Sorbothane is far more effective for isolation than other materials such as rubber; it dampens vibration and impact by converting it into a small amount of heat. It has many applications; it is widely used by audiophiles to help isolate turntables (and neighbours!) from subwoofers and speakers or from the unwanted influences of other equipment and traffic rumble, it is used to quieten the vibration from PCs, hard drives, DVD drives and other spinning equipment, for protecting sensitive scientific equipment, it is even used by NASA to isolate vibration and in the recoil pads of guns. The domed shape of these Fonotek hemispheres further helps isolation by minimising the points of contact. They can be used domed side up or down. They possess their own natural tackiness which clings to most surfaces. If you require a more permanent application, correctly sized 3M peel and stick adhesive transfer circles are also included, these are supplied separately so that you can choose to use them, or not. These Fonotek hemispheres are '50 durometer'; this is the measurement of their hardness or of the amount they 'squish' when loaded and it greatly influences the load rating. This is the mid load rating of most sorbothane products and is the preferred option for most audiophiles and domestic users since it provides the best equilibrium for protection against both high and low frequency influences; other durometer ratings are commonly used for specialised applications including high/low frequencies or temperatures. Sorbothane has a high plasticiser content which gives it a natural 'stickiness'; this is harmless to most surfaces, but can stain some others including varnish, paints and wood; they are supplied with a urethane coating which provides some protection but this can wash or wear off so you may wish use the supplied transfer circles or a small piece of cling-film etc. for further protection. Made in the UK.
B**!
They really work!
If, like most people, you don't have a bed of solid rock to place each speaker on you'll probably need something to de-couple them from whatever surface they're sitting on. I've tried many solutions over the years and rate these very highly. I previously bought larger ones to use with my Tannoy Cheviots, 4 under each speaker. Considering the size and weight of the Cheviots the sorbothene does a remarkable job. I have the hemispheres on a granite chopping board which is in turn on top of a rectangle of firm foam. It stops most all vibration transferring onto the cupboard each one is sitting on. Quite a feat as they're big old speakers and produce plenty of lower end. So, recommended? Absolutely!
J**A
As good as much pricier alternatives
Using various sizes of these under my turntable, CD and UD players and AVR which, by necessity of space, have to stand right next to one of my floorstanders. But these little hemispheres ensure that absolutely no vibration affects the sound.If you have components with particularly flexible feet installed, you might have a little trouble maintaining balance - my Pro-Ject turntable seems to 'wander' a bit when the pads are placed the ideal way (round side up) but the issue has been solved by inverting the hemispheres, with no noticeable change to the sound quality.I use them on glass shelves but they are quite sticky even when you don't use the supplied adhesive pads, and I suspect they would leave a residue/mark on a wooden surface.
C**D
Sounds good to me.
Definable change in the overall sound quality. The speakers sit on these on a wooden floor. Invisible in use and so simple without the sticky pads. The bass is improved, less muddy (tighter). I bunged the speakers, but found it was better without.The walls of this room are plasterboard, so the sound bounces around a bit, and the wooden floor adds its affect too. The room is narrow (converted garage), but with my old amp and cd player I can listen to music and enjoy good quality sound. The amp is powerful so I don't get to turn that volume knob very far at all.
C**S
Really useful product.
Brilliant as always! Put these under anything you don't wish to vibrate the surface it stands on. Really quietened my desktop PC. I was amazed how much the cabinet was joining in. Excellent under small speakers too. And CD players.
C**G
Great Product, Great Service
Bought two different sized sets of these, didn’t think they would make much difference but the results really were noticeable. The annoying vibrating rattle from my DVD player cleared up immediately, and used the other set under my Linn Sondek LP12 turntable; I now get a much tighter bass and improved soundstage but the totally unexpected bonus was the complete elimination of the effect from foot-fall which had been quite a problem in our rickety old house. The best, fastest, and most economic upgrade I have made in in a long time.
N**L
Makes a significant difference
I purchased these for my business to reduce the vibration from the NAS and other drives. It has helped significantly, highly recommended.
S**E
I thought this item was good but not exceptional
I thought this item was good but not exceptional.Purchased this to know some bass out of my sub-woofer box, but these have reduced the bass too much.
B**N
Superb
Great product
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2 months ago
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