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Speaker plinth material bottom ported Zu Omen Defs

Currently my Zu Omen Defs sit on hardwood floor ( bamboo) in my basement finished listening room. Even though we are very good at keeping sewer cleared, video checks every year, I’m always paranoid about water overflow. Our basement is bone dry. I would like to raise the zus off the floor about an inch or two with a plinth. IMO, mapleshade’s at $600 + each is pricey. I can make my own. My question is wood vs granite on bottom slot ported speakers like Zu. One would think that granite may be too reflective for bass vs wood. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts. For the trolls: yes we have flood insurance, sump pumps, etc. I’m not moving the gear back upstairs. Just asking about best material. 

Thanks
aberyclark
gdnrbob
4,452 posts
 
As an owner of an old house that occasionally get water in the basement, I can understand your concern.
I would think raising them might change the leveling/angle of the speakers, but bass performance should not be affected.
Bob
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,424 posts
 
My only concern would be that the tweeters will be higher by a few inches.
jackd
1,071 posts
 
As they are only 12" x 12" you should be able to just pick up a couple of cutting boards in Maple or Bamboo at a local store like Ikea or online at Amazon.
gdnrbob
4,452 posts
 
@stereo5 ,
That's why I said he might have to re-angle them.
Or, maybe raise his seating as well. It would keep it dry should he get a leak.
There are wifi alarms that would alert you should moisture be present.
Bob
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
I am a bit confused with the speaker placement as described by the OP.  

I own the Zu Dirty Weekender floor standers.  I always thought that the speakers had to be raised some minute amount off the floor, so as not to block the bottom slot ports.  I do not use the supplied spikes.  I had read somewhere or heard on one of Zu's YouTube videos to use marbles to allow some breathing room for those ports.

I live in a pre-war apartment house on a busy street and had been using 12" x 12" tiles of neoprene and cork under my speakers for vibration control.  Since acquiring the Zu's, I have used the neoprene and cork 4" pads.  

Flush to the floor or on a plinth, the Dirty Weekenders sounded slightly muffled.  With the pads, the speakers sound much better (obviously).  I use 3 pads per speaker (2 front, 1 rear). 

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/fasteners/vibration-isolators/pads/neoprene-cork-pad-4-x-4-x-1

Rich 
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