  Back
in the late seventies, Artech Electronics commissioned J.A. Michell
Engineering to manufacture a new spike cone which we dubbed Tenderfeet.
Since that time many thousands have been sold worldwide. Tenderfeet
are solid anodized aluminum cones designed to fit underneath your
audio components. They mass-load your equipment to whatever they are
placed on, and provide a high impedance mechanical interface between
the surface on which the equipment rests and the equipment itself.
This prevents ambient vibration from affecting the performance of
loudspeakers, turntables, compact disc players and electronics. With
loudspeakers this ambient vibration can be the delayed, self-generated
standing wave present in the floor or bookshelf that the loudspeaker
rests on. With turntables and electronics this vibration is largely
loudspeaker generated.
Tenderfeet
prevent loudspeakers from rocking which dramatically increases resolution
at higher frequencies, and also increases the clarity and definition
of bass notes. Tenderfeet will enhance spatial accuracy and reduce
the boxiness associated with smaller speakers. Focus of separate instruments
will improve. Increased low level detail will be more apparent, especially
in the attack of stringed instruments and the increased sense
of "air" around instruments and vocals.
The
greatest improvement will be heard with loudspeakers, then in turntables,
tube electronics and transistor electronics in that order. Power amplifiers
seem to benefit more than preamps.
Tenderfeet
come in two sizes. The small ones are only 15mm high and will fit
under turntables, electronics or loudspeakers mounted on hard surfaces.
The large size are 37mm high, to be used on loudspeakers or electronics
placed on carpeted or hard floors. The long, sharper taper will pierce
carpet, thereby coupling the component solidly to the floor. Both
sizes are available in a black or silver anodized finish that will
not tarnish or discolor. The large Tenderfeet come standard with a
8-32 threaded hole which will accept hanger bolts for screwing to
your equipment. Large Tenderfeet are also available with larger 1/4-20
threads. All Tenderfeet are 34mm diameter at the base.
We
recommended three Tenderfeet for each piece of equipment. For larger
loudspeakers, we recommend four Tenderfeet fitted with hanger bolts
for levelling, or our adjustable Spike Feet (Type I for surface
mount, Type II for flush mount). For those who want the benefit
of Tenderfeet or Spike Feet without the possibility of scratching
fine furniture or floors, we recommend using our Tendercups.
Description |
Retail
|
Large
Silver Tenderfeet - 8-32 thread |
$19.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 37mm high, threaded 8-32 for optional hanger bolt - see below |
|
Large
Black Tenderfeet - 8-32 thread |
$22.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 37mm high, threaded 8-32 for optional hanger bolt - see below |
|
Hanger
Bolts |
$0.99 ea. |
To
permit large 8-32 threaded Tenderfeet to be screwed into the bottom
of wooden loudspeakers or stands. Wood screw protrudes 5/8". |
|
Large
Silver Tenderfeet - 1/4-20 thread |
$19.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 37mm high, threaded 1/4-20 (no stud supplied). Fits Oracle,
Martin Logan, Mirage, Merlin, Apogee NHT and others. |
|
Large
Black Tenderfeet - 1/4-20 thread |
$22.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 37mm high, threaded 1/4-20 (no stud supplied). Fits Oracle,
Martin Logan, Mirage, Merlin, Apogee NHT and others. |
|
Small
Silver Tenderfeet |
$12.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 15mm high |
|
Small
Black Tenderfeet |
$15.95 |
35mm
Dia. x 15mm high |
|
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|
Tendercups
 Tendercups
were conceived by one of Artech's sales representatives to fulfill the
need to protect fine furniture and floors from possible damage when
using spikes and other sharp decoupling devices so that sound integrity
is not lost. The parabolic shape of the cup centers the point, and reduces
the likelihood of the point leaving the cup. Tendercups are available
in black or silver anodized finish and are the same physical dimensions
as small tenderfeet. They add less than 1/2 inch of height to the installation.
Description |
Retail
|
Silver
Tendercup |
$12.95 |
35
mm Dia. - Accepts points of all spiked feet to protect floors -
maintains single point contact |
|
Black
Tendercups |
$15.95 |
35
mm Dia. - Accepts points of all spiked feet to protect floors -
maintains single point contact |
|
Spike
Feet
 
Spike Feet I
- This kit uses surface-mounted, circular, black, threaded steel mounting
plates to secure the spikes. Kit includes eight 6mm black spikes, nuts,
surface mounting plates and mounting screws
 
Spike Feet II
- This kit uses solid brass flush-mounted inserts to secure the spikes.
A brad-point cabinet maker's drill bit is supplied with each kit. The
drill bit produces perfect flat-bottom holes, without tearing up veneers
or laminates. A 1/2 inch deep hole is first drilled to accept the brass
insert, which is then pounded in with a hammer. The installed insert
then sits flush with the surface. Finally a spike and locknut are screwed
into each insert, the speaker is leveled and the locknuts tightened.
Description |
Retail
|
Spike
Feet I |
$39.95 |
Kit
includes eight 6mm black spikes, nuts flush mounting plate and mounting
screws |
|
Spike
Feet II |
$39.95 |
Kit
includes eight 6mm black spikes, nuts and brass inserts. Brad point
drill and drill stop included. |
|
6mm
Spikes and nuts only (not shown) |
$29.95 |
Eight
6mm black spikes and lock nuts to replace lost or damaged spikes.
Fits most European stands and speakers. |
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OEM quantities
of spike nuts and inserts are available on request.
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