Herbie's Footers- Tweaks to improve your Audio and Video - Blu-ray Forum

naturephoto1 · 12-11-2008, 06:40 PM

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let people know about some relatively inexpensive items to improve your audio and video performance. That is the usage of feet or footers and other tweaks. Many of us using and familiar with high end or relatively high end equipment are familiar with the usage of tweaks including feet to improve the audio and video in your system.

I highly recommend the usage of products from Herbie's Audio Lab. I have found that his footers (or feet) and other items have improved the performance of every piece of equipment (from electronics to speakers and subwoofers, and turntables) that I have tried them with in terms of audio and visual performance. They will improve the imaging, soundstaging, depth, highs, lows, mid range, dynamics, video performance etc. These products can be used with CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players; Pre/Pro amps; Preamps, Power Amps; Receivers; Phono Preamps; DACs; Satellite Receivers; Power Conditioners and other Power Products; Turntables; Speaker Stands; Speakers (monitors to towers); Subwoofers; etc. As an example, with these footers under my big Epik Conquest, it helped to tighten the Bass, improve speed, lessen the boomines, and to reduce standing waves.

Using these footers will raise the performance of whatever they are used with appreciably to the extent of upgrading to at least probably the next level piece of equipment.

You have little to lose and a tremendous amount to gain. All of Herbie's products come with a lifetime warranty and a 90 day money back trial period.

You can spend a little or with time you can spend a lot. I suggest that you test at least one piece of equipment with these items and if you want you can try several at once. By the way there are break points for discounts.

I am not affiliated with Herbie's Audio at all. I am just a very very happy customer that has already spent over $1500 on his tweaks (primarily footers).

Here is the link to Herbie's Audio:

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/home.htm

Here is the link to the Herbie's Footer Page:

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/footers.htm

I hope that at least some of you will give these products a try.

Rich

VinnAY · 12-11-2008, 06:47 PM

These are expensive!

Superior Carpet Spike: $19.65 ea.

BACsader · 12-11-2008, 06:54 PM

Okay, tell me something. Can this really improve the performance of a home theater system by enough to warrant the price?

naturephoto1 · 12-11-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinnAY

These are expensive!

Superior Carpet Spike: $19.65 ea.

They are much much more than just spikes. They have neutralizing materials, etc. in their design. They also have other products that are less expensive as well including those listed on the miscellaneous page. By the way a set of 4 brass cones can cost $25, but those in the high end part of the market may spend over $300 to get some special cones or supports. So do not prejudge what you know nothing about.

Rich

Beta Man · 12-11-2008, 06:56 PM

If I can ever afford it, I plan on getting a new audio rack, and the ones I'm looking at will certainly compensate for this, and will have built in "Isolators"

But I do find the OP's original post useful, and relevant... It looks to be a good site, with good products.

naturephoto1 · 12-11-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACsader

Okay, tell me something. Can this really improve the performance of a home theater system by enough to warrant the price?

As I mentioned, everything comes with a lifetime warranty and also a 90 day money back exchange period. So, if you want to give it a shot go ahead. If it works for you great. If not your only loss is the shipping.

For myself, as I mentioned above, yes, I have spent a lot and gotten a lot. Now I have a high end high resolving system and every time I put his footers or something else in from Herbies I most definitely notice the change. That has included under my big power amps, Pre/Pro, DVD and Blu-ray players.....

Rich

prerich · 12-11-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinnAY

These are expensive!

Superior Carpet Spike: $19.65 ea.

These are relatively inexpensive compared to others I have seen in Audioadvisor and other places. These prices are actually pretty good!

VinnAY · 12-11-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

They are much much more than just spikes. They have neutralizing materials, etc. in their design. They also have other products that are less expensive as well including those listed on the miscellaneous page. By the way a set of 4 brass cones can cost $25, but those in the high end part of the market may spend over $300 to get some special cones or supports. So do not prejudge what you know nothing about.

Rich

so defensive, and sure are pushing something you have no connection too...

btw, there's no need to "prejudge what you know nothing about"...I can prejudge $20 for a little piece of metal and some rubber all I want too.

tbizzle · 12-11-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinnAY

so defensive, and sure are pushing something you have no connection too...

btw, there's no need to "prejudge what you know nothing about"...I can prejudge $20 for a little piece of metal and some rubber all I want too.

+1, OP your post makes them sound pretty good, but times are rough and money is tight with a lot of people, so some may be a little more skeptical than others. I'm moving to a new place soon so I'll definitely look into these after I get my new eD A2-300, I'll do a before and after

Thanks for the post

JJ · 12-11-2008, 11:06 PM

I think something like these will make little noticeable difference with your everyday equipment, honestly.

But this is a vague statement made with no knowledge of how the foot works.

naturephoto1 · 12-12-2008, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I think something like these will make little noticeable difference with your everyday equipment, honestly.

But this is a vague statement made with no knowledge of how the foot works.

I would expect that with reasonable equipment that if you listen and make an A/B comparison that you will hear differences. But, only the buyer can decide for himself if is worth the cost. Again, if you are not happy return the product and only pay the shipping charges. But, if you notice the difference you will have improved sound for a relatively small outlay (until you try to do all components and equipment). Additionally, if you later upgrade your equipment, the same footers can be used with the new equipment as well.

Herbie's footer materials (and other products) are actually generally designed specifically to work with audio and video components. Much or many of the materials used are actually designed specifically for this task and they work together to reduce vibration that occurs both externally and internally in the component equipment, speakers,pedestals, etc. The vibrations cut down on the ability of the equipment to perform optimally. I am quoting the following about the choice of materials that Herbie's uses:

Herbie's isolation materials are proprietary silicone-based elastomers with varying compliance and firmness qualities. Herbie's compounds are not dependent on a precise weight load to be most effective. They are equally effective under a wide range of weight and, because of their loosely cross-linked structure, have little or no resonant "coloration." Invented and formulated solely for audio and video applications, these unique materials are unsurpassed in their ability to absorb micro-vibrations and reduce audio distortion. Materials are residue-free, with excellent dielectric properties.

Herbie's SuperSonic fluorocarbons are proprietary composites developed for absolute sonic neutrality and vibration-absorbing ability.

dBNeutralizer(tm) is a composite of platinum-cured silicones with barium sulfate and other fillers.

Lampblack Ball is made of lampblack-filled soda-lime glass.

Below is a link to frequently asked questions regarding the feet themselves:

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/sqfaq.htm

Rich

naturephoto1 · 12-12-2008, 12:43 AM

For people that object to the cost of some of Herbie's feet, Steve suggested that I use 4 of dBNeutralizer with Brass Domes (which I am using) under my 200 pound Epik Conquest subwoofer for usage on a low shag carpet. These only cost $10.69 each (if you want adhesive $1.00 more each).

Here is the link to this item:

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/dome.htm

The domes can be found on the miscellaneous/specials page:

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/special.htm

Rich

haste · 12-13-2008, 08:09 PM

wow. the op is VERY defensive over his modified spikes...

the products remind me of something similar to this article:
http://consumerist.com/362926/do-coa...monster-cables

naturephoto1 · 12-13-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haste

wow. the op is VERY defensive over his modified spikes...

the products remind me of something similar to this article:
http://consumerist.com/362926/do-coa...monster-cables

These are not modified spikes. I am only defensive when people make comments when they have no experience or knowledge about products. There is a lot of positive feedback on the Herbie's website about these products. Additionally, many over at Audiogon and Audio Circles have also had very good success with these products. Besides as I have previously indicated the only obligation that a buyer has is for shipping if the products do not work for them.

Rich

Headphone Czar · 12-13-2008, 09:36 PM

I used spikes before and noticed no difference. Forgot the maker, but they weren't cheap. 6moon.com raved about then too.. Even the plecebo effect didn't work. Believe me. I tried very hard..Maybe Herbies is better..But with my mother needing a roommate, I just spend cash to eat, so I'll have extra cash just incase.

Blu-Dog · 12-14-2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

They are much much more than just spikes. They have neutralizing materials, etc. in their design. They also have other products that are less expensive as well including those listed on the miscellaneous page. By the way a set of 4 brass cones can cost $25, but those in the high end part of the market may spend over $300 to get some special cones or supports. So do not prejudge what you know nothing about.

Rich

Well, I know nothing about:

The weight of the speakers the average Joe will be putting on these things...

The surface they'll be sitting on...

The solidity of the underfloor (tile, concrete, wood with a subfloor, whatever)

What the compression factor for these "proprietary elastomers" are (see the first thing I don't know about for details)

Whether these compression factors will affect vertical or lateral movement positively or negatively, or whatever. We're talking bouncy bouncy or shimmy-shake factors.

Finally, what I don't know about, is if the isolation is from external factors on the speakers, or the sound from the speakers on the external environment.

PS: If external vibrations will disrupt sound radiation from a tweeter blasting at 10kHz, I'm gonna be cowering under the kitchen table waiting for the earthquake to stop, and F@#$ the movie. And if it's needed to keep internal vibrations from setting up sympathetic movement from the unit itself, I'm gonna go out to the garage, get a hammer and nails, and see if I can't get that bad boy to hang together a little bit better. And some Super Glue.

I'm not saying that these things don't work. I put six bath towels under my turntable once, to stop the rumble. Looked pretty bad, until I put some sponges under it.

Driver_King · 12-14-2008, 01:20 AM

Nature, you've spent $1500 on their "upgrades"? Why? I'm going to have to question the ability of spikes of changing your audio that much. You listed practically every term known to describe the most important features of audio equipment there claiming the spikes improved everything there. $20 a spike is not cost-effective or inexpensive. There are so many other factors that would immediately just invalidate all of those postives. You could use all that money toward something that would actually not offer you diminshing returns on an unnecessary product. I've tried no spikes, spikes, and partial spikes on my A2-300 and neither time is their a clear difference.

Big Daddy · 12-14-2008, 02:15 AM

If you really want to hear a significant difference in your subwoofer's performance, you should be willing to spend a lot more money. Try Sub Traps.

SubTrap.jpg

SubTrap2.jpg SubTrap3.jpg

"Once you hear the difference, you’ll never go back. The SubTrap is more than a simple isolation stand. In addition to isolation, it absorbs excess bass and decouples your sub-woofer from room mode. The end result is a unique product available only from ASC. Raise your subwoofer up to its full performance potential. Just slip the ASC-SubTrap underneath your subwoofer and you’ll create the powerful “SubStack.” Instantly improve bass detail, changing “muddy” low frequency playback into a richly detailed picture. Not only does the SubTrap increase bass extension and punch, it also gets rid of "one note bass"."

"By raising the sub off the floor and putting a SubTrap under it, the subwoofer is effectively decoupled from the vertical room mode. Excess bass buildup is reduced and the playback volume of the subwoofer can be cranked up much higher than before."

18” SubTrap (50 Hz) Standard, most Subwoofers: $469
22” SubTrap (30 Hz) Large Subwoofer: $586

http://www.asc-home-theater.com/subtrap.htm

Reviews:
http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12...ap-6-2005.html
http://www.stereophile.com/musicinth...ic/index1.html

naturephoto1 · 12-14-2008, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Nature, you've spent $1500 on their "upgrades"? Why? I'm going to have to question the ability of spikes of changing your audio that much. You listed practically every term known to describe the most important features of audio equipment there claiming the spikes improved everything there. $20 a spike is not cost-effective or inexpensive. There are so many other factors that would immediately just invalidate all of those postives. You could use all that money toward something that would actually not offer you diminishing returns on an unnecessary product. I've tried no spikes, spikes, and partial spikes on my A2-300 and neither time is their a clear difference.

First of all, my system consists of upgraded components in the tens of thousands of dollars; I am using some very expensive upgraded amps and other equipment. For people with higher end equipment, tweaks in this price range are generally considered inexpensive and very cost effective. I do not use their spikes under anything. I have some dome footers (cost between $8.69 and $10.69 each) under my front and rear speaker stands and subwoofer. Additionally, I have neutralizing dots ($3.69 each) under my center channel and rear speakers. As far as the rest of the footers that are used they are placed under the DVD player, the Blu-ray player, the power amps, the pre/pro, tuner, DAC, DirecTV cable box, power conditioning products, will be under the turntable (will also have a turntable mat), will be under the the phono preamp, etc. The reason for using these is for vibrations, and micro vibrations that externally and internally run through the equipment, can cause resonances and do affect the sound performance. As I have said before, I have heard the affects and the improvements in my high end, high resolving system.

The feet that are used on the bottom of most electronics are not of such good quality and do not do the best job of isolation. The components are actually vibrating both inside on the circuitry as well as on the chassis. Things become a bit less precise, less focused, and a little out of phase as a result. This is not something that is really considered by most manufacturers. I have even discussed this with some high end manufacturers including Soundsmith who is in the process of making my multi thousand dollar phono cartridge and phono preamp. They admit that there are footers that will improve the performance of their equipment.

You are welcome to question my findings. I have found that the sound with Herbie's products is more focused. It tends to have greater clarity, better bass, midrange, highs, better imaging, and soundstaging. Try to have an open mind about these things. You are welcome to try any of these products at no risk except for the cost of shipping if you do not find that they work with your equipment.

I was only trying to alert people of the benefit of such products. As consumers you have to decide for yourself if you wish to try such products and find out if there is any benefit.

As I have also indicated, there is quite a bit of positive feedback on the Herbie's website if you choose to either read it and believe it. Additionally these products have been used by and enjoyed by members of other forums including Audiogon and Audio Circles.

Rich

Johnny Vinyl · 12-14-2008, 11:39 AM

I'm gonna jump in here and give my 2 cents on this subject, although I am far from being a true audiophile with high-end equipment. As I've posted on prior occasions, I consider my set-up to be of mid-fi status and I think that is the point at which the implementation of certain "tweeks" starts to make some sense.

So I agree with Rich (the OP) that spikes, cones, etc can make a difference. Notice I say CAN! There are many other factors that come into play and they are different for everyone as we have different setups and live in different environments.

In the case of my Totem Sttaf's, which came with spikes, I listened to my setup with and without them. In the end I chose to install the spikes as I found there to be a significant difference. So for me, this "tweek" worked. However, I am not going to be looking at high-end spikes that we see commonly advertised in audio magazines, as I'm not convinced they'd make a difference vs the factory-supplied ones from Totem.

Taking it a step further, I do beleive that replacing the stock rubber feet that come supplied on receivers and other componants are good candidates for replacement with some better quality alternatives. If you can reduce the amount of vibration from any componant, than I would think that is a good thing. And a small investment to do so is well worth it.

I won't get into a discussion about Turntable tweeks, power cord replacement, higher quality interconnects and/or speaker cabling, as this post would take many more paragraphs.

The point is...."tweeks" can work and they are very worth investigating.

12-11-2008, 06:40 PM	#1
naturephoto1 Blu-ray Ninja Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Breinigsville, PA Home Theater Gallery:260 4K collection:21 Blu-ray collection:263	Herbie's Footers- Tweaks to improve your Audio and Video Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let people know about some relatively inexpensive items to improve your audio and video performance. That is the usage of feet or footers and other tweaks. Many of us using and familiar with high end or relatively high end equipment are familiar with the usage of tweaks including feet to improve the audio and video in your system. I highly recommend the usage of products from Herbie's Audio Lab. I have found that his footers (or feet) and other items have improved the performance of every piece of equipment (from electronics to speakers and subwoofers, and turntables) that I have tried them with in terms of audio and visual performance. They will improve the imaging, soundstaging, depth, highs, lows, mid range, dynamics, video performance etc. These products can be used with CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players; Pre/Pro amps; Preamps, Power Amps; Receivers; Phono Preamps; DACs; Satellite Receivers; Power Conditioners and other Power Products; Turntables; Speaker Stands; Speakers (monitors to towers); Subwoofers; etc. As an example, with these footers under my big Epik Conquest, it helped to tighten the Bass, improve speed, lessen the boomines, and to reduce standing waves. Using these footers will raise the performance of whatever they are used with appreciably to the extent of upgrading to at least probably the next level piece of equipment. You have little to lose and a tremendous amount to gain. All of Herbie's products come with a lifetime warranty and a 90 day money back trial period. You can spend a little or with time you can spend a lot. I suggest that you test at least one piece of equipment with these items and if you want you can try several at once. By the way there are break points for discounts. I am not affiliated with Herbie's Audio at all. I am just a very very happy customer that has already spent over $1500 on his tweaks (primarily footers). Here is the link to Herbie's Audio: http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/home.htm Here is the link to the Herbie's Footer Page: http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/footers.htm I hope that at least some of you will give these products a try. Rich Last edited by naturephoto1; 12-12-2008 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Mispelling of Audio

12-11-2008, 06:47 PM	#2
VinnAY Banned Member since:Sep 2008 Blu-ray reviews:1	These are expensive! Superior Carpet Spike: $19.65 ea. Last edited by Beta Man; 12-11-2008 at 06:51 PM. Reason: edited crude sexual reference

12-14-2008, 02:15 AM	#18
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	If you really want to hear a significant difference in your subwoofer's performance, you should be willing to spend a lot more money. Try Sub Traps. SubTrap.jpg SubTrap2.jpg SubTrap3.jpg "Once you hear the difference, you’ll never go back. The SubTrap is more than a simple isolation stand. In addition to isolation, it absorbs excess bass and decouples your sub-woofer from room mode. The end result is a unique product available only from ASC. Raise your subwoofer up to its full performance potential. Just slip the ASC-SubTrap underneath your subwoofer and you’ll create the powerful “SubStack.” Instantly improve bass detail, changing “muddy” low frequency playback into a richly detailed picture. Not only does the SubTrap increase bass extension and punch, it also gets rid of "one note bass"." "By raising the sub off the floor and putting a SubTrap under it, the subwoofer is effectively decoupled from the vertical room mode. Excess bass buildup is reduced and the playback volume of the subwoofer can be cranked up much higher than before." 18” SubTrap (50 Hz) Standard, most Subwoofers: $469 22” SubTrap (30 Hz) Large Subwoofer: $586 http://www.asc-home-theater.com/subtrap.htm Reviews: http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12...ap-6-2005.html http://www.stereophile.com/musicinth...ic/index1.html Last edited by Big Daddy; 12-14-2008 at 05:21 AM.

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12-11-2008, 06:54 PM	#3
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	Okay, tell me something. Can this really improve the performance of a home theater system by enough to warrant the price?

12-11-2008, 06:56 PM	#5
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	If I can ever afford it, I plan on getting a new audio rack, and the ones I'm looking at will certainly compensate for this, and will have built in "Isolators" But I do find the OP's original post useful, and relevant... It looks to be a good site, with good products.

12-11-2008, 11:06 PM	#10
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	I think something like these will make little noticeable difference with your everyday equipment, honestly. But this is a vague statement made with no knowledge of how the foot works.

12-12-2008, 12:43 AM	#12
naturephoto1 Blu-ray Ninja Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Breinigsville, PA Home Theater Gallery:260 4K collection:21 Blu-ray collection:263	For people that object to the cost of some of Herbie's feet, Steve suggested that I use 4 of dBNeutralizer with Brass Domes (which I am using) under my 200 pound Epik Conquest subwoofer for usage on a low shag carpet. These only cost $10.69 each (if you want adhesive $1.00 more each). Here is the link to this item: http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/dome.htm The domes can be found on the miscellaneous/specials page: http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/special.htm Rich

12-13-2008, 08:09 PM	#13
haste Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Blu-ray collection:87 Blu-ray reviews:1	wow. the op is VERY defensive over his modified spikes... the products remind me of something similar to this article: http://consumerist.com/362926/do-coa...monster-cables

12-13-2008, 09:36 PM	#15
Headphone Czar Active Member Member since:May 2008 Location:San Jose, CA Blu-ray reviews:2	I used spikes before and noticed no difference. Forgot the maker, but they weren't cheap. 6moon.com raved about then too.. Even the plecebo effect didn't work. Believe me. I tried very hard..Maybe Herbies is better..But with my mother needing a roommate, I just spend cash to eat, so I'll have extra cash just incase.

12-14-2008, 01:20 AM	#17
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Nature, you've spent $1500 on their "upgrades"? Why? I'm going to have to question the ability of spikes of changing your audio that much. You listed practically every term known to describe the most important features of audio equipment there claiming the spikes improved everything there. $20 a spike is not cost-effective or inexpensive. There are so many other factors that would immediately just invalidate all of those postives. You could use all that money toward something that would actually not offer you diminshing returns on an unnecessary product. I've tried no spikes, spikes, and partial spikes on my A2-300 and neither time is their a clear difference.

12-14-2008, 11:39 AM	#20
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	I'm gonna jump in here and give my 2 cents on this subject, although I am far from being a true audiophile with high-end equipment. As I've posted on prior occasions, I consider my set-up to be of mid-fi status and I think that is the point at which the implementation of certain "tweeks" starts to make some sense. So I agree with Rich (the OP) that spikes, cones, etc can make a difference. Notice I say CAN! There are many other factors that come into play and they are different for everyone as we have different setups and live in different environments. In the case of my Totem Sttaf's, which came with spikes, I listened to my setup with and without them. In the end I chose to install the spikes as I found there to be a significant difference. So for me, this "tweek" worked. However, I am not going to be looking at high-end spikes that we see commonly advertised in audio magazines, as I'm not convinced they'd make a difference vs the factory-supplied ones from Totem. Taking it a step further, I do beleive that replacing the stock rubber feet that come supplied on receivers and other componants are good candidates for replacement with some better quality alternatives. If you can reduce the amount of vibration from any componant, than I would think that is a good thing. And a small investment to do so is well worth it. I won't get into a discussion about Turntable tweeks, power cord replacement, higher quality interconnects and/or speaker cabling, as this post would take many more paragraphs. The point is...."tweeks" can work and they are very worth investigating.

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