First impressions of the Isoacoustic Gaia 1’s


On my KEF Reference 5’s.

While I normally hear little to no change with “Tweaks”, I installed them Saturday evening and found immediate spatial differences. Just about every album sounded more open. I told my wife, who helped me install the Gaia’s,  that if I wasn’t wowed, I’d send them back.

The room has wall to wall carpet and pad on the floor and when  I first received the Reference 5’s, they sounded flat. I put small hardwood flooring samples under them and it helped a little.  I then put a small slab of granite under each of them and they became much nicer to listen to. I was quite surprised at the change. 
The Gaia 1’s are sitting on the granite as well and so far, I’m very happy. 

It’s only been a few days, but I’m pretty sure they are “hear” to stay.

Anyone else have similar experience’s with speaker. Isolation?

JD

128x128curiousjim

 If I got the Townsend Platforms, would I remove my steel plate and sit it on their steel plate?

I wouldn't as the outriggers provide lateral stability for the Reference 5. The podiums only have a small amount of lateral movement, but I'd feel better knowing the speakers had their designed lateral support if someone (somehow) crashes into them. The podiums don't have any provision for bolting down speakers. 

I'm a big fan of the Townshend podiums, I tried the Gaia prior to getting the podiums but returned them (disclosure, I didn't have both at the same time for a  contemporaneous assessment).

@seanheis1 

On my KEF’s,  the Gaia’s raise the speakers maybe half an inch higher than the spikes.  With the dispersion of the tweeters, I’m not sure there’s going to be much change in the sound.

JD

Thanks @ozzy

The bumps probably add 1/2” in height  to the bottom plate, but the plate adds about 3” in the front and about 5” in width on the back and while there are currently No tubes in this system, I would still be concerned about it being more tippy.

All the best.

JD