SpeakerTalk

[speakerguru]

I recall doing a lot of the experimental work on quantifying and reducing the transfer of loudspeaker reaction force. Initially with the 105|2 bass cabinet via what came to be KEF mounts and then later sourcing the blue elastomer grommets for use between the chassis and magnet assemblies.

To a greater or lesser extent, there was always a mechanical stability problem with these solutions, due to long term creep or sag of the suspension. The rigidly fixed back-to-back arrangement of the coupled cavity designs, using a rod or tube between pairs of units, was always superior in this respect.

However, in my opinion, it is important to consider that whatever the decoupling arrangements, there always remained some direct acoustic excitation of the loudspeaker and cabinet structures. This means that decoupling is not a reason or excuse to eliminate damping.