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Isoacoustics Gaia and speaker wobble

I have installed Isoacoustics Gaia II isolators on my Focal Aria 936. Initially I had some issues installing them but have resolved that and they are on tight. I have thick plush carpet so the isolators are sitting on the carpet spikes that Isoacoustics offer as well. When I lightly tap on the side (and back) of the speakers near the top, the speakers wobble slightly, but then return to position. Prior to installing the isolators, I used the stock spikes and the speaker did not move as much, hence the questions. 

Also, I put a bubble float on the top while playing the music loudly (with a high level of bass) and the bubble did not move, so I’m thinking that is key. I actually sunk a nail into the carpet to make contact with the hardwood floor beneath and then compared the length of the nail to where the isoacoustics carpet spikes go in and it appears deep enough.

Has anyone else experienced movement they consider normal and in general, is a certain amount of movement expected. And, yes I asked ChatGPT, but I’d like actual experience of owners. :-).

I know pictures help, so see below. In the first picture you can’t really see the spikes. The second I show them. You can hear them push through the carpet when I step on the plinth. 

https://imgur.com/a/MF66gZb

Thanks very much. 

 

 
hazeloop
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,670 posts
 

@hazeloop 

Gaias have a flexible material on the inside that causes them to flex to isolate speaker vibrations. So, if you attempt to push on the speakers, there will be some movement. It's totally normal. If there was no movement there would be no isolation. I use Gaias I.

kenrus
64 posts
 

I also just installed Gaia II footers and had the same experience. I think baylinor has it exactly right: it’s the Gaia’s ability to move that so effectively deals with vibration. 

paleo12
50 posts
 

I had a similar problem with my previous speakers (PMC Fact 12).  The spikes on the wee cups did not penetrate the carpet, with the result that the speakers "floated" and the sound did not quite focus.  I bought the Track Audio isolation spikes which solved the problem.

My new speakers (Marten) come with Gaia footers so the same problem occurred. We solved the problem by putting the speakers on a Pro-Ject turntable platform.  This has spikes which are long enough to penetrate the carpet, and the Gaia footers are provided with a smooth "floor" so they move only as much as they are designed to do.

 

winoguy17
1,326 posts
 

 In the past I had Gaia II and the carpet discs on Focal Electra 1038s., a large heavy speaker. I was always surprised at how easy it was to move the speaker, but the improvement in sound made it a non issue.

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