Spikes or Spikeless

Spikes couple and allow vibrations to transfer. I realize that many theorize that spikes decouple by reducing the contact area between the bottom of the speaker and the floor. The reality is that the small contact point creates a very large psi value that in effect bolts the two components together. Vibrations travel very easily through spikes in both directions. Spikes are used with speakers to create a stiff, no rocking stance. All speakers are not the same so many times you have to try different things to find which works best for a given situation.

Wow - Someone put a lid on this open can of worms...=)
Thank you for all your input - I will give a few ideas a try: Im thinking try the Spikes to the concrete and see if that works. At 50# each I just did not think the spikes would "penetrate" into the concrete and perform properly. The idea of the spikes is to hold the speaker stationary. I was afraid they would "slide/vibrate" around. I will update on how much a PITA it is or was not...and my conclusions

I have a concrete floor with vinyl flooring and a rug over it. My Gamut L5s come on a base with 4 large outrigger cones; they also have cups for the cones to rest in. My two friends and I have listened to them several times with and without the cones resting in the cups and everytime we decided that they sounded better with the cups. YMMV.

I've had good luck spiking , only time it made things worse was on a springy floor that seem to resinate . The spikes will not harm the carpet .

Mine is a tad different still. Just berber carpet glued to the concrete floor, no padding. My Paradigms need the spikes to sit solidly and they sound better with the spikes, no question. My Aerial 10t, with the Sound Anchor stands mind you, sound the same no matter if spikes are used or the heavy rubber feet. My horns are too big to care. In fact, the bass horns were designed to acoustically couple with the floor so they need to sit flat.