Why Choose Townshend Seismic Isolation?


The Seismic Platform is a unique isolation concept that works by preventing vibration from corrupting delicate audio signals

Townshend Seismic Platform

An immediate sound upgrade for all Audio separates

The Townshend Seismic Platform is specifically engineered to shield sensitive hi-fi components—such as CD players, turntables, DACs, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, computers, and streamers—from harmful vibrations. CD mechanisms, which must precisely read 5-micron tracks at speeds exceeding 5 miles per hour, and the crystals in the timing circuits of DACs and CD players are highly susceptible to mechanical vibrations. For optimal, error-free performance, these digital components require robust protection from disruptive vibrations. The Seismic Isolation Platform features a sleek, durable steel top plate that seamlessly integrates beneath any hi-fi component. This acoustically inert, constrained-layer damped plate, combined with a Seismic Load Cell™ at each corner and an advanced mass spring system, forms the ultimate solution for absorbing and isolating unwanted structural, airborne, and equipment-generated vibrations, delivering unparalleled performance.

Eliminate footfall issues

The Townshend Seismic Platform effectively eliminates footfall problems and skipping in hi-fi systems by providing comprehensive vibration isolation. Unlike conventional isolation devices that only attenuate vibrations from around 14Hz, the platform’s advanced mass spring system and Seismic Load Cells™ fully decouple equipment like turntables, CD players, and DACs from external disturbances, including heavy footfall. This robust isolation prevents vibrations from reaching sensitive components, ensuring stable playback and eliminating skipping, even in environments with significant floor vibrations. By placing a seismograph app on the platform, users can visually confirm the near-total elimination of disruptive vibrations, delivering uninterrupted, high-fidelity audio performance.

Measuring up for your seismic Platform

The Seismic Isolation Platform is available in three standard sizes:

  • Size 1 43x30cm (17×12″)
  • Size 2 48x35cm (19×14″)
  • Size 3 52x40cm (20.5×16″)

 

Platform working height is approximately 40mm (1.5″)

The Platform can be levelled by turning the adjustable Seismic Load Cell™.

It is important to specify the weight of your equipment when ordering. Bespoke platforms are available for any size or weight of audio equipment.

Seismic Platforms are available with seven different weight range capacities, varying progressively from less than 1 kg up to 200kg.

The maximum load when using four ( 4) type “F” Load Cells is 200kg (440lb). For loads greater than this, simply add more Load Cells. Virtually any weight of equipment can be isolated.

levelling

Each Load Cell is screw adjustable in height to allow for out of balance loads where the centre of gravity of the component is not near its geometrical centre. If the level balance cannot be achieved, then it is suggested to use additional Seismic Pods positioned under the Platform as necessary, to balance the load.

For asymmetric components such as a valve (tube) amplifier with the transformers at the rear, different load capability Seismic Load Cells™ can be used to balance the load.

We suggest, for reasons of ease of set-up and loads that are not equally distributed, that consumers always select the stronger Load Cell where two values overlap in the graph below.

For example, when using four (4) type “C” Load Cells, the maximum supported weight should be equal to or less than 52.4 Kg.

Unlock Pristine Audio with Townshend Seismic Isolation

Vibrations are the hidden enemy of high-fidelity audio, degrading sound quality by introducing phase distortion and compromising phase linearity. In his seminal 1995 white paper, Bad Vibes: The Fundamentals of Vibration Control in Audio, published in Stereophile Magazine, Shannon Dixon revealed how vibrations—from structural, airborne, or equipment-generated sources—disrupt the time and frequency domains, smearing details, blurring transients, and narrowing the soundstage. Dixon’s findings underscore that phase linearity, crucial for precise transient response and expansive imaging, is undermined by mechanical resonances, while phase distortion obscures micro-details and tonal balance.Unlike conventional solutions like Sorbothane or rigid stands, which merely attenuate vibrations above 14Hz and act as tonal filters, Townshend Audio’s Seismic Isolation Platforms, Podiums, and Pods achieve true decoupling. Utilizing an advanced mass-spring system with a low resonant frequency of approximately 3Hz, our products isolate your hi-fi components—turntables, CD players, DACs, amplifiers, and streamers—from harmful vibrations across the entire audio spectrum. This eliminates phase distortion, delivering tighter bass, crystal-clear details, and a breathtakingly wide soundstage.Dixon’s tests of our original pneumatic Seismic Sink, as highlighted in Stereophile, demonstrated transformative improvements: enhanced clarity, precise transients, and neutral tonal balance. Today, our Seismic Isolation solutions continue this legacy, offering unparalleled performance. Verify the results yourself—place a seismograph app on a Townshend Seismic Platform and witness the near-total elimination of vibrations, a feat unmatched by attenuating devices like spikes or polymeric dampers.Elevate your audio experience with Townshend Audio’s Seismic Isolation technology, inspired by Dixon’s groundbreaking insights in Stereophile’s Bad Vibes. Protect your system from vibrations and unlock the full potential of your music.


https://www.thebrokenrecord.net/the-townshend-seismic-isolation-platform-is-the-key-to-classical/

@The Hans Beekhuyzen channel

~ 25 minutes

'Seismic in the wild'- the national audio show,uk

~ 8 minutes


Townshend Seismic Isolation platform — Single biggest difference maker, for combating both footfalls and structure-borne feedback from speakers. Amazingly-well designed and built. Leveling was a snap. Well worth the price! If you spend money on isolation,

Vinylshadow

Audiogon
April 2024

Seismic Isolation PODS

instalation

Positioned under any piece of equipment, Seismic Isolation Pods will dramatically improve the sound by breaking the acoustic connection between the audio system and structural vibrations in the room.

The Seismic Isolation Pod is a Seismic Load Cell™ with a circular foot attached to the lower end cap for stability. The length may be adjusted by turning the top end cap, which allows easy levelling of audio equipment placed on a set of four Pods. There is a soft felt protective piece on the top and bottom faces of the end caps to allow for easy positioning and to prevent scratching.


It’s no exaggeration to say that my addition of a Townshend Seismic Platform, which uses calibrated load cells, under my Michell GyroDec to isolate from floor-borne vibration has been revelatory.

 

For years, I battled with the GyroDec skipping when people walked past on my carpeted-timber lounge floor. Adding the Seismic Platform reduced this problem significantly.

 

It was eradicated entirely by mounting both equipment racks on Townshend Seismic Bars calibrated for weight. Furthermore, the level of articulation and detail across the entire frequency spectrum is now massively improved.

Jonathan Gorse

 

“The Townshend Seismic Bars under my DAC made a night-and-day difference in clarity compared to my old Vibrapods, which only softened the highs but didn’t isolate low-frequency rumble.”


June 2025

 

“Compared to my previous IsoAcoustics Gaia footers, the Townshend Seismic Pods opened up the soundstage in a way that felt like the speakers were floating in space—far more effective at eliminating floor-borne vibrations.”

 

I’ve tried Stillpoints and Symposium platforms, but the Townshend Seismic Platform under my turntable completely eliminated footfall issues, unlike anything else I’ve used.”

 

“Swapping out my HRS platform for the Townshend Seismic Isolation Platform under my preamp revealed microdetails I never knew existed, while the HRS just seemed to dampen rather than isolate.”

Enhanced Sound Quality

Enjoy a more natural sound with improved attack and decay of notes.

Balanced

Uneven-loaded components can be supplemented with extra pods, providing perfectly balanced isolation.

Comprehensive Vibration Control

Isolate vibrations across all planes of axis for a truly pure listening experience.

frequently asked questions

Seismic Pods offer multi-directional isolation, effectively dampening vibrations in both lateral and vertical directions, unlike many products that focus on just one. Their innovative design ensures superior performance across a range of audio frequencies.

  • Conventional Attenuation: Devices that merely attenuate at higher frequencies, typically at around 14Hz are limited in their ability to control low-frequency vibrations, which can still interfere with the performance of sensitive equipment.

Seismic Pods are constructed from high-quality, non-magnetic materials that prevent any interference or coloration in sound, ensuring a pure audio experience.

Seismic Pods have a compact design that allows them to fit easily under most audio equipment without taking up additional space, making them convenient for any setup.

Users often report enhanced clarity, detail, and soundstage when using Seismic Pods, leading to a more immersive listening experience compared to traditional isolation products

Yes, Seismic Pods are designed for longevity and consistent performance over time, ensuring they maintain their effectiveness even with regular use.

With their sleek and modern design, Seismic Pods not only improve performance but also add a sophisticated touch to your audio system.

Townshend Seismic Isolation blocks vibrations from a wide range of sources, including: – Low-frequency ground vibrations (like seismic activity or heavy traffic) – Structural vibrations (from footsteps, building movement) – Airborne vibrations (such as soundwaves from speakers)

Virtually all hi-fi equipment can benefit from seismic isolation, including: – Turntables (especially sensitive to vibrations) – CD players and DACs – Tube amplifiers – Loudspeakers – Pre-amplifiers and phono stages – Any other sensitive audio gear

Yes, seismic isolation can dramatically improve sound quality. By reducing external vibrations, it helps improve bass definition, tighten imaging, and enhance detail retrieval. This leads to a cleaner, more accurate soundstage with better dynamics and reduced noise or distortion.

If your listening room is prone to vibrations (e.g., due to traffic, nearby trains, or foot traffic), or if your equipment is located on a less-than-solid surface (like a wooden floor), seismic isolation can make a noticeable difference. Even in more stable environments, the precision of seismic isolation may enhance overall sound quality.

Yes, Townshend Seismic Isolation can often be integrated into your existing setup. For example, Seismic Pods can be placed under individual components, or Seismic Bars can be added to an existing rack to provide vibration isolation for the entire structure.

Townshend Seismic Isolation products are designed to accommodate a wide range of weights. Each product comes in various load ratings to suit different components, from lightweight DACs and phono stages to large, heavy amplifiers and loudspeakers. Check the specifications of each product to match it with your component’s weight.

Installation is generally straightforward. Most products are designed to be placed directly under your equipment, and no special tools or modifications are needed. For instance, Seismic Pods or Platforms can simply be positioned beneath your components, while Podiums and Bars are placed under speakers or racks.

Yes, Seismic Isolation is effective for both stereo and home theater setups. It can isolate components like AV receivers, subwoofers, and even large speakers, ensuring that all audio sources benefit from vibration-free performance.

No, the products are designed to be maintenance-free. Once installed, they continue to provide reliable seismic isolation without the need for adjustments or upkeep.

Traditional isolation feet or pads only provide limited vibration control, often targeting higher frequencies. Townshend Seismic Isolation is uniquely engineered to address a broader range of vibrations, including low-frequency disturbances (down to 3Hz), which many conventional solutions cannot handle effectively.

Choosing the right product depends on the type and weight of your equipment. For individual components, Seismic Pods or Platforms are ideal. For speakers, Seismic Podiums offer the best performance. Townshend’s website or dealers can help you select the right product based on your equipment’s weight and configuration.

Townshend Seismic Isolation products are built with durability in mind and made from high-quality materials. They are designed to last many years without degradation in performance, providing long-term vibration isolation for your hi-fi system.

Seismic Isolation can actually enhance speaker placement by stabilizing the speakers and preventing vibrations from interacting with the room or floor. It helps preserve the clarity of the soundstage, allowing for more precise imaging and better overall room acoustics.

While regular speaker stands aim to elevate the speakers to the correct height, Seismic Podiums not only position the speaker but also isolate it from vibrations in the floor. This added layer of isolation dramatically improves bass clarity and overall performance, which is not possible with standard stands.

 Seismic Pods are individual isolators that can be placed under the feet of your components or speakers, while Seismic Platforms are flat platforms that incorporate Seismic Pods into a broader surface. The choice depends on your equipment and setup preferences.

Yes, turntables are especially sensitive to vibrations. Seismic Isolation can dramatically reduce unwanted resonance and feedback, ensuring that your turntable plays with greater clarity, precision, and noise-free operation.

 Townshend Seismic Isolation products are available through authorized dealers, selected high-end audio stores, and directly from Townshend Audio’s website