Frank Abela or others: How best to affix the Dynaudio Contour Speakers to their new stands?

Posted by: Jaybar on 02 July 2003

Frank;

I am using the Contour 1.3 mk II's with the new Dynaudio Stand2 stands.

What is the best interface between speakers and these stands. The stands come with upward pointing spikes, but that leaves marks. I tried Blue Tack. I applied a Tiny Amount to each corner of the stand and pressed the speakers down. Because of the speaker's weight, the material spread out into a very thin film. Oozed is more like it. and created quite a mess and was difficult to get off. Was I using too little? If so, how much is best? Are their better approaches?

Thanks,

Jay

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by Frank Abela

Hi Jay,

I think you're using too much blutac if it's oozing out. Typically, you want a small ball of blutac smaller than a pea per corner. When you weigh down on the speaker, it will thin out to a very thin film as you said, to a size of about a £2 coin. This is fine. You don't want to have much between the speaker and stand, otherwise you'll be introducing the blutac itself as an element in the whole solution, which you don't want to do.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by fled

i have tried both partington toppers (spikes)and bluetac under my contour 1.1 and although lighter than 1.3 i used the standard thickness of blutac i.e. just cut it into neat squares (20mmx20mm) it hasnt spread unduly and provides a little adhesion.
I much prefered the bluetac the spikes reduced the bass to much for my taste and as you say leave marks in the speakers (let alone provide little stability when knocked by my oversize dog !!).
Phil

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by Frank Abela

Fled

Such a thick amount of blutac would introduce a little suspension courtesy of the elastic nature of blutac itself. This is why I like to make it a very thin film. Of course, if that's how you like the presentation, then by all means enjoy...

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by Greg Beatty

...try coins between the upward-facing spikes and the bottom of the speaker.

This gave a very different result compared to blu-tak with my ProAc Response 2's.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by Jaybar

Frank;

What about thin sorbethane pads (disc shape 3/8 inch thick)? Can Blue Tac sge? Minbe was 15 years old. Maybe that was the problem?

BTW, how long does it take to break in (I have about 90 hours on the speakers.

Thanks

Jay

Posted on: 03 July 2003 by John G.

Jay,

I experimented with Bluetak vs Spikes with ATC SCM-7's on Sound Org wall stands and found the Bluetak gave a softer/warmer sound but I preferred the spikes which were more dynamic and tuneful.

John

Posted on: 04 July 2003 by JohnMak

Hi Frank Abela,
Are you using Naim electronics with your Dynaudio's?

I bought a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.3SE's last week and the dealer told me not to by the Naim 202/200 set-up I was considering as at 60Watts, it wouldn't have enough power???

I'd welcome your impression.

PS, I love the Countour 1.3SE's. I had them a week and just can't stop playing them.

Posted on: 04 July 2003 by Jaybar

I am using the Ayre AX-7 Integrated amp with my 1.3 MK II's and loving it. The Ayre is very high current (60W @ 8 ohms, 120@ 4ohms). I think high current is the key. I am sure I would get better performance with a more powerfull amp that also "doubled-down".

Jay

Posted on: 04 July 2003 by Frank Abela

Jaybar,

Sorbothane pads usually form a suspension system. You're looking to have no suspension, just a coupleing to the stand, so sorbothane isn't really an option.

JohnMak, we use Naim electronics with all kinds of Dynaudios in the shop. A 200 should be able to drive the 1.3SE but you may find it won't do headbanging levels.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.