Thiel Owners

I discovered the benefits of spikes in the same way Tom Thiel did, though likely even more exaggerated with my then Boston Acoustics A200 speakers.  These were wide and tall floorstanders, but only 7" deep, with a simple plinth only 4" deep.  The 3 drivers were widely-spaced vertically.  So the woofer rocked the plinth substantially on the carpet, which levered the tweeter back and forth (relatively) substantially.  When a friend suggested using aftermarket screw-in spikes, the entire soundstage (such that it was) snapped into focus as there was now zero rocking and the drivers sonically 'aligned.'

Despite my subsequent CS2.3 and 2.4 having a far deeper base, I still notice the benefits of their included spikes -- on carpet over slab.  I had the 2.4 outriggers, but sold them as their primary purpose seemed to stabilize the speaker from being knocked over by large pets or small kids.  Moving the existing 2.4 spikes a few inches outboard in each direction had no audible sonic advantage, only less-visible low-lying arms to trip over.

Spikes are certainly better than no spikes, but can't even come close o the improvement that Starsound SP 101 platforms provide. Apparently the Townshend spring platforms are at least as effective.

I prefer the sonics of my 2.4s with the outrigger/spikes. But I am uncertain how much of the difference is because of the extra 2-3” height versus coupling to the floor (rug over tile/slab).

tomthiel,

The base can be whatever design one prefers. Ideally it should also add stability to the speaker. I have CS 7.2 and CS 6 which are fairly heavy so I did not them to be tipsy. 

I used the threaded inserts at the bottom of the speakers and ran a threaded brass bolt with a spacer to couple the speaker to base. 
Apply some footers and your set. 

This material is sonically superior to aluminum. One who benefit from an aluminum outrigger. With the Panzerholz the audible difference is very obvious.