In a detailed review published on April 25, 2016, HiFi Pig’s Janine Elliot dives into the Townshend Audio Seismic Corners—a subtle yet mighty addition to the world of vibration isolation. Designed to slip discreetly under the corners of equipment racks, stands, or even speakers, these compact platforms promise to banish unwanted vibrations and let your audio gear shine. Elliot’s hands-on experience reveals just how transformative these little wonders can be, proving that big improvements sometimes come in small packages. Here’s what she discovered when she put the Seismic Corners to the test.
Elliot starts with the basics: each Seismic Corner is a 6cm x 4cm platform suspended by two sprung pistons—Townshend’s Seismic Load Cells™—with an adjustable screw for leveling. Available in variants for flat feet or spikes, they’re built to support up to 60kg per set of four, making them versatile for everything from lightweight racks to hefty speakers. She tested them under a range of gear—her equipment rack, a CD player, even a washing machine (more on that later)—and found their unobtrusive design a perfect fit for her setup. “They’re not much to look at,” she admits, “but their effect is stunning.”
The sonic payoff was immediate and profound. Under her main equipment rack, the Seismic Corners opened up the soundstage dramatically. “It became much wider and deeper,” Elliot writes, noting how bass tightened and details emerged with a “natural ease.” Playing familiar tracks, she heard newfound separation between instruments and a clarity that made vocals and transients pop. When swapped under her speakers—big floorstanders on a bouncy wooden floor—the results were even more striking: “Bass was better defined, and the top end sounded more real, less distorted.” It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you rediscover your music collection.
Elliot’s washing machine experiment adds a quirky twist. Placing the Corners under it during a spin cycle, she found they reduced noise and vibration significantly—a testament to their ability to tame real-world disturbances like footfall or structural rumble. Back in the listening room, this translates to a quieter, cleaner signal path. “Everything sounds more controlled,” she notes, crediting the Load Cells’ ability to isolate down to 3Hz—well below the range of typical floor-borne interference.
What impresses Elliot most is the Corners’ universality. They worked wonders under her turntable, cutting feedback on that same wooden floor, and even lifted the performance of her CD player and tuner. “It’s like the music breathes easier,” she muses, a sentiment echoed across her tests. While not cheap—priced as a premium tweak—they’re a fraction of a full Seismic Podium, offering serious bang for the buck for rack-based systems.
By the end of her review, Elliot is sold: “These are a no-brainer for anyone serious about sound.” The Seismic Corners don’t just isolate—they elevate, bringing out the best in whatever they support. For audiophiles battling tricky rooms or chasing that last ounce of fidelity, her HiFi Pig write-up makes a compelling case: these unassuming Corners might just be your setup’s secret weapon.
