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To support three different subs of spread weights, Josh had dispatched quads of #2, 3 and 4 to cover 16-24kg, 24-32kg and 32-40kg respectively; plus three different thread-adapter sizes. The felted underside of each SW has three threaded receivers for optional miniature spikes should we need to penetrate thick-pile carpet. Let's talk escalation next. Directors of action-movie sequels know all about it. Believable story telling gives way to ever more outlandish FX. When Ridley Scott's depraved ruling twins of Gladiator II flood their bloodthirsty colosseum to re-enact a naval battle, they (cough) throw in sharks. With subwoofers, escalation depends only on a twist of the throttle; and the presence of true high-SPL infrasonics usually the providence of synths in heroic soundtracks. If we stick to regular music and domestic not THX levels, misbehaviour like bottoming-out woofers and rattling aircon ducts won't factor. Rephrased, if we already have effective isolation footers on our low-frequency generators, we should notice no difference when swapping in equally effective alternatives; unless we practice cruel escalation. I simply don't play louder than I want just to see whether I can break anything. This predicted why with my civilized music-sub use, alternating between Carbide Audio's proven hybrid approach, the equally proven sound|kaos wire-suspension footers and Stack's new hybrid version should net no meaningful audible differences. The real decider would be size and price. To my mind, getting the same job done with smaller cheaper means wins by default. But even that ball has wobbly spin. Without spring rates to match, the sound|kaos approach is load-invariant up to its max limit imposed by the strength of its wire attachments. The operational difference of Auva SW won't impact today but possibly tomorrow should our load change enough to necessitate different silicone parts. In short, which approach wins could go beyond efficacy, cost and size. Now our stage is set.

The first install beneath Zu's 15-inch Method sub between Virtual Hifi Cobra monitors.

The 2nd install beneath the Dynaudio sub, with a sound|kaos and Carbide footer sample for size comparison.

The 3rd install beneath the 2×15" sound|kaos Gravitas sub.