V-MK2 and Apartment Floor Soundproofing

[stills]

I'm thinking of purchasing an HSU VTF2-MK3 sub but am wondering if this will be way too disturbing for my neighbors in my condo apartment. The neighbor sharing my wall has been absent for about a year, so I'm more concerned about the neighbor below. The floor is 6" of concrete ... will the sub penetrate this or should my concern only be with the shared wall?

(Technically, I can have it as loud as I want until 10:30 (quiet hours) but I don't want to be disturbing/disrespectful.)

I have an Onyko 805 receiver, ERA D4 front speakers, ERA D3 surround speakers and do not listen to reference level but at most around 60-70 db. My room is slightly less than 4000 sq feet including the dining room which shares space off to the side of my living room which has the sound system.

I don't mind overpaying for a more powerful sub than required (in case I move), but don't want to pull the trigger and get a sub that I won't come close to utilizating.

Thanks for your help!

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi stills,

Do you listen to any music with ultra-deep bass content like pipe organ music?

It should be just fine using a VTF-2 Mk3. You can always turn down the volume, and/or place it close to your listening position so that you get good impact without disturbing all the neighbors.

Sincerely,

[stills]

No, my listening sources are not extreme low frequency. I hope I don't have to turn down the sub levels too much.

I'm surprised information on the web related to this issue is very limited. Someone should devise a chart on the effectiveness of various types of walls and floors at blocking bass sounds at varying levels. I'm sure a lot of apartment owners would be interested.

Thank goodness there are these forums .... really appreciate the assistance!

[stills]

Yesterday, I ordered the VTF2-MK3 and am eagerly waiting for it.

I spoke to the building engineer and he also did not think there should be a problem with the neighbors below, but he did say it would not be a bad idea to place the sub on top of 1/2 inch cork (as often is used to soundproof floors). Of course, anything that allows me to play higher volumes would be appreciated.

Anyway, as my floor surface is hard (tile, with an area rug in the middle of the room), if I used the cork, my question is would it still be advised that a throw rug is placed on top of the cork (as rug is recommended in the manual) or would the cork be "soft" enough that rug would no longer be as important?

Once again, thanks so much for the thoughful help.

[Pete_Hsu]

You could try placing it on cork, just make sure that you don't hear any buzzing noises coming from the spiked feet.

Another thing that you could use is something like an Auralex Gramma Pad or Subdude. I'm not sure what is available these days, but they used to have a pad that was 15" wide and 23" deep, just about perfect for the VTF-2 Mk3.

Sincerely,

[amdeutsch]

....... My room is slightly less than 4000 sq feet including the dining room which shares space off to the side of my living room which has the sound system......

Wow, that is more than some houses on 1 floor. I sure hope you mean 4000 cuft instead of sqft. Or is there 1 too many 0s?

[stills]

oops, I meant cubic feet ... I only wish it was 4000 sq feet!

BTW, I ordered the Gramma Pad. Will let you know how it goes!

[tedjack]

I use Gramma pads for my STF-2 and my bass amp. Believe me....you'll keep it.

[dyrmaker83]

oops, I meant cubic feet ... I only wish it was 4000 sq feet!

BTW, I ordered the Gramma Pad. Will let you know how it goes!

Not sure if you're still around, but how did the GRAMMA work? I'm in a high-rise condo with wood floors and about to order a STF-2. I'm also concerned about neighbors.

[Freq Band]

You could also try this...it's cheap:

Get a piece of 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick plywood big enough for the feet of the subwoofer to rest upon. Then get a piece of furniture padding foam the same size (that yellow or black squishy type foam, about 4" thick.)

Stack them like this....

subwoofer
plywood
foam
floor

This is an old trick when workmen are using an air compressor, to not disturb the downstairs neighbors.

If it works, and you want to keep it, but it's ugly...... paint the plywood, and build a wall/frame to sit around it (high enough to hide the edges of the foam and plywood).....but not touching it.


=FB=