Townshend Audio - Seismic Podiums

[Gazzip]

Hi there,

Does anybody have any experience with these? There does seem to be some actual science behind this and the video (available on the page the link below goes to) seems quite compelling.

Any thoughts? They are expensive at £1500-ish a pair depending on where you get them from, but as I say there is some plausible science on show here, albeit that my knowledge of the inner workings of a driver is not extensive enough to know whether or not these could/would make any improvement/difference.

I have read somewhere that PMC use them on their larger models.

http://www.townshendaudio.com/hi-fi-home-cinema-equipment-vibration-isolation/hi-fi-home-cinema-vibration-isolation-speaker-podiums/

 

[Q5]

Hi there,

Does anybody have any experience with these? There does seem to be some actual science behind this and the video (available on the page the link below goes to) seems quite compelling.

Any thoughts? They are expensive at £1500-ish a pair depending on where you get them from, but as I say there is some plausible science on show here, albeit that my knowledge of the inner workings of a driver is not extensive enough to know whether or not these could/would make any improvement/difference.

I have read somewhere that PMC use them on their larger models.

http://www.townshendaudio.com/hi-fi-home-cinema-equipment-vibration-isolation/hi-fi-home-cinema-vibration-isolation-speaker-podiums/

I am a big fan of their equipment, I have seen the platforms which are very well made but have not reied them in my house. Only seen in a demo room.

I do however have the Seismic Isolation bars used under my sub, I have a suspended wooden floor and they have made a huge difference to the sound and stopped the bass transmitting through the floorboards.

 

[matt49]

I am a big fan of their equipment, I have seen the platforms which are very well made but have not reied them in my house. Only seen in a demo room.

I do however have the Seismic Isolation bars used under my sub, I have a suspended wooden floor and they have made a huge difference to the sound and stopped the bass transmitting through the floorboards.

I also have the Isolation Bars and can second Q5's opinion.

The design is based on sound (sic) engineering principles; the only downside is that they're so expensive.

EDIT I use them under my Martin Logan Montis.

 

[Al ears]

Yep, unlike most snake-oil products I would actually buy these if they weren't so expensive. I have seen the principle work well on a Rock 7 turntable.

I am seriously considering saving for them but whether they would make an improvement compared to spending £1500 more on upgrading speakers themselves who knows.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

i seen oak platforms on ebay from £50 - £150 made out of wood or metal for speakers , subs , amps , cd player's , record player's or so i seen a utube video someone makeing some just need some wood working skills

 

[matt49]

i seen oak platforms on ebay from £50 - £150 made out of wood or metal for speakers , subs , amps , cd player's , record player's or so i seen a utube video someone makeing some just need some wood working skills

Sure, but they won't isolate nearly as well as the Townshend products, which have springs in them.

 

[matt49]

Is it "sound"? I know little about this branch of physics (apart from some fundamanetal principles) but for example they suggest that capacitors are microphonic, which I don't think they are, or at least not to an extent that would cause any audible effect. If you read the stuff they write about their cables that is full of pseudo-scientific BS (I am being kind here as some of it isn't true - cables close together stopping rf interference for example is just nonsense) so I am very suspicious. The website reads like one of those emails you get from Nigeria telling you that they want to send you a lot of money.

I understand wanting to isolate turntables, they are very susceptible to vibrations. Speakers also maybe so as to stop direct connection with the floor (albeit the floor will still resonate from the sound waves). Everything else I doubt very much indeed (again I am being kind).

I wonder if anyone has carried out a DBT?

Chris

Note: I'm only talking about the speaker isolation products, not the other stuff. And they are based on sound engineering. Essentially they're capsules with springs inside, and it's easy to see how they work.

I had this confirmed for me by a guy on the PFM forum, Frank (f1eng), who worked on vibration control for Garrard and then spent 30 years as a formula 1 engineer.

 

[Al ears]

Is it "sound"? I know little about this branch of physics (apart from some fundamanetal principles) but for example they suggest that capacitors are microphonic, which I don't think they are, or at least not to an extent that would cause any audible effect. If you read the stuff they write about their cables that is full of pseudo-scientific BS (I am being kind here as some of it isn't true - cables close together stopping rf interference for example is just nonsense) so I am very suspicious. The website reads like one of those emails you get from Nigeria telling you that they want to send you a lot of money.

I understand wanting to isolate turntables, they are very susceptible to vibrations. Speakers also maybe so as to stop direct connection with the floor (albeit the floor will still resonate from the sound waves). Everything else I doubt very much indeed (again I am being kind).

I wonder if anyone has carried out a DBT?

Chris

Note: I'm only talking about the speaker isolation products, not the other stuff. And they are based on sound engineering. Essentially they're capsules with springs inside, and it's easy to see how they work.

I had this confirmed for me by a guy on the PFM forum, Frank (f1eng), who worked on vibration control for Garrard and then spent 30 years as a formula 1 engineer.

Yep, they have been demonstrated at various shows around the world to people who know what they are listening to and I believe at least one well respected reviewer uses them under his Focal speakers (admittedly quite expensive focal speakers).

 

[Blacksabbath25]

i seen oak platforms on ebay from £50 - £150 made out of wood or metal for speakers , subs , amps , cd player's , record player's or so i seen a utube video someone makeing some just need some wood working skills

Sure, but they won't isolate nearly as well as the Townshend products, which have springs in them.

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

 

[Covenanter]

I am a big fan of their equipment, I have seen the platforms which are very well made but have not reied them in my house. Only seen in a demo room.

I do however have the Seismic Isolation bars used under my sub, I have a suspended wooden floor and they have made a huge difference to the sound and stopped the bass transmitting through the floorboards.

I also have the Isolation Bars and can second Q5's opinion.

The design is based on sound (sic) engineering principles; the only downside is that they're so expensive.

EDIT I use them under my Martin Logan Montis.

Is it "sound"? I know little about this branch of physics (apart from some fundamental principles) but for example they suggest that capacitors are microphonic, which I don't think they are, or at least not to an extent that would cause any audible effect. If you read the stuff they write about their cables that is full of pseudo-scientific BS (I am being kind here as some of it isn't true - cables close together stopping rf interference for example is just nonsense) so I am very suspicious. The website reads like one of those emails you get from Nigeria telling you that they want to send you a lot of money.

I understand wanting to isolate turntables, they are very susceptible to vibrations. Speakers also maybe so as to stop direct connection with the floor (albeit the floor will still resonate from the sound waves). Everything else I doubt very much indeed (again I am being kind).

I wonder if anyone has carried out a DBT?

Chris

 

[Al ears]

i seen oak platforms on ebay from £50 - £150 made out of wood or metal for speakers , subs , amps , cd player's , record player's or so i seen a utube video someone makeing some just need some wood working skills

Sure, but they won't isolate nearly as well as the Townshend products, which have springs in them.

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

That's the dilemma isn't it? For that sort of money you could get one heck of a speaker upgrade. If you already have expensive speakers then this cost to improve might not be so much of a concern.

 

[CnoEvil]

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

With an ingrained suspended wooden floor problem (which you don't have), a cheaper pair of speakers that are properly decoupled from the floor, can sound preferable to more expensive ones, that aren't.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

With an ingrained suspended wooden floor problem (which you don't have), a cheaper pair of speakers that are properly decoupled from the floor, can sound preferable to more expensive ones, that aren't.

i found some shoes now *ok*

 

[matt49]

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

With an ingrained suspended wooden floor problem (which you don't have), a cheaper pair of speakers that are properly decoupled from the floor, can sound preferable to more expensive ones, that aren't.

i found some shoes now *ok*

Great: at last you can go out of the house again!

 

[Al ears]

i like the idea of them but they cost lots i looked at the web site myself

With an ingrained suspended wooden floor problem (which you don't have), a cheaper pair of speakers that are properly decoupled from the floor, can sound preferable to more expensive ones, that aren't.

i found some shoes now *ok*

Great: at last you can go out of the house again!

Which is more than he could do after spending all that money on Podiums.

 

[Gazzip]

Bought some! Gulp! Will feed back on my findings.

 

[Al ears]

Bought some! Gulp! Will feed back on my findings.

Brave man. Eagerly awaiting findings.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

I have been doing a bit of research on vibration and sound if you look at the source like say a drum kit which in a way is like a speaker were your getting bass from the bass drum what does a drummer put under his bass drum a rubber mat or carpet ! as well as having rubber feet on all of the instruments in the kit it does 3 jobs stops the bass drum moving , stops resonating , and deaden's the sound a bit so I am sure if you use the same method it should give the same results ? What does anyone think about this idea

 

[Vladimir]

I haven't tried springy things, but I had best results ever with bitumen sheets on CDPs.

From my highschool days when I worked on big industrial lathes (they made us learn the manual ones before CNC), every machine was coupled to the floor on concrete podiums with huge screws that were welded in the armature of the floor. This takes the vibration from the machine and distributes it to the higher mass object, the floor and the building. Otherwise the machine will vibrate like mad, which is not only bad for performance (everything jittery, no precission), but also dangerous for the worker.

Same logic applies to a speaker which is a vibrating machine. If you don't distribute that vibration by coupling it to the floor, the speaker will vibrate and smear. You may like the result, but I don't see how setting it jiggle in mid air on springs is an improvement in performance. Especially an ESL pannel!

Couple speakers to the floor, decouple sources from everything. But if you have suspended floors, you may need to do more work than just add some spikes, because you coupled to the suspended (decoupled) floor only, not the concrete.

 

[Womaz]

Bought some! Gulp! Will feed back on my findings.

Will be very interesting to hear what you think. The video is a good watch and makes it all appear so simple, but will you hear an improvement, thats the big question.

If it works its not really a big outlay considering the system you have IMO

 

[Blacksabbath25]

I haven't tried springy things, but I had best results ever with bitumen sheets on CDPs.

From my highschool days when I worked on big industrial lathes (they made us learn the manual ones before CNC), every machine was coupled to the floor on concrete podiums with huge screws that were welded in the armature of the floor. This takes the vibration from the machine and distributes it to the higher mass object, the floor and the building. Otherwise the machine will vibrate like mad, which is not only bad for performance (everything jittery, no precission), but also dangerous for the worker.

Same logic applies to a speaker which is a vibrating machine. If you don't distribute that vibration by coupling it to the floor, the speaker will vibrate and smear. You may like the result, but I don't see how setting it jiggle in mid air on springs is an improvement in performance. Especially an ESL pannel!

Couple speakers to the floor, decouple sources from everything. But if you have suspended floors, you may need to do more work than just add some spikes, because you coupled to the suspended (decoupled) floor only, not the concrete.

the shoes I got for my speakers have a rubber base I go them today much better . A question about speaker cable is there a cable that uses silver say for the treble and copper for the bass as silver cable can give good detail on the treble of the speaker and cooper I think gives better bass so not sure which way round it would be but say sliver for positive and copper for negative just a mad idea of mine

 

[Vladimir]

IIRC when you mix cables in a bi-wiring setup you are introducing different impedances and that will create a phase shift.

 

[Gazzip]

I haven't tried springy things, but I had best results ever with bitumen sheets on CDPs.

From my highschool days when I worked on big industrial lathes (they made us learn the manual ones before CNC), every machine was coupled to the floor on concrete podiums with huge screws that were welded in the armature of the floor. This takes the vibration from the machine and distributes it to the higher mass object, the floor and the building. Otherwise the machine will vibrate like mad, which is not only bad for performance (everything jittery, no precission), but also dangerous for the worker.

Same logic applies to a speaker which is a vibrating machine. If you don't distribute that vibration by coupling it to the floor, the speaker will vibrate and smear. You may like the result, but I don't see how setting it jiggle in mid air on springs is an improvement in performance. Especially an ESL pannel!

Couple speakers to the floor, decouple sources from everything. But if you have suspended floors, you may need to do more work than just add some spikes, because you coupled to the suspended (decoupled) floor only, not the concrete.

This is why I hope my investment is sound. My listening room is on the second floor of a 19th century property (no real foundations), with timber suspended floors, approximately 20m from five converging and busy train lines in SW London. When a freight train goes by the house physical vibrates to an extent that you can feel it. When a passenger train goes by the glasses and bottles in my drinks cabinet tinkle together. This happens every minute or so in rush hour. Sounds horrible doesn't it? Trust me you get used to it. All part and parcel of living in this great capital of ours! Anyway, I digress.....

Obviously the best improvement in sound quality for me would be to move house. This is not going to happen but I cannot help but think that he current situation must be improveable.

I will report back upon receipt and installation of the podiums.....

 

[Q5]

You may like the result, but I don't see how setting it jiggle in mid air on springs is an improvement in performance. Especially an ESL pannel!

The Seismic Isolation bars are matched to the weight of the object you are placing on them.

The feet are colour coded according to weight, there should be no jiggling around if set up correctly.

 

[Al ears]

I haven't tried springy things, but I had best results ever with bitumen sheets on CDPs.

From my highschool days when I worked on big industrial lathes (they made us learn the manual ones before CNC), every machine was coupled to the floor on concrete podiums with huge screws that were welded in the armature of the floor. This takes the vibration from the machine and distributes it to the higher mass object, the floor and the building. Otherwise the machine will vibrate like mad, which is not only bad for performance (everything jittery, no precission), but also dangerous for the worker.

Same logic applies to a speaker which is a vibrating machine. If you don't distribute that vibration by coupling it to the floor, the speaker will vibrate and smear. You may like the result, but I don't see how setting it jiggle in mid air on springs is an improvement in performance. Especially an ESL pannel!

Couple speakers to the floor, decouple sources from everything. But if you have suspended floors, you may need to do more work than just add some spikes, because you coupled to the suspended (decoupled) floor only, not the concrete.

This is why I hope my investment is sound. My listening room is on the second floor of a 19th century property (no real foundations), with timber suspended floors, approximately 20m from five converging and busy train lines in SW London. When a freight train goes by the house physical vibrates to an extent that you can feel it. When a passenger train goes by the glasses and bottles in my drinks cabinet tinkle together. This happens every minute or so in rush hour. Sounds horrible doesn't it? Trust me you get used to it. All part and parcel of living in this great capital of ours! Anyway, I digress.....

Obviously the best improvement in sound quality for me would be to move house. This is not going to happen but I cannot help but think that he current situation must be improveable.

I will report back upon receipt and installation of the podiums.....

Sounds awful. I can see why you don't have a turntable in your system.