Cones vs. factory spikes?

Ikarus; you're right, it is complicated. I recently called Dunlavy Labs and ended up talking to John Dunlavy himself. I asked him why he did not put spikes/cones on Dunlavy speakers and he said "because they don't measure as well as without" (he was referring to flat frequency response).

It's true, Dunlavy does not use any coupling devices between speakers and floor. J. Dunlavy also said the best thing to do is to just let the speakers "float on carpet". Dunlavy speakers are mostly pretty heavy, and he did not specify conditions under which measurements were made.

All that said, my Vandersteen 3Asigs have Tiptoes, which I like, and my 2Ces have good quality spikes threaded into the steel basees. While I am considering spikeless Dunlavy speakers, I do prefer spiked speakers, based on my experience with the Vandys. Craig

Hey Craig, Just because John Dunlavy said, doesn't mean it's what you'll like best. John Atkinson at Stereophile seems to have a real problem with Dunlavy's measurements, and rated the speakers down because of it. I think the Dunlavy's are the best for the money, and mine just float, but you may like them better spiked. It's ok to go against the "experts" and the "measurements", it's your ears, not John's.
On alot of equipment spiked sound better, and then you must find the right material to use for spiking. The best thing to do is try everything you can, borrow from a friend, ask your local dealer for a loaner set, buy used, but they can make a big difference under the right equipment. J.D.

My Meadowlark Kestrels have the all time worst factory spikes, an obvious afterthought, especially in view of the otherwise wonderfully crafted cabinets. That said, I simply put 25 lb. bags of lead shot on top of each speaker and Newton's third law on a leash. Big improvement in image and bass clarity.

JD; you are correct. I just mentioned J. Dunlavys's comments because he is a well respected speaker manufacturer, and I found his position regarding spikes "interesting".

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know Dunlavys weren't spiked. I personally think that conditions would dictate whether or not the speakers (Dunlavys) sound better with spikes or not-- regardless of how they measure-- or who they are made by. BTW, which model Dunlavy's do you have? Cheers. Craig

I have the IVa. I started with the III and loved them, but always wanted the IV, it was an ego thing I think. The IVa has much better bass definition, the III's have a midrange to die for. I never tried spiking just because of the weight and not wanting to lose the perfect speaker location it took so long to find. I would love to here if anyone has tried spiking on there Dunlavy speakers. GREAT SPEAKERS CRAIG! J.D.