Cones vs. factory spikes?

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.

Ikarus, the sound being produced inward on a speaker is a concern that relates to interior dampening. If your speaker is physically moving in the opposite direction either it is too light or the volume is too loud. This movement problem is best solved by speaker weight which in term reduces cabinet vibration. If any one disagrees please respond. This is simply my common sense approach.

Marsh, be assured that my speakers do not move (except when I want them to :)). I'm expressing my surprise to the suggestion of Aurios and/or Roller Blocks under the speakers - which, in my opinion, will cause the speakers to move. I'll stay with spikes.

My common sense tells me that a speaker cabinet being "pushed" in the opposite direction by the excursion of a driver isn't a big deal - a tiny loss of amplitude. But when a speaker that is wobbly or mounted on an insufficiently stiff support recovers its "neutral" position following this push, that's probably when a mess is created, since that recovery motion is independent of and out of phase with driver motion. Roller bearings might be good under speakers if they keep the small, reactive motion of the cabinet in time with the driver motion. And, a speaker cabinet that is free to move as a unit on bearings in reaction to driver motion may not be prone to flex and resonate as much as a cabinet that is being held in place by just one of its surfaces. Also, spiking a cabinet to the floor means the behavior of the floor has a chance to affect the sound of the loudspeaker, another factor that bearing supports may alleviate. I don't have any first-hand experience with bearing supports, but I speculate on some possible advantages just to illustrate why simple, general rules (always spike to the floor, always mass load, etc.), though appealing, may not offer the best guidance for any particular situation.