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View Full Version : Do roller casters impead bass performance?



robertbartsch
08-04-2008, 08:05 AM
OK, so I have a few projects I working presently.

One is a pair of older furniture boxes that are approximtely 6 square (cubic?) feet and that will hold 15s, compression drivers and horn lenzes.

Anyway, after I'm done I assume the weight will be over 100lbs each.

Therefore, I'm considering using roller casters so the boxes can be moved from place to place for house cleaning, etc.

I've done this before with other cabnets and it seems like a good idea.

Does this impact bass performance?

Thx...

Mr. Widget
08-04-2008, 09:21 AM
My speakers weigh in at closer to 300lbs ea. and I keep them on casters. Using CLIO, I can measure extremely subtle changes to the bass between sitting on casters and spiking them, but the difference isn't particularly audible... but then I am not a hundred dollar a foot cable guy either.


Widget

Robh3606
08-04-2008, 09:34 AM
Considering how much easier it makes getting the room placement just right I think the benefits outweight and issues from the casters. Spikes are a real PITA in comparison especially with heavy cabinets.

Rob:)

robertbartsch
08-04-2008, 10:15 AM
...I read an article in a publication titled, Home Theater. I beleive it is the successor to Stereo Review.

Anyway, they conducted a blind test of audiofiles using (1) standard speaker cable, and (2) the $100 per foot speaker cable.

Apparently, about 70% said the $100 per foot cable sounded better!

I would not buy this stuff but apparently, the test results were based on a study that showed statistical significance!

The magazine also ran ads for the cable, so I assume it may be bogus???

hjames
08-04-2008, 10:26 AM
I think there's already a fairly new thread on speaker wires, it'd be nice not to bring that potential flame war material to this thread. I'm not voting either way, but that wire discussion has gotten toxic in the past and THIS discussion is about casters on the souls of their feet. That high end wire discussion is here http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=18616

FWIW - over the last few weeks I've built caster wheeled "plinths" for my two pairs of speakers.
They sure help me get my speakers just where I want them!
Those 4341s are bit tough to shift into place on carpet without them!

Hoerninger
08-04-2008, 10:29 AM
... but then I am not a hundred dollar a foot cable guy either.

Additional investments in SPIKES can be perfomed. :yes:
The more the better ... :uhmmmm:
_____________
Peter

The remark on CLIO made me responding. :)

robertbartsch
08-04-2008, 11:16 AM
OK, I'm stumped. What are spikes? Are these the threaded adjustible feet that are commonly found on washing machines?

demon
08-04-2008, 11:56 AM
this stuff is spoken of:
http://www.av-outlet.com/images/viablue/qtc-d.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/MundU/audio/spikes.jpghttp://hifi4me.de/img/phonosophie-m8-spikes%204er-set-0_1194987854.jpg
http://www.howtobepunk.com/images/punks/real/punks1.jpghttp://guide.hifi-tv-moebel.de/uploaded_images/hesk_spikes-blog-kl-l.jpg
http://www.fairaudio.de/img/test/cec-amp5300/spikes-klein.gif

cheers,
mikey

Hoerninger
08-04-2008, 12:01 PM
OK, I'm stumped. What are spikes? Are these the threaded adjustible feet that are commonly found on washing machines?
Spikes are hard and have a special form. Something like this, there is a great variety in the market:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?Partnumber=240-718

I do not use spikes, for example my TT is attached to the wall by a rock solid board (no traffic outside).
____________
Peter

Russellc
08-08-2008, 06:38 AM
My A7s as well as JBL 4647 based econowaves are both on rollers. Lot easier to move around, no loss of bass noted. These speakers are heavy,
mileage may vary with lighter bookshelf sized models. Rollers are too cool. Prevents a lot of banged up corners on speakers approaching 200 lbs as well.
Harbor freight has 1000 lbs furniture movers, I think were 14.99 a piece.
Avatar shows the A7s in my old house, where they set on the floor, all my "plus sized " speakers are now on rollers.
Russellc

Doc Mark
08-08-2008, 10:27 AM
Greetings, All,

So, what size wheels are you all using for your casters? I would guess you have to choose, depending on load ratings, eh? Good idea, and one I'll explore soon, me thinks. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

Ian Mackenzie
08-09-2008, 02:02 PM
I have used roller casters for moving my 4345 clones.

Make sure they are rated for the load. Make sure your floor is flat otherwise it will rock and that is bad.

Depending on what your floor is constructed from it will make a difference to the bass (3 inches off the floor is 3 inches of air space).

In theory the box being on the floor will load more room gain if you care to model it. It will also alter any apparent baffle diffraction because the sound waves can travel under and over the box. Depending on your room this might be a good or a bad thing.

The lateral position of the boxes to the rear and side wall is going to have more impact on you bass. If you raise the box 6 inches you will definately hear a difference.. At least the roller casters give you the benefit of trying different positions. I found that very useful.

I think height adjustable spikes are a better alternative.

Ian

A9X
08-09-2008, 05:55 PM
Rollers should make no difference if they are up to the task of supporting the speaker, don't allow it to rock because of tolerances in the axles or bearings. The height difference may be noted if it changed the FR because you are now on a slightly different listening axis.


Depending on what your floor is constructed from it will make a difference to the bass (3 inches off the floor is 3 inches of air space).

In theory the box being on the floor will load more room gain if you care to model it. It will also alter any apparent baffle diffraction because the sound waves can travel under and over the box. Depending on your room this might be a good or a bad thing.Agree re the floor being flat.
I would like to see your modelling of a speaker in room on the floor vs one 75mm higher as the wavelengths are too long at LF for it to make a difference.
Diffraction? Lets say I'm sceptical without some empirical support.

Titanium Dome
08-09-2008, 07:10 PM
Heather

Is that a Poang from Ikea I see there?

Titanium Dome
08-09-2008, 07:27 PM
To the gentlemen from Australia: Put a bloody skirt on.

On the dolly I mean.

On the "four-wheeled truck with casters" dolly, not that dolly.

Preferably make it a removable one.

No, I can't see into your rooms.

hjames
08-09-2008, 07:45 PM
Heather

Is that a Poang from Ikea I see there?

Why yes, TiDome, its a pair o'Poang, in leather trim ...

quite comfy seats for reading the Sunday Post (WaPo) or whatever comes 'round ...

Emma has allergies and find leather has much less dust and such to deal with.

Beowulf57
08-16-2008, 08:05 AM
Another possibility (really cheap) is to place a sheet of mylar/plastic between the cabinet and the floor. Very easy to adjust the position and move the cabinet by sliding. I've used aluminum cones under the wood cabinet feet, wood feet alone, and a plastic sheet under the wood feet...all on hardwood floors. The last combo sounded best and was the easiest to move. Mind you, the effect of changing the cabinet height may have had a greater effect on the bass response than the spikes. If you have carpet underneath, that's another matter altogether.