2. speakers
  3. 139983-121184

Can I use an isolation stand with an isolation pad?

I bought a 5.1 surround sound system recently, and got an IsoAccoustics isolation stand for my subwoofer. Unfortunately my neighbor below me can hear the bass if I'm watching a loud movie (in a condo, hardwood floors). I'm wondering if I should buy an isolation pad - like the Auralex Subdude HT - for under the stand, or if there might be a better approach? The music store I went to steered me away from isolation pads and towards the stand, but it's clearly not doing enough on its own. Thanks to anyone with advice!



dantengwen
n80
1,227 posts
 
You can get all sorts of springs from McMaster-Carr. Really cheap too.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
 Of, course it helps to know what you’re doing. No offense to you personally.
n80
1,227 posts
 
None taken. And good advice as well. No offense....to you personally. 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
I would know which springs to buy. You, I’m not so sure. I could be wrong. 
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
105 posts
 
The first thing you need to figure out is if the noise that is bothering your neighbor is from mechanical coupling of the subwoofer to the floor or just the sound waves passing through the floor.

The former can be addressed by isolating the subwoofer. The latter can only be addressed by reducing the volume of your lower frequency sounds (i.e. less or no subwoofer).

My guess is that it's like @glennewdick says and you'll have to turn it down, forego the lower frequencies, or find some other compromise with your neighbor.
More to discover