Soundocity Outriggers: Installation
There was no included installation manual so I was off to the Soundocity website for further instructions. I was dismayed when the first picture was of someone drilling holes in the bottom of their Polk speakers to accommodate their new Outriggers. Well, that wasn’t going to be me. I decided that if the included hardware didn’t fit the Axiom installed inserts, I’d look around for something that did. Me + Power Tools = Bad in general. Me + Power Tools + Brand New Axiom Speakers = Fairly Uncomfortable Call to Gene. Yeah. Even if I owned the speakers, I’m not going near them with a drill. And I don’t suggest anyone else does either. Luckily, the supplied hardware did fit the provided inserts so it wasn’t an issue.
As one would guess, you just slap the things on (making sure the spikes are pointing down), tighten down the bolt (with the washer), and turn the speakers over. It isn’t exactly rocket science. I would suggest a few things. First, don’t over-tighten. I’m not sure how well each of these threaded inserts is secured but if I were you, I wouldn’t assume they are secured with liquid nails or anything. Just get it tight enough so that the crossbars won’t move around and give it maybe another ¼ turn. Don’t bust out your torque wrench, don’t try to make the Outriggers “one” with your speakers, just secure them and walk away. This isn’t a contest. Also, pay attention to the cut-in portion of the crossbar. While there are aesthetic considerations, for installation purposes, it makes it much easer to line up the Outrigger. It is much easier to eyeball how far the edge of the Outrigger is from the cut-in than it is from the ends. This practically negates the need to use a tape measure during the process.
Warning – spikes can be dangerous.
Specifically the longer ones. I tried them both but found that the shorter set didn’t really pierce the carpet (which made the speaker extremely easy to level but defeated the whole purpose of the spikes). The longer set is SHARP. I would advise having a friend help you turn the speaker over. Even then, it is a good idea to try and lower the speaker straight down rather than on an angle to avoid damaging the tips. Regardless, be careful. You only have to hear a story of someone setting a spiked sub on their foot once to make you a bit leery.
