on each speaker.

    My question: Should I spike, even on top of these surfaces? Is Sorbothane a good choice for isolating the speakers? Any other recommendations?

    Daniel
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited December 2011
    gordynor wrote: »
    Confession: I'm new to the spike/isolation game... :rolleyes:

    I just recieved my very first pair of Polks (RTi A3) and have them sitting on my desk and a horizontal bookcase in my office. I don't have the option of moving them to stands on the floor given the room layout (but they're positioned well, directed towards me while I sit at my desk). I assume spikes wouldn't be recommended for on top of a desk/bookshelf, so I bought some 3/4" Sorbothane half-rounds and installed 4 on each speaker.

    My question: Should I spike, even on top of these surfaces? Is Sorbothane a good choice for isolating the speakers? Any other recommendations?

    Daniel

    For nearfield listening (which is what I assume your doing) you might actually want to try putting them on these:
    http://www.amazon.com/Auralex-SpeakerDude-Speaker-Isolation-Platforms/dp/B00266HBSU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1323883302&sr=8-4

    It accomplishes the same thing your current Sorbothane half-rounds do, but also angle the speaker up for a better positioning.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • gordynor
    gordynor Posts: 6
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for the tip on those. I've seen those in friends' studios but kind of forgot about them. I don't know if they would work in my case since the A3's are about 15" long and have a teardrop shape... the flange may get in the way. Still, there's a Guitar Center nearby - I may try them.

    But you would agree that Sorbothane is a good thing to be using for on top of a large piece of furniture?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited December 2011
    I wouldn't use Sorbothane under speakers. The idea is to couple the speaker to whatever it's sitting on, not de-couple it, which is what Sorbothane really does. Also if you are not aware, Sorbothane stains whatever it comes in contact with...yuk!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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