IsoAcoustics GAIA

[Ricjor1]

I've made several changes during 2017. I've changed DACs, interconnect cables, speaker cables, and experimented with power cords. I couple of days ago I replaced the spikes on my Monitor Audio PL500 speakers with IsoAcoustics GAIA Is. I want to put my latest change in context. In my system the most significant change has been adding the Chord Dave DAC. Changing the interconnect and speaker cables provided incremental improvements in clarity and a noticeable difference in how instruments/vocals are placed in the soundstage.
The GAIA Is are very well made and a bargain compared to the price of some footers. I used the following CDs to evaluate the GAIA Is: Kirk Whalum-For You, Norman Conners-Eternity, Marcus Johnson-In Concert For a Cause, Erykah Badu-Live, and Bob James/David Sanborn- Double Vision. Overall my first impression has been added clarity that allows you hear more details deeper in the soundstage. When listening to Kirk Whalum's Going in Circles the percussions to the right of the stage appear deeper and more pronounced with the GAIAs. Erykah Badu's Ye Yo the backup singers sound clearer with slightly more separation and Badu 's voice is more dynamic. Marcus Johnson's Me, Myself & I the piano takes on a liveliness that I've never heard before. It's weird, the music has additional clarity/detail, but at the same time sounds more relaxed. The best way to sum up my thoughts are the GAIAs brings serious "FOCUS" to the music and the illusion of music being totally disconnected from the speakers.

[rnrmf1971]

Additional detail + more relaxed sounds like the perfect combo.
I'm waiting for the proper adapters to try out the same footers.

Were they difficult to install on the PL500's?
Did you need a special adapter or did the right size come in the box?

[The Trace]

Very well put. Dave Morrison, the company owner, helped me out a lot explaining how the GAIA work. I screwed them into my speakers base, no problem. Speakers rest on carpet. Instantly noticeable improvement, tighter bass and soundstage. Happy with them.

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

Additional detail + more relaxed sounds like the perfect combo.
I'm waiting for the proper adapters to try out the same footers.

Were they difficult to install on the PL500's?
Did you need a special adapter or did the right size come in the box?

They were very easy to install. I had to special order eight M10 125 long alternative studs for the PL500's.

[MGW]

HI, new member here.
Hoping that you guys are still picking up on this thread as I have a question.
I have standmount speakers and IsoAcoustics describes these as being for floorstanders - I cannot for the life of me work out why the Gaia would not work just as well for standmounts as for floorstanders.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Thanks in anticipation

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by MGW

HI, new member here.
Hoping that you guys are still picking up on this thread as I have a question.
I have standmount speakers and IsoAcoustics describes these as being for floorstanders - I cannot for the life of me work out why the Gaia would not work just as well for standmounts as for floorstanders.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Thanks in anticipation

They should work fine as long as they fall in the weight requirements for the footers you're looking at. See the IsoAcoustics website page on Gaia footers for the recommended weight range.

Alternately, consider IsoAcousics Orea footers (using the proper model for weight of the speakers) and just placing your speakers on them.

I actually do that with my Harbeth speakers to positive effect.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

They should work fine as long as they fall in the weight requirements for the footers you're looking at. See the IsoAcoustics website page on Gaia footers for the recommended weight range.

Alternately, consider IsoAcousics Orea footers (using the proper model for weight of the speakers) and just placing your speakers on them.

I actually do that with my Harbeth speakers to positive effect.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

They should work fine as long as they fall in the weight requirements for the footers you're looking at. See the IsoAcoustics website page on Gaia footers for the recommended weight range.

Alternately, consider IsoAcousics Orea footers (using the proper model for weight of the speakers) and just placing your speakers on them.

I actually do that with my Harbeth speakers to positive effect.

Hmm, I have the Gaia footers, it's been a while so I was unaware of the Orea Series, they might be a good solution for my turntable.

Thanks!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by baddog

Hmm, I have the Gaia footers, it's been a while so I was unaware of the Orea Series, they might be a good solution for my turntable.

Thanks!

They are, acc. to a review by Art Dudley using them under his TT. He was initially very skeptical of them, but he said there was virtually no doubt they improved the presenatation.

[MarSanz]

Originally Posted by baddog

Hmm, I have the Gaia footers, it's been a while so I was unaware of the Orea Series, they might be a good solution for my turntable.

Thanks!

Two weeks ago I set up a new TT, made my own wood platform and used 5 IsoAcoustics Red Bordeaux isolation discs. The dynamics are incredible not to mention a nonexistent noise floor. I highly recommend them, YMMV.