Anyone try Isoacoustics Gaia’s and Townshend Seismic Podiums?

Hear Here · Apr 6, 2024

gfroman said:
***Note - Also a lot easier to slide the Symposium platforms on the carpet, for micro speaker position adjustments!

The trick to moving heavy speakers for micro-adjustment (particularly with "sticky" feet like Gaias) is to place a tea towel or similar under the speaker.

First tilt the speaker one way (onto 2 feet) and place the folded towel under the speaker, then tilt the other way so that 2 feet rest on the towel and unfold it so it's under all 4 feet. Dead easy on hard floors.

taww · Apr 6, 2024

Hear Here said:
I've found the solution to this problem and it's dead cheap and easy!

Ditch those fiddly knurled rings and replace them with 2 or 3 curved stainless washers like these -

CURVED SPRING WASHERS MECHANICAL ZINC DIN 137A - M2 M3 M3.5 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M10 | eBay

Standard DIN 137A. M10 - 10mm. M3.5 - 3.5mm. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION. Washer Size.

www.ebay.co.uk

These will allow the Gaia to be tightened so that the label faces forward and there is no slack. Much easier than messing with those impossible-to-grip rings that are supplied.

Oh! What a great idea, I shall check this out!

Cellcbern · Apr 6, 2024

taww said:
Oh! What a great idea, I shall check this out!

My approach with Gaias: Outriggers and threaded knobs on top make it much easier to tighten down than the stock locking nuts; 1/2" thick Corian boards with heavy duty sliders (felt or Teflon) between floor and Gaias make it easy to move speakers.

John T · Apr 7, 2024

I used Isoacoustic Gaias on my Joseph Audio Pearl 20/20's for 2 years. I think they make a very good product. I use several of their component isolation products throughout my system. BTW another way to finish the threaded top after it goes through the outrigger is with a SS Acorn nut, nice clean finish.
I have pine floors throughout the log home. About 2 months ago I decided to switch to spikes on the outriggers. I used butcher block platforms under each speaker. It gains 4" of height and I like this with the REL 6 pack array. Everything gels better. For me and the acoustics in my room the spikes presented more articulation and better dynamics. I'm not saying that this will translate in all systems/rooms, but it did for me. Just some food for thought...

Republicoftexas69 · Apr 7, 2024

Hear Here said:
The trick to moving heavy speakers for micro-adjustment (particularly with "sticky" feet like Gaias) is to place a tea towel or similar under the speaker.

First tilt the speaker one way (onto 2 feet) and place the folded towel under the speaker, then tilt the other way so that 2 feet rest on the towel and unfold it so it's under all 4 feet. Dead easy on hard floors.

Try felt pads.

John T · Apr 7, 2024

Furniture Sliders...

Republicoftexas69 · Apr 7, 2024

jtcfdog said:
I've never heard of this brand before. Really interesting how several methods are incorporated into one footer.I'm a Zu owner also living in an old house with springy wooden floors. I chose Primacoustic recoil platforms under my speakers, which I'm very pleased with. I'd like to try the Revpods under my tubed equipment sometime.I've had sand platforms underneath for many years.View attachment 108752

Have these under my Subwoofers!

coldbru · Jul 21, 2024

Has anyone tried the Seismic Pods from Townshend? Same underlying technology at Podiums afaik, but in individual pods.

I have large, weirdly shaped studio monitors in a very small (<400 sw ft) NYC apartment.

While in a previous (larger) space I purchased Size 5 Townshend Podiums with upgraded pods for the weight of my active speakers - ATC SCM110s weighing 160lb each despite the “conventional” enclosures, at least compared to the unobtainium many here have. : )

Unfortunately the Podiums increase the footprint of the speaker in a way that is domestically unacceptable for me. So my Podiums are for sale - DM me. I need something that fits UNDER the speaker without increasing the footprint.

I’ve been thinking about the IsoAcoustics Bordeaux or whatever puck-shaped footers - I’ve used their studio-oriented pucks under previous monitors and, while I expect even more from the Townshend, I know IsoAcoustics are a big improvement from the zero decoupling I have atm.

But wondering if anyone can confirm similar performance between the Podiums and the Pods.

.. I can imagine that balancing and leveling the pods might be a pain. .. C’est la vie, my setup is very much in my living space so this is the constraint.

Mcbrion · Aug 11, 2024

coldbru said:
Has anyone tried the Seismic Pods from Townshend? Same underlying technology at Podiums afaik, but in individual pods.

I have large, weirdly shaped studio monitors in a very small (<400 sw ft) NYC apartment.

While in a previous (larger) space I purchased Size 5 Townshend Podiums with upgraded pods for the weight of my active speakers - ATC SCM110s weighing 160lb each despite the “conventional” enclosures, at least compared to the unobtainium many here have. : )

Unfortunately the Podiums increase the footprint of the speaker in a way that is domestically unacceptable for me. So my Podiums are for sale - DM me. I need something that fits UNDER the speaker without increasing the footprint.

I’ve been thinking about the IsoAcoustics Bordeaux or whatever puck-shaped footers - I’ve used their studio-oriented pucks under previous monitors and, while I expect even more from the Townshend, I know IsoAcoustics are a big improvement from the zero decoupling I have atm.

But wondering if anyone can confirm similar performance between the Podiums and the Pods.

.. I can imagine that balancing and leveling the pods might be a pain. .. C’est la vie, my setup is very much in my living space so this is the constraint.

I have both the Seismic Pods as well as the Seismic Vibration Isolation Platform. They DO sound similar, but (and I don't have to choose, but I know you do) I would try the Vibration Isolation Platform. I have found it to be excellent, especially under turntables, but just as good under say, a line conditioner.
Might I suggest you see if the Critical Mass Center Stage 2M footers can be used underneath speakers of that weight? They are not simply "excellent footers," they are magical footers. I defy ANYONE to put these under a component, wait 10 days for it to stabilize (I call on the ghost of William Shakespeare for help: "Aye, there's the rub") and not be drooling 10 days later at the transformation. And yes, if you listen to it at Day 4, you might recoil at how confused your systems sounds, but there it is. Now, I expected GREAT. I did not expect The Second Coming. (That's only a slight exaggeration. I understand Soulution uses these on all their electronics (might be just a rumour, but it didn't sound like it was). I would get Critical Mass for an application before I ever purchased a component. Oh, wait, I've already done that!

If you can get these under your speakers, you'll be set. But if not, the Seismic Isolation Platform is an alternative to look into. And you can change the footers on it to adjust for the weight of whatever you place on it over time. I started with Iso Pods (on the isolation platform) that could handle 40 pounds, but now I used the 60 pound isolation feet (again, attached to the Seismic Isolation Platform). Between 4 footers, your speakers should be fine. That is 60 pounds per pod. So, 240 pounds total, and strong enough for your speakers.

So, first choice is Critical Mass (yes, I know: you didn't ask about those! But I thought you'd like to know), then the Seismic Isolation Platform, then the iso pods. It just occurred to me that the advantage for the isolation platform is that it's a heavy plate of steel, so it's flat. Easier to get speakers on and be certain the speakers are level, than the iso pods, which are individual, and might be a tiny bit "springy" underneath speakers.

I hope this helps. And, of course, there is Townshend Audio, who are very helpful.

coldbru · Aug 11, 2024

Mcbrion said:
I have both the Seismic Pods as well as the Seismic Vibration Isolation Platform. They DO sound similar, but (and I don't have to choose, but I know you do) I would try the Vibration Isolation Platform. I have found it to be excellent, especially under turntables, but just as good under say, a line conditioner.
Might I suggest you see if the Critical Mass Center Stage 2M footers can be used underneath speakers of that weight? They are not simply "excellent footers," they are magical footers. I defy ANYONE to put these under a component, wait 10 days for it to stabilize (I call on the ghost of William Shakespeare for help: "Aye, there's the rub") and not be drooling 10 days later at the transformation. And yes, if you listen to it at Day 4, you might recoil at how confused your systems sounds, but there it is. Now, I expected GREAT. I did not expect The Second Coming. (That's only a slight exaggeration. I understand Soulution uses these on all their electronics (might be just a rumour, but it didn't sound like it was). I would get Critical Mass for an application before I ever purchased a component. Oh, wait, I've already done that!

If you can get these under your speakers, you'll be set. But if not, the Seismic Isolation Platform is an alternative to look into. And you can change the footers on it to adjust for the weight of whatever you place on it over time. I started with Iso Pods (on the isolation platform) that could handle 40 pounds, but now I used the 60 pound isolation feet (again, attached to the Seismic Isolation Platform). Between 4 footers, your speakers should be fine. That is 60 pounds per pod. So, 240 pounds total, and strong enough for your speakers.

So, first choice is Critical Mass (yes, I know: you didn't ask about those! But I thought you'd like to know), then the Seismic Isolation Platform, then the iso pods. It just occurred to me that the advantage for the isolation platform is that it's a heavy plate of steel, so it's flat. Easier to get speakers on and be certain the speakers are level, than the iso pods, which are individual, and might be a tiny bit "springy" underneath speakers.

I hope this helps. And, of course, there is Townshend Audio, who are very helpful.

I appreciate the thoughtful response. I am looking for “better sound”, ie better bass articulation, bigger soundstage etc, but I am also substantially looking for isolation from the floor — I don’t want my neighbors to hear direct vibration from my speakers and into the floor.

.. having read through their site and some reviews, they do claim to absorb / filter energy from the floor, from the component, and, I guess, internally. Fascinating. ( this is an area where the IsoAcoustics, at their lower price point, are almost always an improvement on simple spikes or no coupler at all, but are definitely editorializing somewhat, or, put differently, are an improvement but are not totally linear.)

I will search for weight / application limit on the 2M in particular. For this kind of component in particular I’m happy to buy previous generation tech; it should based on the reviews be a big improvement as I’m basically starting from zero.

In your experience, can *any* of the Center Stage footers be used under a speaker? I know they have pricey LS models but they will be out of budget.

———

Re Townshend I share the preference for the Platforms on the assumption that the Pods will be somewhat tweaky / wonky. My speakers are in a high traffic spot and do get bumped (from the side) from time to time. But my concern re footprint means that I would be using a smaller Type 4 which are actually inside the LxW footprint of the speaker, with blocks of granite or wood or whatever sitting on the Podium high enough to clear the feet. Potentially unstable. I’ve just realized while writing that I could use 2x4s or some such at a 45 degree angle to reach the outside of the speaker. It’ll be ugly but perhaps there’s an answer here if I want to spend $3200 for a pair of podiums as opposed to 6400 for 8 CMS LS 2.5 .. or say ~4400 at retail for a set of 8 2M 1.0s.

I’m confused about the difference ration between 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5. Is it a performance AND weight limit distinction, or could you in theory order 0.8s with a higher weight limit?

Don’t worry, I can ask a dealer. Thanks for info - I appreciate your take on it.

sbo6 · Aug 11, 2024

Late to this conversation but FWIW I had Gaias under my speakers and then when I had my upstairs converted from carpet to "luxury vinyl" including my audio room I took the opportunity to switch to Townshend platforms. Now, so much had changed in the sound that at first, I went backwards with much slap echo even with dual layered rugs up to the speakers and to the listening chair. However, once I tamed the slap echo, the sound was much improved. How much by the Townshends I did not know. So I took the opportunity to remove them and put back the Gaias and to my ears, the Townshends are noticeably better, specifically in bass definition and definition of spacial cues (easier to pick out exactly where the musicians were) and also in horizontal, vertical and depth range - everything was a bit wider deeper and high / lower. The Townshends also offer what's perceived as greater flow / ease to the music. Obviously, the Townshends went back under the speakers. VG product IME/IMO.

Anyoldears · Aug 12, 2024

Mcbrion said:
Might I suggest you see if the Critical Mass Center Stage 2M footers can be used underneath speakers of that weight? They are not simply "excellent footers," they are magical footers. I defy ANYONE to put these under a component, wait 10 days for it to stabilize (I call on the ghost of William Shakespeare for help: "Aye, there's the rub") and not be drooling 10 days later at the transformation.

They are now superseded by the Ultra range, the TC (starter), TD (mid range) and TT (adjustable top end). The speaker stands for CMS are the new LS2.25, and the mid and top range will be out shortly apparently.

Anyone try Isoacoustics Gaia’s and Townshend Seismic Podiums?

Hear Here

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