To spike or not to spike?

racer4551
racer4551 Posts: 373
edited February 2004 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
Anyone ever put spikes in the svs sub or would it be advisable?
*HT PRE-PRO*:Rotel rsp-1068, *AMP*:Rotel RMB 1095 *DVD PLAYER*:Denon 2200,*CD PLAYERS*,Arcam Alpha Mcd 6 disk carasel,Hughes Hdtv receiver, Hughes hdvr2,*MAINS*:Polk LSI 15'S, *CENTER*:Polk LSIC, *SIDE SURROUNDS*:Polk LSIFX,*REAR SURROUND*:Polk LSI 7'S,*SUB*:SVS PB2+*.MONITOR*:Mitsubishi ws48413 hdtv,Monsterpower hts2500X2,,Sony playstation2,Harmony sst-659 remote
Post edited by racer4551 on
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Comments

  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited February 2004
    I cant think of any benefits for spikes on a downfiring sub as long as the sub is level.
    Graham
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited February 2004
    There's some spike history on the SVS website, and it the owner's manuals too (IIRC). Bottom line - after a short trial period of using them, SVS found no audible benefit in their use, and they tend to damage carpet so they were quickly discontinued. Hsu still uses them, FWIW.
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • racer4551
    racer4551 Posts: 373
    edited February 2004
    The reason i was considering is lately when we have lots of rain or a big thaw ,sometimes the edges of the carpet in the basement where i am at gets damp in some areas,was concerned because its about where the svs is located and would like to keep it off the carpet just in case. Any ideas ?
    *HT PRE-PRO*:Rotel rsp-1068, *AMP*:Rotel RMB 1095 *DVD PLAYER*:Denon 2200,*CD PLAYERS*,Arcam Alpha Mcd 6 disk carasel,Hughes Hdtv receiver, Hughes hdvr2,*MAINS*:Polk LSI 15'S, *CENTER*:Polk LSIC, *SIDE SURROUNDS*:Polk LSIFX,*REAR SURROUND*:Polk LSI 7'S,*SUB*:SVS PB2+*.MONITOR*:Mitsubishi ws48413 hdtv,Monsterpower hts2500X2,,Sony playstation2,Harmony sst-659 remote
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    How about a 2" think slab of granite larger than the base of the unit ?
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • racer4551
    racer4551 Posts: 373
    edited February 2004
    Do you think the sub would stay put and not slide around on top of the granite slab?
    *HT PRE-PRO*:Rotel rsp-1068, *AMP*:Rotel RMB 1095 *DVD PLAYER*:Denon 2200,*CD PLAYERS*,Arcam Alpha Mcd 6 disk carasel,Hughes Hdtv receiver, Hughes hdvr2,*MAINS*:Polk LSI 15'S, *CENTER*:Polk LSIC, *SIDE SURROUNDS*:Polk LSIFX,*REAR SURROUND*:Polk LSI 7'S,*SUB*:SVS PB2+*.MONITOR*:Mitsubishi ws48413 hdtv,Monsterpower hts2500X2,,Sony playstation2,Harmony sst-659 remote
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    I can't speak from personal experience, but I do know some folks who have used this approach with subs like this when they don't have a cement floor below. I would think if sliding were a concern you could put a cheap piece of carpet on top of the slab. In any case anything has to be better than letting it get wet.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • racer4551
    racer4551 Posts: 373
    edited February 2004
    Well i finally decided to order 4 spikes to install on the base of the svs,i hope it doesnt affect the sound quality,i guess i will find out.I ordered them from www.oregondv.com they have alot neat stuff on there site.
    *HT PRE-PRO*:Rotel rsp-1068, *AMP*:Rotel RMB 1095 *DVD PLAYER*:Denon 2200,*CD PLAYERS*,Arcam Alpha Mcd 6 disk carasel,Hughes Hdtv receiver, Hughes hdvr2,*MAINS*:Polk LSI 15'S, *CENTER*:Polk LSIC, *SIDE SURROUNDS*:Polk LSIFX,*REAR SURROUND*:Polk LSI 7'S,*SUB*:SVS PB2+*.MONITOR*:Mitsubishi ws48413 hdtv,Monsterpower hts2500X2,,Sony playstation2,Harmony sst-659 remote
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited February 2004
    It won't hurt SQ. It might even help a tad on a wooden floor, but not on a cement floor. For flood protection, it's not a bad idea.

    There's a chance it could hop up and down on the spikes at high volumes, though. The reactive forces of the downward firing woofer are very strong. If it hops, put carpet under the spikes.
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited February 2004
    Careful with those spikes, racer. I assume you've had some experience with drilling spikes into a speaker before? I'd be scared of drilling into an SVS, as I'm sure that's not covered under their warranty. Good luck.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    Although not cheaper, they also have granite blocks, even ones on low stands ...

    That sounds like more of the ticket to me along with a spare piece of carpet etc. to go on top.

    At least it's non invasive to the SVS.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • racer4551
    racer4551 Posts: 373
    edited February 2004
    You guys really have me thinking now, i do really dislike the idea of putting spikes in the base,the spikes i was looking at are really nice looking and are built well,they also come as either a spike or you can remove the spike and it has a flat base that you can attach rubber feet.They are a 3/8 stud with a threaded insert that installs in the base.It would really look nice.The warranty thing does concern me though,if i did have a problem it would probably be with the driver or amp and i wonder if they would want the whole sub or just to send them the part?Plus if done properly you could actually remove them and never know they were there.What to do, what to do!
    *HT PRE-PRO*:Rotel rsp-1068, *AMP*:Rotel RMB 1095 *DVD PLAYER*:Denon 2200,*CD PLAYERS*,Arcam Alpha Mcd 6 disk carasel,Hughes Hdtv receiver, Hughes hdvr2,*MAINS*:Polk LSI 15'S, *CENTER*:Polk LSIC, *SIDE SURROUNDS*:Polk LSIFX,*REAR SURROUND*:Polk LSI 7'S,*SUB*:SVS PB2+*.MONITOR*:Mitsubishi ws48413 hdtv,Monsterpower hts2500X2,,Sony playstation2,Harmony sst-659 remote
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    Punt ...
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I have bought and used a few pairs of spikes from www.oregondv.com and really like the optional methods of installing them. This probably applies to other spike manufacturers, but I only have experience with Paul's lineup. His gear is always of high quality.

    The fact that you have a new sub, an SVS, and its still under warranty is an issue. I would go with the granite slab or concrete paver route, and add a sheet of Dynamat or similar rubberized material underneath of it for protection. That would give you the height that you need to keep away from the moisture at the baseboard. Granite will not wick moisture, concrete will, so you should seal it up or you will be in the same boat. I would go with the granite.

    If you want to drill into the sub, then definetly use the threaded inserts that are provided with the spikes. I have used them and they work very nicely. I drilled the hole for the insert, secured the insert, and caulked a small bit of silicon into the hole prior to **** the threaded rod. Works fine. I have some pics if you want me to post them.

    You can also nix the threaded rod and insert and use Liquid Nails to bond the spike to the cabinet frame...but if you are going to do this, realize its almost as lasting as drilling an insert inside. Plus the glue may cause more damage than you can touch up, if one happens to loosen and displace.

    Good luck, let us know what you choose to do.
    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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