carpet spikes or plastic feet

[gmorris]

My R30's currently have the carpet spikes installed. This weekend, the basement family room is finally getting the ceramic tile installed. My system will be installed in this room. There will be an area rug on the floor, but unfortunately, the R30's will not sit on the area rug. SO, should I put the plastic feet back on the R30's and let them sit on the tile, or I could cut a small square of scrap carpet to put under the speaker, thus still utilizing the spikes.

What does everyone think the best idea is?


Thanks,
Greg

[Frank Z]

Put the rubber feet on 'em. I can visualize your speakers vibrating around the room on the spikes like the old electronic football games!;)

[Pauly]

Not to be a smartass but thats why they are called carpet spikes.;) Put the rubber feet on

[dorokusai]

If you really like your spikes, order some floor protectors from www.oregondv.com

It is a small disc, that has an indentation for the spike. I think he sells them individualy. Here is a picture of them with the spikes:

http://www.oregondv.com/spikes.htm

Rubber feet will be fine, its all up to you.

[steveinaz]

Hockey pucks. Thats right, real rubber hockey pucks (.99 cents each at epuck.com) make great speaker feet. Use 3 in a triangle config or 4, whatever floats your boat. Very Stable.

[eclypse]

A long time back i read that it was best to put your speakers on a hard surface and use spikes since it will keep the speakers very stable so they wont vibrate..

Now what i did was buy up 2 marble tiles.. about 4 bucks each. Layed them under the speaker on the carpet and used the spikes with the Rti70's..

Is this stupid? Or is it better to just use the spikes and let them poke threw the crapet down to the sub floor? Wouldnt that way transfer vibrations to the sub floor and down to the condo below me?

[dorokusai]

IMO Eclypse, that sounds like a good idea for your situation. If it sounds good to you, and not to your neighbors then voila'.

One thing that makes spikes wobble or rattle on floors is the tolerances of the cabinet and spike not being perfect, in relation to one another. Some are adjustable, some are not. I like spikes, they look good and de-couple the equipment which is the theory for me.

[sperino]

ECLYPSCE- I agree with you, I have tile all away around..
Brass spikes work great on my towers and my sub. Ofcourse, i also use the hocky pucks for floor protection.

I had no idea how many companies manufacture them. You can pick up a set for as little as $15 with shipping or spend as much as $200 without shipping costs! In my oppinion, that's alot of money for coated brass.

[deano41]

my rti 70s came with rubber covers over the carpet spikes, i havent used the spikes yet, does it make a difference whether or not the carpet spikes are used with regards to sound? seems like the speakers sit fine on the base.

[sperino]

I'm not certain how difinitive the application is. I believe there is a differece however. You should read up on it.
Just enter "speaker spikes" on a search engine. You will be amazed with how many results you find. Those spikes get more attention than POLK! No, not really.
But they give theory, research and design, prices, and ofcourse testomonials. Good luck! Let me know what you decide.