Soundcare® SuperSpike: You can’t do better !!!
Introduction:
The Soundcare SuperSpike is an all new-design, all-in-one spike foot. The unique construction of the SuperSpike eliminates the most common
problem experienced when using a conventional spike: damaged surfaces, while offerings the benefits of isolating the equipment from external
vibrations in the environment.
Development History:
The idea for the SuperSpike was inspired after the designer Terje Borgen purchased a pair of loudspeakers. The speakers were delivered with
traditional spikes and also a set of ‘rubber’ feet. In the manual it stated that if you want the best sound, use the spike. However if you do not
want to scratch your floor or surface that the speakers are placed on, use the (also supplied) feet. Knowing that life is almost always a
compromise and when deciding on a purchase of home audio equipment many compromises are usually made, Terje felt this one area of
compromise was not acceptable. Either best performance and dented / scratched surfaces or unmarred surface and a sacrifice of performance.
There had to be solution, a spike that would offer the performance without the damaging side effects.
After an extensive examination of the market many factors were revealed. A majority of all
floorstanding speakers, speaker stands, and component racks were being offered with spikes.
In addition many electronic manufacturers were offering spikes and / or other materials
to assist in isolating the component from external influences. The spike was a preferred
design in isolating equipment because it applied the units own weight to an extremely small
surface area, which reduces the transmission of vibrations to the equipment. Some solutions
were being offered for the spike design. Most were made up of two parts, a traditional spike
to be placed on the equipment and a spike base in which the spike was to rest (protecting the
surface from the spike.) These systems offered a solution to the compromise, but also had
there own side effects. Because of metal choices used some systems could only handle a certain
load, as the spike would push into the base, damaging the base and spike. While also increasing
the surface area the spike was contacting reducing the effectiveness of the spike.
The most common drawback associated with this two-part system was just that, it was a
two-part system. You would have to place all of the spikes and then line up all of the spike bases.
For some smaller equipment this was not so bad, but for larger or heavier equipment
this was a project in its self and usually required several people for the installation.
Terje had formulated his idea of what the perfect spike should offer. The SuperSpike should modify to fit and
work with the majority of all products available, offer the performance of a steel spike, it should not damage
any surface it rests upon, and should be easy to use. Terje developed the design layout of the SuperSpike and
applied for patents. The most important part of the SuperSpike is the materials used in its construction. Many
types of materials were tried. Zinc was the best material found to reduce resonance. Zinc however is not strong
enough to handle the pressure from a small point and could not be used for the spike itself. Steel was strong
enough for the spike but had a high level of resonance. Brass was less resonant than steel, but steel
is stronger. Brass spikes can handle approximately 50 kilograms of weight before the tip is deformed.
Product Design:
After many tests, steel was concluded to be the best substance for the spike (2). Zinc is pressed around the
steel spike (3) to reduce resonance. The steel spike is case hardened and for added strength the tip is rounded
by 0.5mm. The protection disc (5) is a mild steel insert with an angled crater and flat bottom to accept the spike,
surrounded by zinc (4). Mild steel was used in the base because the spike itself should be the strongest part of
the assembly. By placing the rounded end of the spike on to the flat bottom of the cratered insert a very small
contact point with extremely good strength is achieved. A weight test of approximately 400 kilograms was applied
to the SuperSpike. Under a microscope no change was found to the spike, to the casing and to the support disc.
The spike did make an impression of 2/100 mm into the mild steel crater insert (protection disc.) This is such a
small impression not to influence the functionality of the SuperSpike and this load was extreme. If this load had
been spread over four SuperSpikes the weight of the component would be over 1600 kilograms (1.6 tons).
The SuperSpike has also undergone an aging test, which simulates the use of the SuperSpike over a ten-year period. This was to insure that
the functionality of the spike would not change over an elongated period of time and use. The results of the aging tests confirmed no changes
in the functionality of the SuperSpike over time and use. All Soundcare SuperSpikes’ have a manufacturer warranty of ten years. The final part
in the development of the SuperSpike was the plastic housing (1) that held the spike and protection disc together when the SuperSpike
was not in use or on equipment. This is a formed piece of plastic that is fit to the base and has an inward lip that fits over an outward flange of
the spike. This allows both pieces to move freely (but as one unit) until weight is applied. When weight is applied the spike assembly centers
itself in the crater of the protection disc with no contact from the plastic housing. The SuperSpike was designed and tested, four different
threaded models were to be offered to fit the majority of components available on the market today, along with two models of non threaded
spikes for electronic components and components which did not offer a threaded insert.
Finishing Step:
Now a finish had to be applied. After many conversations with dealers and consumers it was determined
that one finish would not satisfy everyone. Two separate finishes were developed, standard and
The only difference between the standard and High-End version is finish. The standard final finish consists
of nickel and chrome plate with a housing formed of black ABS plastic. The High-End final finish is in
albrafin gold or 24K gold with a clear polycarbonate housing. The production process of the SuperSpike
is similar for every model. The zinc portions are cast and machined with the steel spike or insert. The
standard versions are machined polished and the High-End versions are hand polished.
The standard self adhesive model spikes and support discs are plated in nickel while the threaded
version spike is plated with a base finish of alkaline copper and then chrome finish. The High-End
finish for all models consist of a coat of alkaline copper, acid copper, chrome and then finally covered
with albrafin gold or 24K gold.
The SuperSpikes are then packaged for shipping. The standard versions are hand packaged in a
cardboard carton. The High-End models are each hand inspected and then packaged in a mahogany
box, which all insures the highest level of quality for the finished product.
Models:
The SuperSpike is offered in eleven models. Spike 1, Spike 3, Spike 4, and Spike 5 are all standard
threaded models. S1 HE, S3 HE, S4 HE, and S5 HE are all High-End threaded models. All threaded
models are designed to fit manufacturers threaded inserts on the base of the manufacturers
equipment. They are supplied with a lock nut; wrench and a Self-adhesive felt disc made from 1.25mm
quality felt with permanent high weight tape. Spike 2 is a standard self-adhesive model. S2 HE is a
High-End self-adhesive model. Both self-adhesive models are designed to fit under the manufacturers
components. They are supplied with double coated 3M high performance permanent tape and a
Self-adhesive felt disc made from 1.25mm quality felt with permanent high weight tape. The
self-adhesive models are generally used under bookshelf speaker and electronic components as well
as for larger speakers without threaded inserts. Spike E is a standard self-adhesive model, which is
furnished with a plastic foot to replace the feet that come standard with some manufacturers
electronic components. Spike E is supplied with double coated 3M high performance permanent
tape and a Self-adhesive felt disc made from 1.25mm quality felt with permanent high weight tape.
The installation of the Spike E is extremely simple. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds
the original equipment foot on and remove the original foot. Insert that same screw into the precut
hole in the center of the Spike E. Reattached the foot to the equipment. Finally place the double-sided
tape and the felt pad onto the Spike 2 and insert it into the cut away in the base of the Spike E.
Conclusion:
Whatever the component; bookshelf speakers, floor-standing speakers, audio electronics subwoofers, etc… and application;
component rack, shelving, wood floor, carpet, etc… Soundcare SuperSpikes offer a cost effective, easy to use solution to
optimize the performance of any component without the damaging side effects.
