MORE Isolation Feet?

[ejspain]

I believe all ML speakers come with isolation spikes; which I've found work quite well for decoupling and imaging. Are you guys "gone wild" with elaborate isolation feet / platforms for your ML or stuck with the provided ones? For those who made the jump....HONESTLY...is there a noticeable difference and/or worth upgrading from what came with your speakers?

 

[ttocs]

Even after several good demonstrations by IsoAcoustics where I heard a difference that I liked, soundstage, clarity, I remained skeptical that I would witness the same in my home.

Armed with a good return policy, I bought two sets of GAIA II for my Expressions. Yes, the sound changed to my liking. I was happy enough to buy more sets for my subwoofers.

Additionally, even if they did nothing, I like the looks and the added ease of moving/adjusting the speakers and subs. For example, I moved my subs around last week and all I had to do was place a paper towel under each footer and slide the subs around.

 

[ejspain]

Even after several good demonstrations by IsoAcoustics where I heard a difference that I liked, soundstage, clarity, I remained skeptical that I would witness the same in my home.

Armed with a good return policy, I bought two sets of GAIA II for my Expressions. Yes, the sound changed to my liking. I was happy enough to buy more sets for my subwoofers.

Additionally, even if they did nothing, I like the looks and the added ease of moving/adjusting the speakers and subs. For example, I moved my subs around last week and all I had to do was place a paper towel under each footer and slide the subs around.

Once you added the feet to the 13A's, was it difficult to balance them? Are your speakers/subs on carpet or hard flooring?

 

[ttocs]

Once you added the feet to the 13A's, was it difficult to balance them?

No, but being that the house is 67 years old the floor is not exactly level, so getting the weight evenly distributed amongst the four feet takes a little patience.

Are your speakers/subs on carpet or hard flooring?

Hardwood flooring.

 

[ejspain]

gotcha. These puppies freakin pricey. My Impressions will be on carpet...I see they have spiked cups to put the Gaia II's in but dang...even more money.

 

[ejspain]

Once you added the feet to the 13A's, was it difficult to balance them? Are your speakers/subs on carpet or hard flooring?

Can you show some pics?

 

[rpokuls]

Armed with a good return policy, I bought two sets of GAIA II for my Expressions. Yes, the sound changed to my liking. I was happy enough to buy more sets for my subwoofers.

May I ask how much you paid for them? Thx.

 

[ttocs]

May I ask how much you paid for them? Thx.

$300 per box of four GAIA II footers for the first pair of boxes I bought early this year. But then at AXPONA they had a show special of 20% off, so the next pair were $240 per box, and, included a very nice bag, so, . . . .

 

[ttocs]

Can you show some pics?

I'll post a photo tonight.

 

[rinorn]

GAIA's web site indicates that their feet are available in the Expressions 3/8 16 size. They also ask if the threads are "recessed" Could you enlighten me on this. Thanks!

From their Wizard: GAIA II with 3/8-16 threads. Long 3/8-16 thread is available for models with recessed thread. Check to see if threads are recessed.

 

[ttocs]

GAIA's web site indicates that their feet are available in the Expressions 3/8 16 size. They also ask if the threads are "recessed" Could you enlighten me on this. Thanks!

From their Wizard: GAIA II with 3/8-16 threads. Long 3/8-16 thread is available for models with recessed thread. Check to see if threads are recessed.

Yeah, I guess I forgot to post that photo in this thread, but I did post it in another thread.
Here it is showing the GAIA II on the Expression using the Long Thread (this is what they're called), and GAIA III on the subwoofer with the adapters that come in the box.

Here's a comparison of short and long thread adapters.

The Long Thread version is needed because the mounting studs they screw into are recessed into the amp base of the speaker.

 

[sgordon10]

I like Stack Audio AUVA 100 under 13a.
Since the speakers are on granite slabs and carpet, and I don’t want any extra height, the Auvas are not threaded.

There are YouTube videos and discussion threads on the audiogon forum, comparing these to other products. Stack Audio also makes footers to use under components.
From the bass reproduction on up, I think I am now hearing the best these speakers can offer.

 

[rinorn]

Thanks so much. That info really helps.

 

[onedigit]

I like Stack Audio AUVA 100 under 13a.
Since the speakers are on granite slabs and carpet, and I don’t want any extra height, the Auvas are not threaded.

There are YouTube videos and discussion threads on the audiogon forum, comparing these to other products. Stack Audio also makes footers to use under components.
From the bass reproduction on up, I think I am now hearing the best these speakers can offer.

Absolutely correct! the AUVA 100 under my ESL9's are wonderful. I also have the AUVA EQ's for my components. Huge value IMO.

 

[rinorn]

Sorry to be a doubter, as I considered buying the GAIA's for my Expression 13A's. Then I listened to "The British Audiophile's" take on speaker tweaks and went with these anti vibration pads (for my hardwood floor): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN891L6G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title I also put ferrite clips on the positive speaker cable near the speaker and lifted the cables off the floor as he recommended. Honestly, I can't hear a bit of difference with any of these tweaks. They still sound fantastic!

 

[ttocs]

Sorry to be a doubter, as I considered buying the GAIA's for my Expression 13A's. Then I listened to "The British Audiophile's" take on speaker tweaks and went with these anti vibration pads (for my hardwood floor): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN891L6G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title I also put ferrite clips on the positive speaker cable near the speaker and lifted the cables off the floor as he recommended. Honestly, I can't hear a bit of difference with any of these tweaks. They still sound fantastic!

I also tried washing machine rubber pads which did little to nothing on my hardwood floor (with basement below). I bought GAIA feet expecting the same dismal result, but they made a very noticeable difference so I kept them and bought more for my subs which also had benefits - mostly from reducing the mechanical transmission into the floor thus reducing the amount of structural vibrations and window rattling.

 

[rinorn]

Good to know from from an actual objective comparison. Maybe someday..... Thanks for the reply.

 

[Russr]

What worked pretty well for me is:
Heavy 24"X24" flagstones (terracotta, slate, etc., depending on ability to lift heavy objects and budget!). I placed large felt pads under the stones, and then used the ML spikes under the speakers, resting on the stones.
The stone weight was between 70 and 100lb. This is with SL3s and Aerius. Also used a flagstone under my Earthquake 12" sub.

Seemed to work pretty well for me. Hardwood floor installed on top of spaced studs on concrete foundation slab.

 

[Qc11A]

I have Impressions 11A and decided to buy the Gaia II. They are on a concrete slab and as others said the difference is not subtle, very happy with the difference they made in bass clarity. I ran in a little glitch though, one of the 8 different threaded openings in the speakers was not threaded completely to the bottom. So for one of the feet I was not able to completely screw the Gaia in, there was about 2-3 turns lacking to be like the others. I might buy a tap to make it like the others but for now I just adjusted the others the same. Anyone else had a hole not completly threaded?

 

[ttocs]

I have Impressions 11A and decided to buy the Gaia II. They are on a concrete slab and as others said the difference is not subtle, very happy with the difference they made in bass clarity. I ran in a little glitch though, one of the 8 different threaded openings in the speakers was not threaded completely to the bottom. So for one of the feet I was not able to completely screw the Gaia in, there was about 2-3 turns lacking to be like the others. I might buy a tap to make it like the others but for now I just adjusted the others the same. Anyone else had a hole not completly threaded?

hmmmmmm, . . . . .
Is it possible that some portion of the plastic shipping foot is broken off and stuck in there? A skinny screwdriver or pick could confirm if the depth of the pocket matches the others.