Speaker spikes-worse sound-what gives?


I recently bought a pair of Silverline Sonata lls and set them up in my family room (20x20. After some weeks of finding good positioning, I screwed in the spiked feet that came with them only to find a very different and somewhat worse sound. The base not only tightened but really became thin although the top end opened up a bit. The live sounding D. Krall now sounds like she is coming out of a box. The room is heavily carpeted wall to wall. The rear wall has cedar planking on it. The one wall that has windows is covered with heavy drapes and honeycomb shades.

I know the easy answer is to take them out, but I thought that spiked feet always improved the sound.

What gives?

rest of system is EAD Ovation, Aragon 8008 amp, Moon Nova CDP. (System is a little bright but not harsh. Tried using Red Dawn ICs and speaker cable but made it too bright, harsh and analytical. Before the spikes)
jeffg

Showing 1 response by lrsky

Your speaker was probably light in the bass to begin with. You became accustomed to the sound WITHOUT the spikes. Then when you put them in, the sound was different, that is less bass. Oftentimes, the floor acts as a bass addition, especially if the floor joists are running in the direction of the sound (read not perpendicular, which would break up the flow of the sound)allowing for more bass. The first rule of audio is, there are no rules. What works for Billy Bob, may not work for you, your tastes, and more important your environment. Place the speakers where they are acceptable to the wife, and sound the best to you. That will keep the peace and sonically give you the best result.
Spikes are intended to eliminate (ameliorate) the rocking of the speaker, as well as to minimize the amusical sound coming from the bottom of the speaker, when it sits directly on the carpet. I have experienced many occassions in which I liked the sound better, sans spikes. Don't let it worry you. Just do what works best.
Best,
Larry
PS If you want a private consultation you may email me for a more detailed explanation. I traveled the country as Director of Sales for a speaker manufacturer,and have 20 years in the industry, so my input may help. Although the group here seems to be doing a pretty good job already.