Paul Seydor’s Tracking Angle Review: Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums
In a detailed review published on April 17, 2024, for Tracking Angle, veteran audio critic Paul Seydor explores the Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums—a product designed to banish unwanted vibrations and elevate speaker performance. Known for his discerning ear and decades of experience, Seydor dives into this innovative solution with enthusiasm, offering insights that resonate with audiophiles seeking to unlock the full potential of their systems. Here’s what he found when he put the Podiums to the test.
Seydor begins by setting the scene: his listening room, with its beautiful yet problematic wooden floor, had long been a source of sonic interference. “Wooden floors can be a nightmare,” he admits, recalling how his restored Garrard 301 turntable suffered from feedback and resonances until a Seismic Isolation Platform tamed the chaos. This experience primed him for the Podiums, which promise to isolate speakers from floor-borne vibrations down to an impressive 3Hz—far below the audible range. Built with a steel base, adjustable air bladders, and a floating top plate, the Podiums are engineered to decouple speakers entirely, letting them perform as intended.
The results, Seydor reports, were transformative. Testing them under his Volti Audio Rival speakers, he noticed an immediate leap in clarity and focus. “The soundstage opened up dramatically,” he writes, describing how instruments gained precise placement within a wider, deeper, and taller sonic landscape. Bass tightened, mids sharpened, and highs sparkled without a hint of harshness. He cites a favorite track—Jacintha’s a cappella “Moon River”—where the Podiums revealed subtle headphone bleed from the recording session, a testament to their resolution. “It’s not just about hearing more detail,” he notes, “but hearing the music breathe.”
What sets the Podiums apart, Seydor argues, is their universal applicability. Unlike spikes or cones, which he views skeptically for merely “tuning” vibrations rather than eliminating them, the Podiums offer true isolation. He acknowledges that turntables with built-in suspensions (like SOTA or SME) might not need them, but for most setups—especially on tricky surfaces like wood or carpet—the difference is undeniable. Comments from readers reinforce his findings, with one noting “massive improvement” even on a concrete slab.
Seydor doesn’t shy away from the practical either. The Podiums’ adjustability—handling speakers from stand-mounts to heavy floorstanders—impressed him, though he advises careful setup to ensure stability. Priced as a premium upgrade, they’re not cheap, but he sees them as a worthy investment for serious listeners. “Max Townshend’s seismograph demos are hard to argue with,” he quips, referencing the late founder’s rigorous proof of concept.
In the end, Seydor’s verdict is glowing: the Seismic Isolation Podiums are a “game-changer” that deliver on their promise of purity. For anyone battling room interactions or chasing that last ounce of fidelity, his review suggests Townshend’s solution might just be the missing piece. “Hear your speakers—truly hear them—for the first time,” he concludes, echoing a sentiment that’s tough to resist.
