IsoAcoustics Gaia Series loudspeaker isolation footers
Every so often, when my stereo system sound quality has been inspiring delight for an unusual lengthy period of time, I decide to tinker just to see what else is possible. Can I get the sound quality even better (even if just a tiny bit) by some small adjustment? Examples include experimenting with different analog or digital interconnect cables, power cables, or isolation footers to be placed under various components.
Coincidentally, I was in just such a tinkering mood when I visited a Fall 2019 VPI Industries House event in which IsoAcoustics, a Canadian company specializing in audio isolation products, was there represented by President Dave Morrison. He was demonstrating his Gaia Series of loudspeaker isolation footers on various Focal floor standing speakers.
The Gaias are said to be ‘…designed and tested to provide a high degree of speaker isolation to greatly reduce the symptoms associated with the transfer of resonant energy from the speaker to the supporting surfaces.’. As such, they offer superior isolation typically provided by spikes as footers. I was intrigued and ready to tinker.
Noticeable right from the start, the Gaias are classy-looking disc-shaped footers housed in machined stainless steel with a dark chrome finish with a soft, black, thin, lower part of the internal isolator exposed (which adheres to a hard surface). They are threaded into the base of the speaker to replace the existing spikes (or other threaded feet). Any standard thread size is accommodated right away (M8-1.25, M12-1.25 and 1/4”-20)—IsoAcoustics will make you a custom sized threading screw if need be. (For other devices besides speakers that also happen to use threaded footers, the Gaia can also be used.)
It goes without saying that their products involve a patented isolation design and a proprietary isolation material. Among other products, IsoAcoustics also makes an Orea Series of isolation footers for devices that do not require a threading screw for placement under amps or DACS, etc, as well as an Aperta Series of isolation stands for bookshelf-sized speakers. I did not (in this review) experiment with any of those other products.
In the main VPI listening room during my visit, two identical pairs of speakers were connected to a system (playing from a fine and varied VPI collection of LPs on a VPI HW40 Direct Drive Turntable); one with standard spikes, and the other with Gaia footers. Guests were able to listen while switching between the two pairs at the push of a button. The improvement offered by the Gaia was for me noticeable and not subtle: Overall tightening up of the bass, better clarity, and more spacial accuracy of instruments in the sound stage. I had also heard such improvement at a friend’s home with a pair of Revel Salon 2 loudspeakers.
Thus, I discussed with Morrison the possibility of reviewing some of the footers by trying them out on two sets of speakers that were currently at my home. One set were on stands; the Alta Audio FRM-2 Celesta, while the other set were a new Alta Audio floor standing model; the Alec.
The Celesta at 55 lbs each (without stands) had 4 spikes on the bottom of each speaker which then sat on stands, while the Alec at 75 lbs each had 4 spikes on each bottom which sat on the floor. But the floor was covered with a shag rug. So, where to optimally place the Gaia? When home, I sent some photos and specs of the speakers and space to IsoAcoustics. They recommended that for the Celesta, use them to replace the spikes only on the speakers (do not change the bottom of the stands), while for the Alec replace the spikes but because of the shag rug, add IsoAcoustics carpet discs which are small metal cups that the Gaia sit in but that themselves have small spikes on their bottom to ensure a tight fit on the rug.
The Gaia Series comes in three sizes from smallest to largest: Gaia III (for speakers weighing 70 lbs or less) at $199.99 per 4-pack, Gaia II at $299.99 per 4-pack (for speakers weighing 120 lbs or less), and Gaia I at $599.99 per 4-pack (for speakers weighing 220 lbs or less.) For ultra-heavy speakers there is yet another “Gaia-Titan” Series handling up to 320 lbs, 420 lbs and 620 lbs respectively. Every weight imaginable for speakers is covered.
After the suggestions from Morrison, IsoAcoustics then kindly sent me for review 8 Gaia III for the Celesta, and 8 Gaia II (plus 8 carpet discs @ $59.99 per 4-pack) for the Alec.
Attaching the Gaia to the speakers
For both pairs of speakers, I detached the speaker wires and laid each speaker on the rug on its side. I simply unscrewed each spike, and screwed in its place the appropriate Gaia. A small wrench was included to tighten. They recommend ensuring that the IsoAcoustics logo either is in front or to rotate the Gaia by 180 degrees to be in back to ensure the best performance (not so sure why this should matter, but I did so–in front). For the Celestas, I then simply had to place the speakers back on the stands, and with no spikes involved it was easier (no precise holes to get each spike into). For the Alec, because of the carpet discs needed, I first stood them back up then had my wife tilt front and back so I could attach the discs two at a time, which tended to stick to the Gaia making it quick. In either case it was an easy exchange.
Sound
Interestingly, the sound indeed improved in both cases but somewhat differently in character. For the Alec (floor standers) the effect was very similar to what I had observed elsewhere (overall tightening up of the bass, better clarity, and more spacial accuracy of instruments in the sound stage). But the Alec, with its already very noticeable impactful bass presentation (when using its own spikes), benefited from the Gaia II also by presenting an even more impactful bass presentation. Meanwhile, the Gaia III made the Celesta (my reference speakers) sound a dash more Celestial: a dash more of a fuller lusher sound with more air in addition to some of the improvements (but not as strong here) I had observed elsewhere. However small, a very pleasant and addictive change. A nice example is the track Escondido from the album Early Reflections by Bennie Maupin (2008) with its very engaging, deep and melodic bass clarinet.
Summary
While there are many kinds of footers out there that make various claims and can be obscenely expensive and even sometimes not even pleasant to look at, the IsoAcoustics Gaia are different: They have elegant and classy looks, relatively low prices—and they work. I think my tinkering, while subdued for now, was well worth the adventure. Highly recommended.
Further Information: IsoAcoustics
