Townshend Springs under Speakers

Great, great post, @prof!

The list of hi-fi engineers who operate(d) via the design with measurements/verify with listening methodology is a long one, including a couple of my favorites: Roger Modjeski (Music Reference, electronics) and Danny Richie (GR Research, loudspeakers).

The father of subjective reviewing---J. Gordon Holt---came from the engineering side of hi-fi, but considered listening "the proof in the pudding". When Harry Pearson appeared out of nowhere ten years after the first Stereophile was published and started The Absolute Sound---HP completely technically-ignorant (said in a non-pejorative spirit ;-)---measuring and technical analysis were conspicuously absent. No attempt was made to correlate design with sound quality, and in fact TAS sort of encouraged an attitude of the two being opposing forces. An unfortunate and counter-productive development.

Thank God for John Atkinson!

@elliottbnewcombjr 
if you are trying to save money, then DIY footers similar to EVPs using Owens Corning 703 or 705 Acoustic Insulation with sheet stainless steel then rubber or felt on either end

"Great, great post, @prof"
Agree! @prof's commentary is consistently well thought out and interesting.
Charles

I just ordered 16 pods today 4a’s 4b’8c’s  for my Streamer/dac, tube linestage and mono amps. I love the Podiums so if I can get 50% of that improvement I will be ecstatic
45 day trial figure I have nothing to lose. Currently use Combak Harmonix footers and Stillpoints under the amps so will see how it goes. 

benzman, will be interested to hear your thoughts on adding the pods to your other equipment. 
I'm continuing to enjoy what the podiums have brought to my setup - the layering and greater depth perspective along with the greater image palpability and uncovering of more recorded inner detail. 
I'm noticing that differences in recordings/tracks are more stark - i.e. the differences between recording techniques and indeed the quality of the production is more obvious. 
The upshot is that it makes listening to music more compelling - hearing further into recordings and getting closer to the artist.
IME these types of changes always seem to follow genuine improvements.