Reddit mentions: The best audio & video speaker accessories

Pictured is my Ortofon 2M Bronze, which I added to my setup roughly 6 months ago now. After spending half a year with it, I can confidently say it’s both the most dramatic upgrade in sound, as well as the most “sound value” per dollar spent.

I bought my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, with the stock 2M Red and metal platter, in early 2015 and have made a few modifications to it and my set up in general since then. I was getting quite frustrated with the IGD from the Red, and wasn’t very happy with the overall sound, so I decided to move to the 2M Blue – picking up a Blue stylus for $200 (the cart body for the Red and Blue is the same so I was able to save some cash there). Around this time I also ditched the stock platter in favor of the Acryl-It for $100 (and a Pro-Ject record puck for $80). The Blue helped clear up most of the IGD issues I had with the Red, but even after getting past the “break-in” period I still felt the sound was a bit to “sterile” for my taste and began searching for the next step for a cart/stylus. I was relatively happy with the acrylic platter; my biggest desire was to help with static issues I was having and the platter upgrade definitely helped there. Not sure how much improvement in sound it made, but the reduced static and lack of need for a mat were welcomed. The record weight seemed to have helped reduce some resonance and picked up a bit of bass, and of course helped to flatten some records with minor warps. Around this time I also picked up a pack of vibrapods for ~$25; which helped further isolate the table.

So, at this point I had invested ~$400 in upgrades and was moderately happy with my sound, but was ready for a bigger jump. Enter the 2M Bronze.

I had narrowed my next cart choice down between the 2M Bronze, the AT4440mla, and a Goldring 1006. It came down to price and availability at said price, as I found an open-box (yet unused) 2M Bronze cart for $300 on ebay. A few weeks later I received it, mounted it, and was wowed immediately. Any minor traces of IGD leftover from the Blue were gone completely. The soundstage seemed wider, fuller, and more “colorful”. The music, as cliché as this may sound, sounded “musical” again. It handles surface noise like a champ, reducing some irritating pops and clicks to background noise. And on a well mastered album, it truly shines as each instrument has enough room to full breathe and be heard clearly. As time wore on and the stylus really opened up my initial excitement only grew. Now, about 6 months in, I am still as happy as I was on day 1. I’ve since sold my Blue stylus, recouping some of the initial upgrade costs.

In retrospect, I do wish I had skipped the Blue all together and gone straight to the Bronze. While I was able to sell the Blue at only a $50 loss, I just felt like it may have been unnecessary. That isn’t to say the Blue isn’t a good cart – because it is a perfectly fine piece. But it just wasn’t what I was looking for and I probably jumped the gun too early on the change from the Red. Overall, the Bronze is by far the best investment I made, followed by the record weight/acrylic platter and finally the vibrapods. Overall, I’ve put in a net $550 into my table and I’m reasonably content and don’t have any major upgrades for the table planned (the next move is either getting a second 2M Bronze when this wears out, or upgrading the table as a whole to a VPI Scout or something similar). Next up is the phono stage…thinking about adding tubes to the chain!

I apologize for the wall of text for those just looking for pictures ;-). Part of what prompted this post is simply my continued joy of having the 2M Bronze, but another was that I’ve had a few questions come in about upgrade paths and people on the fence between the Blue and Bronze (or other carts in similar ranges). So, in that second regard, I hope that helps a bit! Feel free to ask any questions about the carts or upgrades!

Edit: Bonus shot of the 2M series from Red to Bronze

Thanks, the amazon listing didn't mention it, but I realised while watching a video review of the unit. Seems the new version can do both wired and BT subwoofer. Not bad! It seems like an incredibly well-featured unit.

OK, thanks, that's useful. I probably will use it, since I also listen to mostly hard rock/metal and classical.

Cheers, I see what you mean. I'm going to have to find something a bit more discrete than those foam slippers :D

I wonder if it's good enough to have some harder foam 'feet', like these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/4332751038-Vibrapod-Isolators-Model-Pack/dp/B003P50FTI

One other thing: Is the idea with the angled supports to point the speaker directly at the ear? I can't figure it out from those reviews. They're going to be basically ear-height anyway.

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I think it's just a weird request, which is why it was difficult to get an answer. Most people don't put subwoofers on their desk, so size never really matters. Since size never really matters, subwoofers aren't exactly small. The LS50 doesn't have a ton of bass because if it tried, it will distort everything else. The homepod, on the other hand, boosts the bass and just skimps out on the midrange. The LS50 tries to sound more natural.

Anyways, you're going to run into some other problems with the sub on your desk. It will most likely vibrate everything on there. You want to make sure that this doesn't happen. First, get some rubber feet for the bottom of the subwoofer. Under that, go to your local Home Depot or Lowes or whatever, and get a slab of marble. A thicc one, that doesn't make any sound when you hit it with your knuckles. Put that under the subwoofer. Under that, you'll want some foam so the marble doesn't rattle against the table. Get some foam like this. You can cut it in half if it'll be too tall. Put that under the marble, and you'll be good. This all sounds like a lot, but trust me. Having a subwoofer on a desk is going to cause a lot of vibrations.

I also forgot about the Sunfire HRS-8. It is a 10" cube, which hopefully could fit on your desk. The REL is 8.5w x 9.5h x 10.5d inches, which would probably fit on your desk easier, but I'll throw in the Sunfire just in case.

Standoff setup is pretty jank, but I do love me some JTK WoB.

EDIT: These are pretty sweet: 1" Platinum Silicone Hemisphere Bumper, Non-Skid Isolation Feet with Adhesive | 20 Duro | 4 Pack. I just added them to my UT47, and I love.

LR: Elac Debut 2.0 6.2 bookshelfs

C: Elac Debut 2.0 6.2 center

Sub: Bic America F12 or Dayton Audio Sub-1200

AVR: Something here. Whatever fits your budget and has the features you need. Make sure that if you're going to be streaming music to get one that is at least wifi compatible or networking (ethernet jack). I personally can recommend the Yamaha RX-V483. If that Yamaha is too expensive then go with a Denon with comparable features.

Stands: (If you don't already have a surface to put your LR on) Monoprice monoliths (24inch or 28inch, depending on ear height at listening/watching position) or Monoprice glass

If the price comes out to be too much then go with the Dayton sub and a cheaper AVR.
You'll also need some speaker wire, a wire cutter, and possibly some silicone hemispheres


That is a 3.1 to start. I think you'll be very happy and impressed with it. Given some time and some saving you'll be ready to upgrade to some surrounds. Delayed gratification is always worth it in this game :)

I bought one of these for my mini to use in the backyard but I have brought it in the bathroom while I was in the shower and listening to a podcast. I love it and it works great

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DMDMD15/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a portable JBL speaker that I bring outside which is nice, but if you don’t want to buy something new, then my suggestions are:

1. Use an extension cord.
   
   
2. Get a portable battery for it; https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-KIWI-design-Accessories-Dark/dp/B07DMDMD15/ref=asc_df_B07DMDMD15/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312129973570&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18151238647700118022&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-570827320058&psc=1
   
   
3. Get a wall mount like the other guy said; https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Holder-Space-Saving-Accessories-Assistant/dp/B07B8B1ZSF/ref=asc_df_B07B8B1ZSF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309750549985&hvpos=1o10&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-523365044107&psc=1
   
   There is an in the wall/ceiling mount, but I don’t think it would be the best for having to move it inside during the winter. (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Built-Google-Home-Mount/dp/B078Z214QX/ref=asc_df_B078Z214QX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242074892521&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-420564720238&psc=1)

> https://www.amazon.co.uk/4332751038-Vibrapod-Isolators-Model-Pack/dp/B003P50FTI

Never heard about these pads, but it looks promising. The ideia is to eliminate the low frequency that will turn the desk a weird sounding "speaker"

If hard rock/metal and classical are your stuff than you will have huge benefits from the insulation pads and the foam provided by MA to muffle the front port.
These MA Bronze sounds amazing.

yeap, You are right. this is why you need to have the speaker at proper angle. the rules of thumb is to have the tweeter at ear level. And they should aim a feet behind your head.

Hey Friends,

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I was wondering if there was a shock absorption solution for furniture. I currently have my turntable set on a lowboy shelf that sits on the floor. Unless I walk around ever so carefully, the vibration from my footsteps affects playback itself. Picture here for reference: LINK

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I know they sell isolation feet for AV Equipment, would it help if I purchased those for the feet of my shelf to absorb some of my footsteps?

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I was thinking something like this might work: Silicone Hemisphere Bumper or Vibrapods

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I also have a Technics SL-1200 and the legs are actually attached to a post. Are there any isolation methods for the turntable other than a sandbox? I'm worried the weight of the sandbox might be detrimental to the amount of top load my Besta shelves can handle.

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I appreciate all the help as I am new to this hobby.

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Thanks,

The speakers are actually sitting on these: Dayton Audio DSS2-BC Black Chrome Speaker Spike Set 4 Pcs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BFWQIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DwrkybFKDDNPM

It has almost completely eliminated wobble, and has improved bass slightly. The spikes are shorter than the carpet though, so even though the spikes are making context with the hard floor, there is still carpet contact on the bottom of the speakers. Do you think there would be much benefit in elevating the speakers so they were completely clear of the carpet?

The pads would go under the speakers, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KNWTPRI

You can also use isolation feet for speakers or subs. I have these for my sub:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KPHZPF

There's also a style like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PY55OSO

I have all 3 of these types for various applications, they work well. But I live in a house so I don't pay too much attention to how loud I play since I don't have attached neighbors like an apartment building would.

Which speaker stands/pads are you using? I'm looking for a temp solution for my KEF Q150s until 9 inch stands arrive. Can't decide between silicon pads or spikes. More keen towards silicon pads so I can use them with stands later on. Something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hudson-Hi-Fi-Bigfoot-Isolation-Feet/dp/B075KN3Q7V/ref=lp_1098236031_1_19?s=receiver-speakers&ie=UTF8&qid=1571647000&sr=1-19&th=1

I bought these ones.

They fit perfectly!

I replaced the ones on mine with these. They stick great and actually add some clearance for slightly better airflow.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KM5Y8W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_g4NTDbC2RKG6D

I have a repasted/Throttlestopped m15 and the now-discontinued Belkin Lap Desk.

As a test, I played Doom 2016 on it the other night for about an hour. Afterwards, both it and the laptop bottom were scorching hot to the touch.

I then propped up the back end 3/4" which did help a lot, but then I found that using one of my laptop cooling pads helped even more. With the cooling pad, even the chassis itself was noticeably cooler vs. propping-up alone.

Another m15 owner pointed out that he installed these underneath the rear to keep it propped at all time. I might do the same, but I'll still continue to utilize a cooling pad from here on. I've got four of them around the house. Two of them are under PS4's and one sits on top of my Onkyo Receiver to help extract the heat off the top of it.

Also, this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Juhc0dcJc

Its sold by JBL as a package, so sure, its probably very good quality if they put their brand on it. I don't know what your use is, but they are a pair of 1/4" TRS to XLR cables, and a pair of XLR to XLR cables, and a simple set of SMALL foam isolator pads. JBL is probably trying to do the same thing as some of these 3rd party Amazon sellers by offering few things packaged together, (which are usually junk).

Do you have a balanced interface or mixer you're trying to hook up?

My opinion - The pads look too small for your 306 monitors, the Nano patch uses XLR or 1/4" as the input, but ONLY 1/4" outputs (which is weird). So those cables will not work for you if your source is your PC's audio output.


We need more info, so we're not wasting time guessing - but if you're using a PC as the source then you don't need balanced cables, and certainly not XLR to XLR cables.

If that's the case, you'd need a 3.5mm stereo TRS to dual 1/4" TS (Tip Sleeve) unbalanced cables for the input:

• https://www.amazon.com/PB-S3410-Stereo-Dual-Breakout-Cable/dp/B017Y33XSG/ ($9.95)
  
  Then a set of 1/4" TS to TS cables for the output of the volume controller to the monitor's inputs -
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/PD-21410-Dual-inch-Mono-Cable/dp/B06WLNHQBR/ ($12.94)
  
  
  Then the volume controller by itself:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/JBL-NPATCH-BLK-2-Channel-Controller/dp/B01I3B0OH6/ ($59)
  
  and a set of large pads (if you wanted)
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/RightChoice-Monitor-Acoustic-Isolation-Density/dp/B06XNJ61T4/ ($20.95) - (You may find some larger ones cheaper)
  
  For a total of = $102.84
  
  I'd look at a pair of yoga blocks for each speaker, (a single yoga block is too small for the footprint of the 306) - Yoga blocks would elevate them about 4" and give them a good base, and cost about the same as that cheap foam ($20 for 4 yoga blocks)
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Foam-Blocks-Density-Large/dp/B00ET7TQU0/ ($9.99/pair)

FYI, while looking them up I found that these platinum-cured silicone feet claim to absorb about half a percent more vibration without leaving any stains or deteriorating over time, while only costing like a quarter as much, too.

I'm gonna go with four of the 0.75" so that I get a 12-40lb. range, since I won't be mounting anything on my printer itself but rather its enclosure. Obviously I'll have to modify the STL or make my own to fit them, though.

Pretty much, here's how I did mine

I would also recommend these feet

I just ordered a product off of Amazon called vibrapods. I haven't received them yet but the reviews are good https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003P50FTI/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_Si7JBbMN6NKZT

Any 1" Silicone with Adhesive Hemisphere feet will be a great replacement.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KKRJXH/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_nyxYDb50RAJZA

I bought "Vibrapods" for a CD player on a ship that kept skipping. They were amazing, the CD player went from constant skipping to almost never skipping again.
https://www.amazon.ca/VIBRAPODS-MODEL-3-FOUR-PACK/dp/B003P50FTI

Looks like that cabinet sitting on top of the receiver is blocking all the air vents. That will end up cooking the amp. It needs at least 3 inches of space to ventilate.

Maybe try incorporating a product like this one into your system to help with the skips. Also, the heavier the furniture you put the turntable on, the less likely it is to skip or ring.

problem is that for it to isolate as much as possible you want it to be heavy and have a very small surface area in contact with the floor, designs like this just usually dont come cheap

my (untested and purely hypothetical) solution would be to get something like this (a plethora of sizes shapes and colors exist for these kind of shelves), then fill the legs with sand and then somehow afix somthing along the lines of these to the bottom of the legs

this
Oehlbach Shock Absorber schwarz von Oehlbach
Kurzlink: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B000FS9B5M
is very good even for heavy speakers (use 6 to 8 per speaker)

or this a friend used under his fridge
Oehlbach Puck One For All Lautsprechergehäusen schwarz von Oehlbach
Kurzlink: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B000FS9B52

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PKV9D7R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered these for my s1 and it gives it a nice lift. These are .38" tall vs the stock .25 I believe.

Hmm I’ve shared the link before. They’re from amazon. Just some rubber sub woofer feet. I use double sided tape to get them to stick. Hudson Hi-Fi Silicone Isolation... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KPHZPF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Those are nice speakers. If you put them on spikes or stands they will really tighten up.

I used these on a pair of old vintage Yamaha speakers and it made a big difference.

http://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Speaker-Spikes-4-Pack/dp/B0080JCMS6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1397146260&sr=8-5&keywords=speaker+spikes

Look for some feet for the turntable to raise it up a bit so you get more airflow to and from the amp. I did the same and the box feels cooler to the touch now.

Sewell Speaker Spikes, 8 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080JDIQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DqBpDb70R949G

Try these or search sound isolation spikes on something like Amazon.

Cool set up though.

These may help you out - you can flip them so the speakers angle up, and the cabinets will be off the wood shelf. (There are other brands with varying degrees of thickness and angle).

Look into speaker spikes. If the threads are right, those will definitely get you a raised spiked look.


https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-DSS2-BC-Chrome-Speaker/dp/B003BFWQIU/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=speaker+spikes&qid=1574614684&sr=8-5

I ordered it from amazon, if you search for 1” platinum silicone damper it should come up and here’s an amazon (Canada) link for the ones I ordered: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075KKRJXH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mY6HDbY9A4E7J

This helped for me a fair bit:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075KN3Q7V/

You can try to see if something like these match the screw, or just ones with adhesive tape

I use a deskmat from Mionix, but you can find rubber pads on amazon too. this is one of many products you could use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KK8WXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N5X3Cb1S6RK7R

I’m a huge fan of these in place of isolation pads — maybe something to look into? Can be put on both your speakers and the turntable itself.

If you can't move anything in your room including your server. You could use these on the server's feet:
IsoBlock Silicone Isolation Feet (4 Pack, Soft 60lb Capacity) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KN3Q7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.kP1Cb6NFHSBY

I apologize if the html is not tidy enough. I personally use this on my PC's feet on top of my 10" subwoofer because both look well together in my room. Vibrations at "normal" volume level are zero based on touch. Just my personal experience though.

You might want to try Vibrapods for isolating the turntable from external vibrations.


[Edit] Added some words.

Tons of options here https://mnpctech.com/#/category/267

Or these if you just want a rip and stick https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Silicone-Hemisphere-Non-Skid-Isolation/dp/B075KKX3QQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp

There are these which have adhesive backing and floor protectors, for an entirely reasonable price.

I've got these and they work great!

Rubber feet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B075KHNK62

Buy some vibrapods and shave one or two down a bit.

https://smile.amazon.com/Vibrapod-Isolator-Isolation-Feet-Model/dp/B003P50FTI?sa-no-redirect=1

Been looking at these, had not thought about the air grid that you showed.

https://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Speaker-Spikes-8-Pack/dp/B0080JDIQ6/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1473181870&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.ca/Platinum-Silicone-Hemisphere-Non-Skid-Isolation/dp/B075KK8WXM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=hudson+silicone&qid=1554675455&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I got the 8 pack for 15 CAD

Two of these on the front corners

Sewell Speaker Spikes, 8 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080JDIQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-9uqzbEC530QF

I think most people just get some stick on silicone domes if needed.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Adhesive-Bumper-Feet-Electronics/dp/B07PKV9D7R/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=STICK+ON+ISOLATION+FEET&qid=1574351209&sr=8-2

Does that speaker not bump your stylus out of the groove?


https://www.amazon.com/RightChoice-Monitor-Acoustic-Isolation-Density/dp/B06XNJ61T4/

I have an Ikea desk something like this. The only thing that distinguishes from the other Ikea desks is that it raises and lowers several inches and they have a small matching filing cabinet, on which I put my amp.

Since it's not the most solid desk ever I have some vibrapods to isolate it a bit. Might need more on that front.

I just ordered this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KPHZPF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I currently have the small tophat oriented at the top with two Noctua NF-A12x15 as exhaust and will be trying to move it on the bottom as intake with the elevated feet. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Won’t be an issue. My tv stand resonates a little with my speakers, head seeks from my desktop-class external drive, etc and has a ton of electronics on it. Nothing is affected.

If you’re really concerned buy rubber isolation feet like the ones audiophiles use to keep vibrations out of turntables, but seriously, it’s not an issue at all. You probably transmit more vibration walking by the thing than the music will.

https://www.amazon.com/Dock-Socket-Light-Mount-Google/dp/B07C687FP9

Or you can just use a battery base for the Mini if you got no outlets available for it.

GHM Battery Base

I had a complaint about kick drum noise from my downstairs neighbors, and fixed the issue with a pack of these and an old chopping board.

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Silicone-Hemisphere-Non-Skid-Isolation/dp/B075KKX3QQ

I'm using a krigg trigger though, as opposed to a tower.

Here's what I sued to do mine. They come in a bunch of different sizes. You should just choose whichever size gets the proper angle for you. Keep in mind these are half spheres and their height is half of the diameter listed.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075KHNK62/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_zBsDDbWQ2HMP9

Since yours is really low it still might make sense to get a higher stand for it too. But personally I'd get a higher stand and then also angle it up.

Edit: here's how I did mine: https://i.imgur.com/GZvQH5y.jpg

Unsurprisingly deep bass creates vibrations and vibrations can cause tone arms to skip. Gonna have to move speakers farther away or isolate the turntable somehow

I use these guys under my speakers right next to my turn table and haven’t had issues with vibrations

Vibrapod - Isolator Isolation Feet - Model 3 - Set of Four https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003P50FTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mBXwDbHCCB53A

I'm not sure what the more knowledgeable contributors say about these, but Vibrapods Isolation Feet could assist you in reducing the feedback u/vwestlife mentioned.

I bought these Vibrapod thingies for my table and it seemed to help a lot. I never had any problems from the speaker vibrations, but heavy footsteps anywhere near the turntable occasionally would cause it to skip; after I started using these that ceased completely. I have to imagine they should do a decent job of preventing vibrations from the speakers from doing anything. I don't know how powerful your speakers are or how loud you turn them up, though.


I'd be more worried about the soundstage being so narrow than I would be worried about the vibrations.

Turntable Wall Mounts & Platforms or build you own.

Gingko Semi Cloud Turntable Isolation Platform make your own with tennis or racquet balls, 4 balls with either whole with a base or cut them in half with no base.

Nobsound 4PCS Silver Aluminum Spring Speakers Spikes Isolation Stand for HiFi Amplifier/Speaker/Turntable/Player

Vibrapod - Isolator Isolation Feet - Model 3 - Set of Four

Auralex Acoustics ISOTONE ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform