Does a throw rug "muffle" any sound output?

[ropara]

Using a throw rug underneath the subs seem to be recommended when placed on a hardwood floor - to minimize vibration.

Does it in any way impact the sound output ? Is there any impact from the "thickness" of the throw rug used ?

[Dudley]

A thick rug should not hurt the sound impact. Make sure it is not so thick that it touches the woofer though.

[Ddavidson]

There is a lot of misunderstanding about this because of incorrect internet information. The size of a low bass wave means it can not be absorbed by carpet. Its mostly for decoupling the subwoofer from the floor, however there are people who may have such thick carpet that may interferes with the drivers travel and clearance spec. That in most cases is an extreme case.

The decoupling the spikes/feet prevents any spurious vibratory noises that may occur. You could also use soft rubber chair stops or felt pads under each foot/spike.



Ddavidson

[Sasha_G]

The throw rug over hardwood is advised for several reasons.

1) Stability: if part of the floor is uneven, this can prevent unwanted buzzing
2) Acoustics: Dr. Hsu says that it improves acoustics--for the same reasons you would use Sonex or sound absorbing foam.
3) Protection: the rug protects the floor, which is also very useful if you want to slide the subwoofer to another position
4) Decoration: you can match the throw rug color to nearby objects.

Will the rug muffle the sound? Well, bass acoustics are very unusual and counterintuitive. Bass is only stopped by dense things like sand, solid wood, or gas filled membranes. Throw rugs have nowhere near the depth to absorb any sound the subwoofer produces.

Basically, the bass goes through the rug, hits the floor, and spreads in every direction inside the room. It is omnidirectional--it goes in every direction even though there is a rug underneath.

[Mutnat]

A buddy of mine with an STF-3 MK2 and myself with my VTF-3 MK2 both just picked up a Gramma from Auralex to put under our subs and we're both pretty happy with the results. It's also 23" x 15", which is the perfect size for both of our subs.

[EfrainCase]

it is not so thick that it touches the woofer though.

[TheNit]

I'm sure this may be obvious, but should a carpet be used on a tile (terracotta) floor as well?

[Kevin_Hsu]

Hi TheNit,

Sorry if this is kind of late, but I would say yes to using a rug for terracotta tile floor as well.