Blu Tac or Spikes, Partington Super Dreadnoughts or Atacama Auroras

[admin_exported]

I notice WHF uses super dreadnoughts to test bookshelf speakers - what material do you use to isolate the speaker from the top plate - still so much contention over spikes vs blu tac vs other materials - wish I could find some definitive physics on the subject?

Also I'm thinking about B&W 685's and the stand choice seems to be down to the super dreadnoughts or atacama auroras. The dreads look really imposing and apparently have a small top plate, whereas the auroras look less intimidating but are they as good - I notice WHF give both 5 stars but the dreads are the ones they actually use for tests...

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

Hello,

Both the Partingtons and Atacamas work well with the 685s. The Partingtons give a more solid and forceful sound where the Atacamas promote a more fluid presentation. We use both in our reviews.

As to the choice of Blutack or spikes there are no hard and fast rules. It's a case of just trying and listening.

 

[the record spot]

There are also stands by the likes of Target and Apollo too.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Indeed, but it's vital with the B&Ws that you use a sturdy stand - you won't hear them at their best otherwise

 

[Anonymous]

Ketan Thanks for your reply - I love your language - so eloquent, and yet still confusing - what do you mean by "a more fluid presentation"? I am learning that hi fi is so much about artistic interpretation of science!

Also what do you use on the top plate of dreadnoughts to mount a speaker such as a B&W 685 - surely not just on the metal?

I ask carefully because I notice the aurora 6's have rubber type mounts on the top plate and dampening gaskets in the structure - unlike the dreads which are just massive pieces of steel - I wonder if the dampening in the aurora causes less punch ?

 

[AEJim]

It's a very tricky business - I've been working on the new Reference stands and I can safely say they probably sound best with 3 small domed rubber feet about 3" apart in a triangle in the middle of the top plate... Guru speakers use a soft foam coupling to great effect - when you mount them solidly to the top plate with spikes or Blu-tac they lose a little of their "magic". The problem is you're left with a pretty unstable coupling! 😀 Blu-tac is generally the easiest, safest bet - that's not to say you can't improve on it if you do some very controlled experimentation...

 

[Anonymous]

AEJim:It's a very tricky business - I've been working on the new Reference stands and I can safely say they probably sound best with 3 small domed rubber feet about 3" apart in a triangle in the middle of the top plate... Guru speakers use a soft foam coupling to great effect - when you mount them solidly to the top plate with spikes or Blu-tac they lose a little of their "magic". The problem is you're left with a pretty unstable coupling! 😀 Blu-tac is generally the easiest, safest bet - that's not to say you can't improve on it if you do some very controlled experimentation...

and I am currently creating my own patented unique substancein the lab to relpace Blu-tac, spikes and squash balls as we speak!

shhhh

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse. By 'fluid' I mean its presentation is more organic in the way dynamics are delivered. It's subtler, less hard edged than the Partingtons in this respect. There's also less punch overall. That's the trade-off.

We Blu-tack with the Partingtons.

Hope this clears things up.

 

[AEJim]

igglepiggle:
Ketan Thanks for your reply - I love your language - so eloquent, and yet still confusing - what do you mean by "a more fluid presentation"? I am learning that hi fi is so much about artistic interpretation of science!

It makes more sense when you imagine it delivered in his smooth, velvety tones...

 

[Sizzers]

How would you say they compare with the Trophy's?

I'll be upgrading my stands fairly soon, but I'm not to keen on the "industrial" look of the 'noughts. If they're going to offer a significant improvement then fine, but I do like what I've researched on their little brothers.

 

[Dan Turner]

For me it's either blu-tack, or constant paranoia.