“Seriously impressed by the effect of the Seismic ‘spring-decoupling’ rather than the usual spiking for the loudspeakers….” “…the benefits of decoupling were immediate and surprisingly obvious…..giving notable improvements in imaging and clarity in general…” “…human voices in particular seemed more real and believable, while clarity and information through the bass region was substantially enhanced, with better discrimination between notes and significantly less coloration…” “This is certainly one of the more cost-effective upgrades I’ve encountered recently…”

Paul Messenger: A Hi-Fi Veteran’s Novel Solution with Seismic Corners

Paul Messenger, a revered figure in the hi-fi world, was known for his sharp insights and innovative approaches to audio perfection. With decades of experience reviewing high-end audio equipment, Messenger always sought ways to extract the purest sound from his systems. One of his standout discoveries was the use of Townshend Audio’s Seismic Corners—not just for equipment racks, as they were originally designed, but as a novel solution to tame unwanted vibrations in his loudspeakers.

Typically, Seismic Corners are engineered to isolate hi-fi racks and components, using Townshend’s Seismic Load Cells™ to float equipment and block vibrations down to 3Hz. However, Messenger, ever the experimenter, applied these corners to his speakers, a move that defied conventional wisdom. In his 2013 review for HiFi Critic, he described being “seriously impressed” by the results. By decoupling his speakers from the floor, the Seismic Corners eliminated the feedback loop of vibrations that often muddies sound, particularly in rooms with suspended wooden floors like his own.

The effect was transformative. Messenger noted “immediate and surprisingly obvious” improvements in imaging and clarity. Human voices became “more real and believable,” while bass gained remarkable definition, with better note discrimination and significantly less coloration. This wasn’t just a subtle tweak—Messenger called it one of the most cost-effective upgrades he’d encountered, a testament to his knack for finding practical yet groundbreaking solutions.

By repurposing Seismic Corners, Messenger showcased his ability to think outside the box, proving that even a product designed for one purpose could revolutionise another. His approach not only banished unwanted vibrations but also cemented his legacy as a hi-fi pioneer who could hear—and solve—problems others overlooked. For audiophiles chasing that elusive, pure soundstage, Messenger’s experiment with Seismic Corners remains an inspiring lesson in innovation.

To read the full review please refer to the Vol7/No3 JUL-SEP 2013 of HiFi Critic.