Building stands for Harbeth 40.2's


I talked with my builder today. I told them I would reach out for more expert opinions on a final design.

Since the TonTragers are the benchmark for Harbeth stands, I'm trying to match them as much as possible.

Question 1- The TonTragers have a 1 inch riser in each corner of the top of the stand. Is this critical for optimal sound ? Or would it be sufficient for the speaker to sit flat on the top of the stand ?

Question 2- Obviously the top needs to be open except for the exterior frame, but can the base be a solid flat piece of wood...or should that be open also ?

Please chime in with any ideas...also I plan on using some good cone spikes on the bottom.

I've attached a pic of the TonTrager for reference for the above questions.

Thanks in advance.

krelldog

Showing 8 responses by akg_ca

TonTraeger stands

I have the 30.2XD’s

Resonance dissipation and decoupling:
Extended tenons -  top AND bottom - allow direct absorption of cabinet resonances and decouple the speaker from the ground.

the extended tenons on top of mine have routered out oval “dimples” in the extended tenons - “tone beds” are explained below ,,,, the tenons are not flat …It matters too,

https://www.tontraeger-audio.com/lang/en/produktdetails-stands.html

I know that the 40.2’s have the extended tenons too, and it appears that they also have the routered out “dimpled “ tone beds in their model extended tenons.

Extended Tenons

  • The frames of the audio boards are joined with a mortise and tenon joint.
  • The so-called "extended tenons" are evolved out of the wood connection to form the four contact points for the speaker.
  • The upper tenons absorb cabinet resonances.
  • The lower tenons serve to decouple external influences.
  • The "extended tenons" replace the use of spikes.

ToneBed

  • An oval hollow on top of the tenons ( routered out) reduces the contact surface to achieve maximum form fit.
  • The ToneBeds prevent vibration bridges.

 

I would not chintz it …if it’s too much for you, then give it up , step down, and chooses a larger mass speaker stand & save the $$

@whipsaw 

I appreciate your comment …. I guess that NO speaker is decoupled from their speaker stands .

If I highlight below the TT narrative explaining the purpose of extended tenons in my prior post, maybe that is a better synopsis for the readers. (Y/N)?

  • The upper tenons absorb cabinet resonances.
  • The lower tenons serve to decouple external influences

 

TTs explained in their website pic and a sample pic of my cloned stands following.

 

HARBETH owner experiences with open-frame design TonTrager speaker stands compared to the other options….link posted below.

I had a custom woodworker bespoke clone the TT’s at about 40%of their retail cost. Money well,spent.

The “open frame design” with decoupling extended tenons and Tonebeds are the best extension of the overall HARBETH speaker design. In contrast to many rigid, heavy and thick wall models, HARBETHs are a thin-wall cabinet design that permit the speakers to resonate like the sound board in a Strad violin or Steinway grand piano. Decoupling the speaker from the stand is key.
 

Flat plate stands are a compromise to their design and performance capabilities.

That’s a key fsctor in best highlighting their best-of-breed overall flat frequency response curve across the spectrum , facilitating their class-leading midrange, and presenting their bespoke “airy”:sonic signature .

 

choose wisely

 

@krelldog 

To your query on how to post pics

 

 

Sign up ( it’s free for basic use);

uoload the pics

They now have a unique web hyperlink

copy hyperlink into your post m and voila

@krelldog

I understand why you may want to sub-in spikes for placement on a carpet or rug .

FWIW, the bottom tenons serve as replacements for spikes. The TT manual recommends that you place their stands on a slate platform (or equivalent material)