Audio Supports


Why is it that the majority of audio equipment comes with four feet rather than just three? It seems that only having three would provide a more solid foundation that would better resist vibration and rocking. Speakers come to mind as a component that might really benefit if it was part of the original design.

Any thoughts? Are there companies that do this that I have not seen?
mceljo
Some electronics gear has three feet. I've owned some of it. It always seemed unstable to me - if I leaned on a corner by accident, it would just about tip over. Having said that, if the product in question is the proper shape, three would work just fine. A floor standing speaker that is quite narrow but very deep comes to mind (think audio physic) Two spikes in front, one in back.
My speakers don't have any threaded holes for spikes. I use 3 Herbie's big fat dots under them (two in front and one in the center back.
In response to Elizabeth's thought:

"Added: One feature that would allow three feet (or four) and incur a very minimal expense for maufacturers would be to have the base of units drilled and tapped for BOTH a three foot setup, ANd a four foot setup. arranging the hole for opimum placement.
Then one would only need to unscrew the feet from the four and move them to the three setup. (and save that fourth foot for when one sells the unit..)
Cool."

Merlin floor standing speakers (VSM's) do exactly that....have a four foot setup but also drilled for a three foot setup which is their recommended way to set up the speakers with the spikes that they provide.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all at A'gon!!

IMHO, the only valid reason for using three feet instead of four is that it makes it a whole lot easier to level the component, something that is very important for TT's and speakers. I agree that it makes things unstable and for that reason I will not use three footers on floor-standing speakers.
Some do, my Star Sound rack has three, as does the factory stands for my Spendor S 100s. The Lead Balloon TT stand I use to have had three also, as does my Russ Andrews stand for the Linn turntable. All of these except the Linn stand are very heavy and work well. Several other very good equipment racks also use 3 as do others that are quite respectable in quality, I have one of these also but the brand escapes me at the moment.