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Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

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MJim
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Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by MJim » Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:45 am

I've finally decided to go for a dedicated subwoofer at home, and have just ordered a BK XXLS400 FF. My one concern is not to upset the neighbours with whom I currently have a good relationship, with vibrations transmitting through the walls and floor.  I thought there'd probably be some audiophiles on this site who could give sensible advice as to how best to isolate it?

The property is terraced, and the room the SW will go in is 20ft by 20ft with neighbours immediately beneath (wooden floor) and on both sides (brick walls). I'll be putting it on spikes but understand that some use isolating foam, however can't find anything that isn't dog ugly and don't know if it will be necessary anyway?

Any advice gratefully received!
Last edited by MJim on Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by X5Sport » Sun Mar 17, 2013 11:13 am

As subs use the floor or walls as a soundboard you may have to keep the bass wound down a bit or you may not be very popular.  I lived in an end of terrace a few years back, and had a Jamo sub which used the floor as the sound board and did need to be kept low or my neighbours got annoyed.  Bass seems to travel well!!

If it's a wall firing type then turning it away from the wall, or moving it a few inches further away can help limit any nuisance.

Good luck though.... :)

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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by MJim » Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:30 pm

Think I'll put it on spikes and granite to stop vibrations feeding directly from the sub box to the floor, and as you say keep it turned down.  Look forward to cranking it up when neighbours are out though!  O:-)
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by 535dboy » Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:34 pm

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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by Rusty » Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:47 am

Put the granite on some foam so it reduces the amount of sound transfer down.


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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by Reusch » Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:29 am

I needed to dissipate some noise/vibration from a powerful water pump, I used some acoustic foam and it worked a treat BUT it was out of site.
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by Steamyrotter » Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:06 pm

Move??

Deafen the neighbours?

Insert ear plugs in their ears when they are sleeping?
(admittedly probably one of the more creepy suggestions???
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by MJim » Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:05 pm

[quote="Rusty"]
Put the granite on some foam so it reduces the amount of sound transfer down.


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[/quote]

Thanks. What sort of foam would you suggest?  I'd looked at the Auralex Subdude (cool name eh? Not) but it's butt ugly. Something that Reusch also alludes to. Are there any foam options that aren't?  I'm currently looking at using 10 or so Foculpods beneath the plinth...
Last edited by MJim on Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by MJim » Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:10 pm

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
Move??

Deafen the neighbours?
[/quote]

From what I gather, if I crank this baby up, that's exactly what will happen, if I don't bring the house down that is.  Problem is that I would also deafen myself in the process, which kind of defeats the purpose ...    :))
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by snipez999 » Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:43 pm

Bose QC headphones - then you can ramp it up all you like!!
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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by X5Sport » Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:38 pm

Bose?  Get some proper ones.....Sennheiser... >:D.  Bose indeed :o :thumbsdown: :nono:

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Re: Advice on isolating a subwoofer?

Post by MJim » Tue Mar 19, 2013 12:49 am

[quote="X5Sport"]
Bose?  Get some proper ones.....Sennheiser... >:D.  Bose indeed :o :thumbsdown: :nono:

Richard
[/quote]

Agreed - already got the Sennheisers - look a bit industrial rather than cool, but same as around half the commentators and DJs seem to use.  Block surrounding sound out very well and very good SQ.  Don't make the earth shake though!
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