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Subwoofer Question

I have a subwoofer question. I've just acquired a top-of-the-line Paradigm Servo-15 powered sub (with Paradigm X-30 crossover), which replaces my next-to-top-of-the-line Paradigm PW-2200 powered sub (it's being demoted to the home-theater system). The Servo-15 is a servo-controlled 15" subwoofer with 400-watt RMS amp; it weighs about 90 pounds and comes with rubber feet, but offers as an optional extra "gold-plated metal feet with adjustable spikes." Sounds silly to me that they should be gold-plated, but I'd like to ask if anyone has experience with this or similar subs with the metal spiked feet, and whether or not they make much difference (and if so what kind of difference) in audible performance. I'll be using this sub to fill in the bottom octave in an audiophile stereo music system (with a pair of Paradigm Studio 100 v. 2 speakers), not for home theater. I'm reasonably familiar with the use of such metal spiked feet for full-range floorstanding speakers, but have no experience of their use with subs, and would appreciate some feedback on this question before investing in them. Many thanks. Dave Kemp, Plano, TX
texasdave
8 responses Add your response
sstark
63 posts
 
I've used spikes on speakers including sub's and noted no noticeable difference. The X-30 crossover is great. I use 2 of them on 2 different systems and I don't even use Paradigm speakers. Best most affordable active X-over. Experiment with the X-30 instead of the spikes. Gold plated spikes, didn't they use them in the transcontinental railroad when the east met the west in Utah?
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
If you have carpet the spikes should be used. If you have tile/or hardwood the rubber should be used (unless you want to put down a disc protector).

The goal of the feet are to keep the sub from moving.
amandarae
512 posts
 
Hello,

You can search info for the pros and cons of this by searching the threads here at Audiogon or at Audio Asylum regarding "Coupling" and "Decoupling" of speakers in a room with carpets, wooden floors, etc.

Maybe, that can get the answer you want and decide which is best in your application.

Hope this helps....
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Couple that baby. Go to audiopoints.com and ask for Robert. He'll set you free. They have a wonderful stand, just, for subs: about $185. Amazing. I love mine. I'm a coupler. You might, after, you do the sub bit, couple your whole system to mother earth. It's impossible to isolate, but easy as pie (and not ridiculously expensive) to couple. For my ears: the way to go. You'll freak. peace, warren
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I agree with Warren. Coupling is the way to go. Isolation and/or dampening is an outdated strategy that seems to make sense, yet almost never improves sonics but only alters the sonics. In the end isolation and/or dampening is impossible to execute successfully in the audio world.

I also think it's safe to say that one should not assume that all points/cones/spikes are created equal. Star Sound is far and away the leader in this realm of audio coupling.

To use Warren's words, "you'll freak" is a pretty accurate statement with Audio Points under your rack, components, and speakers. Of course his statement should be qualified in that one may not notice any difference putting Audio Points under a $20 am/fm clock radio.

But in every case, Audio Points should be used instead of rubber. With rubber you would be trapping all air-borne vibrations and resonance captured by that component, rack, and speakers with no hope for evacuating and thus potentially reeking sonic havoc at the micro- and macro-dynamic levels.

-IMO
texasdave OP
144 posts
 
Many thanks for your responses; I appreciate them.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
thanks for your thanks, Tex. appreciated by all the 'goners; I'm sure.....
theaudiotweak
2,769 posts
 
Texasdave,I use a pair of Servo 15's and a pair of x30 crossovers rolled out at 50hz into a pair of still almost Dunlavy SC4's running full range. All my speakers are performing much better because I use Sistum platforms under them.. The servos rest upon Sistrum SP1's. The Dunlavys perform their best on Sistrum SP101's. All the speakers have the apcd discs placed between the top set of points and speakers wooden bottom. If you can't jump for Sistrum then go for The Audiopoints.. Tom
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