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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,731 posts
 

I viewed the video, definitely too much wobble.

If the spikes are tall enough to get thru the carpet and pad, then they would be motionless without the devices. Then you sit the devices on the spikes, and the speakers on the devices, and the only movement would be within the device.

Are your devices 'weight correct?

You do always have the option of a careful set of 3, which puts more weight per foot, takes the need for leveling out, you just need to solve the prevention of tipping over. Anti-tipping blocks in the rear corners, with a small clearance so no contact normally, but they hit the carpet and prevent tipping if they tilt too much. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,731 posts
 

see how the feet stick out, making a larger space for the feet, less likely for a tall slim speaker to tip over

You can make a separate platform, with spikes, that you position and pre-level, and then put the speaker with the iso devices on the platform, Widen your base, and much easier to try adjusting toe-in, alternate toe-in ....

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11516

ps, to try with or without spikes, simply flip the platform you buy/make over, 

btw, I tried spikes with my JSE Model 2's, then changed to 3 dual wheel casters with rear anti-tipping blocks, gave my spikes to my friend.

When I visit, if I don't sit in the middle, the imaging is too single sided, and he cannot move his spikes.

hazeloop's avatar
hazeloop OP
20 posts
 

Thanks all so much for the advice so far. Lots of great suggestions to try out and then I’ll report back after getting back in town. It’s unfortunate that IsoAcoustics doesn’t make discs with spikes that are longer and this would be a non issue. Could be a good opportunity for an after market product! 

kennyc
2,880 posts
 

Maybe put speakers+gaia on a piece of a flat surface like plywood, marble, metal sheet, and maybe add spikes to the bottom of the flat surface.

Feeling a bit foolish.  My speakers are tilted so ruled out Gaia, but today I realized that the Gaia can work with my speaker footer/outriggers.  

 

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
744 posts
 

Stack Audio AUVA 100's with the spikes. Solid mount to floor and outstanding sonic results. 

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