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What's under your bookshelf speakers?

I recently picked up a pair of ProAc Tablette Reference 8 Signatures in bird's eye maple for my office system. I would like to protect the finish on the bottom, but also preserve/enhance the sonics. At the same time, seeing as how this is in my office, I would like to keep things visually discrete. Currently, I have a small mouse pad underneath each one, and in truth, this seems like it might be a viable option. However, I haven't tried them with another product underneath them or with nothing underneath (don't want to damage the finish), so I am not sure what sonic effects the mouse pads are having. The system sounds pretty good as is, though.

Thanks, Tom.
tombowlus
stuartbranson
183 posts
 
Isoblocks. Check these out. Cheap and effective. I have them under my MM deCapo i's.

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/isoblocks.php
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,761 posts
 
If damaging the finish on your speakers is an issue, be careful with the Isoblocks. I've used a set in the past and, while they do provide good isolation, the black rubber left unremovable marks on both the bottoms of the speakers and a hardwood floor.

With any soft compound like the Isoblocks or the sorbothane pads I recommended above, you'll need to put something between the pads and the speaker. Saran Wrap works, or any thin plastic like that.
stuartbranson
183 posts
 
Thanks for the tip. I've had problems with vibrapods but didn't anticipate it with the isoblocks.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Just an update, I ended up going with the sorbothane pads from Zonus (with plastic between them and the bottom of the speakers), and I am pleased with the results. Definition and soundstage seemed to have improved, despite a less than idea positioning situation. On a somewhat related note, my speakers are located near my big old IBM Netfinity 5000 series server (which I turn off, if I ever get in the mood for more intense listening), and it generates a good deal of vibration. So, I picked up four extra sorbothane pads, and viola! No vibration from the server can be felt at all even with your hand right next to it (the server is sitting atop the desk one of the speakers is on), and it also made the fan noise much quieter.

Thanks again for all the help.

Tom.
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