Audio T Verdict
The IsoAcoustics Aperta Support Plates provide a simple solution when an otherwise suitable speaker stand has a top plate that is too small to support an Aperta or compatible ISO-Stand securely.
Each 3mm-thick steel plate creates a larger and more stable supporting surface without requiring the complete speaker stand to be replaced.
The smaller plates are designed for IsoAcoustics Aperta and ISO-155 stands, while the larger version accommodates Aperta 200 and ISO-200.
Two plates and 3M double-sided tape are supplied, allowing a conventional stereo pair of speaker stands to be upgraded together.
The support plates do not provide acoustic isolation themselves and do not increase the weight capacity of the speaker stand or IsoAcoustics stand. Their purpose is to provide a suitably sized mounting surface for the isolation stands sold separately.
IsoAcoustics Aperta Speaker Stand Support Plates
IsoAcoustics Aperta Support Plates are black powder-coated steel plates designed to enlarge the upper surface of compatible speaker stands, furniture or other stable supporting structures.
They are particularly useful where the existing speaker-stand top plate is strong enough to support the loudspeaker but too narrow or shallow for an IsoAcoustics Aperta or ISO-Stand.
The plates may be attached using the supplied 3M double-sided tape or drilled and bolted into place where the supporting structure and installation allow.
Aperta Isolation Stands Are Not Included
This product contains the steel support plates and 3M tape only.
The IsoAcoustics Aperta, Aperta 200, ISO-155, ISO-200, loudspeakers and conventional floor stands shown in product demonstrations are sold separately.
Two Support Plate Sizes
Aperta Support Plates
- 210mm long
- 174mm wide
- 3mm thick
- Black powder-coated steel
- Compatible with Aperta
- Compatible with ISO-155
- Two plates supplied
- 3M tape supplied
Aperta 200 Support Plates
- 272mm long
- 218mm wide
- 3mm thick
- Black powder-coated steel
- Compatible with Aperta 200
- Compatible with ISO-200
- Two plates supplied
- 3M tape supplied
Extending a Small Speaker-Stand Top Plate
Many conventional loudspeaker stands use relatively small top plates.
Although the stand itself may be stable and capable of carrying the speaker, its top surface may not provide sufficient support for the complete footprint of an Aperta or ISO-Stand.
The Aperta Support Plate sits between the existing speaker stand and the IsoAcoustics isolation stand, creating a broader surface on which the isolation product can rest securely.
A More Secure Supporting Surface
An IsoAcoustics speaker isolation stand should remain level and fully supported beneath the loudspeaker.
Allowing part of its lower frame or isolators to extend beyond a small top plate can create an unstable arrangement and prevent the isolation system from operating as intended.
The steel support plate provides a flat and rigid surface that is more closely matched to the dimensions of the intended Aperta or ISO model.
Do Not Balance an Aperta on a Small Top Plate
The lower isolators should not sit partly beyond the edge of the existing speaker-stand top plate.
Use the appropriate support plate or a speaker stand with a suitably sized top surface.
Black Powder-Coated Steel
Each plate is manufactured from 3mm-thick steel and finished with a black powder coating.
The steel construction provides a rigid platform while keeping the plate thin enough to add only a small amount to the total installation height.
The black finish is designed to remain visually discreet beneath black, silver and aluminium IsoAcoustics stands.
Two Plates per Package
Each package contains two matching support plates.
This provides one plate for each loudspeaker stand within a conventional two-channel stereo system.
Where only one plate is required, such as beneath an individual centre speaker installation, the second plate will remain available for another compatible application.
3M Double-Sided Tape Included
IsoAcoustics supplies 3M double-sided tape with each pair of plates.
The tape can be used to secure the plate to a suitable speaker-stand top plate or other supporting surface without drilling holes.
The supporting surface should be clean, dry and free from dust, grease or loose material before the adhesive is applied.
Adhesive May Affect Some Finishes
Double-sided tape can leave residue or affect delicate paint, veneer, lacquer and other surface finishes.
Check the suitability of the adhesive for the supporting surface before permanent installation.
Drilled and Bolted Installation
IsoAcoustics also states that the steel plates may be drilled and bolted into place.
This can provide a more permanent mechanical installation on suitable speaker stands or supporting structures.
The plate, speaker stand and fixing method must be appropriate for drilling, and the completed structure must remain capable of supporting the combined weight safely.
Drilling Is a Permanent Modification
Drilling the support plate or speaker stand may invalidate a product warranty, damage internal cable channels or weaken the supporting structure if carried out incorrectly.
Suitable bolts, washers, nuts or other fixing hardware should be selected by a competent installer. Fixing hardware is not specified as included.
The Supporting Structure Must Remain Stable
The Aperta Support Plate creates a larger surface but cannot compensate for a speaker stand that is unstable, damaged or too light for the loudspeaker.
The existing stand must remain upright, level and capable of supporting the combined weight of the loudspeaker, IsoAcoustics stand and steel plate.
The wider plate must not make the installation top-heavy or create excessive overhang beyond the supporting column.
No Additional Weight Capacity
The steel plate does not increase the rated weight capacity of the speaker stand, Aperta or ISO-Stand.
The complete installation remains limited by the component with the lowest safe weight capacity.
For example, using a larger plate beneath an Aperta does not increase the Aperta’s 15.9kg maximum speaker weight.
Check Every Part of the Installation
- The weight of each loudspeaker
- The capacity of the Aperta or ISO-Stand
- The capacity of the conventional floor stand
- The size of the existing stand top plate
- The width and depth of the support plate
- The stability of the complete assembly
Aperta Plate Compatibility
The standard Aperta Support Plate measures 210 × 174mm and is officially compatible with the IsoAcoustics Aperta and professional ISO-155.
The Aperta itself measures 155 × 190mm, while the ISO-155 uses the same basic 155 × 190mm footprint.
The support plate provides a larger contact surface beneath these stands where the existing floor-stand top plate is too small.
Aperta 200 Plate Compatibility
The larger Aperta 200 Support Plate measures 272 × 218mm and is officially compatible with Aperta 200 and ISO-200.
Both compatible isolation stands use a footprint approximately 200mm wide and 255mm deep.
The larger steel plate is therefore required to support their increased dimensions safely.
Not Compatible with Aperta 300
IsoAcoustics does not list either support plate as compatible with the wider Aperta 300 centre-speaker stand.
The Aperta 300 measures 300mm wide and requires a suitably sized supporting surface of its own.
Do not assume the Aperta 200 plate is suitable simply because it is the larger of the two accessories.
Not Designed for Aperta Sub Products
The support plates are not intended for the Aperta Sub or Aperta Sub XL.
Those products are complete low-profile subwoofer isolation frames designed to sit directly on a suitable floor or on their supplied carpet discs.
They do not use the conventional Aperta speaker-stand footprint.
Not an Isolation Product on Its Own
The steel plate does not contain IsoAcoustics isolators and does not independently decouple a loudspeaker from its supporting stand.
The acoustic isolation is provided by the Aperta or ISO-Stand positioned on top of the plate.
The plate’s role is structural, giving the isolation stand a sufficiently large and stable surface.
What the Support Plate Does
- Enlarges a small speaker-stand top surface
- Supports compatible Aperta and ISO stands
- Helps improve installation stability
- Allows some existing floor stands to be retained
- Provides adhesive or bolted installation options
What the Support Plate Does Not Do
- Provide acoustic isolation by itself
- Increase the isolation stand’s weight capacity
- Increase the floor stand’s load rating
- Replace an Aperta or ISO-Stand
- Correct an unstable supporting structure
Installation Height
The steel plate is approximately 3mm thick.
It will therefore add around 3mm to the physical height of the speaker installation, plus the very small thickness of any adhesive layer.
This should normally have little effect on tweeter height, although both stereo speakers should use matching plates so that they remain at the same level.
Using Matching Plates in a Stereo System
Use one matching plate beneath each left and right speaker installation.
The plates, isolation stands and loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically and use the same orientation and tilt angle.
After installation, recheck speaker spacing, listening distance and toe-in because the speakers will have been removed and repositioned.
Alternative Supporting Surfaces
IsoAcoustics states that the plates may be affixed to any suitable supporting surface to provide more area for an Aperta stand.
This may include compatible floor stands, shelves, cabinets or purpose-built supporting structures.
Whatever the application, the surface must remain rigid, level and capable of carrying the complete load safely.
When the Support Plates Are Not Required
A support plate is unnecessary where the existing speaker-stand top plate already supports the entire Aperta or ISO-Stand securely.
Adding an extra steel layer where it is not needed may increase height and complexity without providing a practical benefit.
Measure the existing top plate and compare it with the compatible isolation stand before ordering.
Measuring the Existing Speaker Stand
Measure the usable flat width and depth of the existing speaker-stand top plate.
Do not include decorative lips, curved edges or areas that cannot make secure contact with the support plate.
Also check whether the top plate contains protruding bolt heads, spikes or pads that would prevent the steel plate from sitting flat.
The Plate Must Sit Flat
Do not install the support plate over protruding fixings or an uneven surface that causes it to rock.
Correct the underlying support or choose another speaker stand before installing the loudspeaker.
Installation Guide
- Identify the Aperta or ISO-Stand model being used
- Select the matching support plate size
- Measure the existing speaker-stand top plate
- Confirm that the floor stand can carry the total weight
- Remove the loudspeaker and isolation stand
- Clean and dry the supporting surface
- Position the steel plate centrally
- Secure it using the supplied tape or suitable mechanical fixings
- Check that the plate remains level and stable
- Position the Aperta or ISO-Stand on the plate
- Align the isolation stand correctly
- Carefully replace the loudspeaker
- Confirm that the complete installation is secure
- Repeat the arrangement for the second speaker
Choosing Between the Two Sizes
Choose the Aperta Plates When
- You use the standard IsoAcoustics Aperta
- You use the professional ISO-155
- A 210 × 174mm plate suits the stand
- The smaller plate supports the complete footprint
- Two matching plates are required
Choose the Aperta 200 Plates When
- You use IsoAcoustics Aperta 200
- You use the professional ISO-200
- A 272 × 218mm plate is required
- The larger isolation stand needs more support
- Two matching plates are required
Safety and Stability
The completed speaker installation may include a floor stand, steel plate, IsoAcoustics isolation stand and heavy loudspeaker.
Every part must remain centred and secure, with no rocking, slipping or unsafe overhang.
Additional care is required in homes with children, pets or areas where the loudspeakers may be knocked.
Do Not Use an Unsafe Combination
Do not use the plates to compensate for a speaker stand that is too light, unstable, damaged or unable to carry the loudspeaker safely.
Use the Product Selection Wizard below or contact Audio T if the correct isolation stand, plate size or supporting structure is uncertain.
FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR ALL YOUR ISOLATION NEEDS USING THE SELECTION WIZARD BELOW:
IsoAcoustics Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Steel speaker-stand support plates
- Designed for compatible IsoAcoustics stands
- Extends small speaker-stand top surfaces
- Helps provide secure Aperta installation
- Two plate sizes available
- Standard plate compatible with Aperta
- Standard plate compatible with ISO-155
- Larger plate compatible with Aperta 200
- Larger plate compatible with ISO-200
- 210 × 174 × 3mm standard plate
- 272 × 218 × 3mm larger plate
- 3mm-thick steel construction
- Black powder-coated finish
- Two matching plates supplied
- 3M double-sided tape supplied
- May be drilled and bolted where appropriate
- Suitable for compatible floor stands
- Suitable for other stable supporting surfaces
- Adds approximately 3mm to installation height
- No isolation technology within the plate
- Isolation stand required separately
- Does not increase weight capacity
- Not listed for Aperta 300
- Not intended for Aperta Sub products
- Integrated Product Selection Wizard
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Aperta Support Plate do?
It enlarges a small speaker-stand top plate or supporting surface so that a compatible Aperta or ISO-Stand can sit securely on it.
Does the plate provide acoustic isolation?
No. The isolation is provided by the Aperta or ISO-Stand positioned on top of the steel plate.
Are the Aperta stands included?
No. The isolation stands, speakers and conventional floor stands are sold separately.
How many support plates are supplied?
Each package contains two matching steel plates.
Is adhesive included?
Yes. IsoAcoustics supplies 3M double-sided tape with each package.
Can the plates be bolted to a speaker stand?
Yes. IsoAcoustics states that they may be drilled and bolted into place where the plate and supporting structure are suitable.
Are bolts included?
IsoAcoustics only specifies the two plates and 3M tape as package contents. Suitable mechanical fixings should therefore be selected separately if required.
What material are the plates made from?
They are made from steel with a black powder-coated finish.
How thick are the plates?
Both versions are approximately 3mm thick.
How large is the standard Aperta plate?
It measures 210mm long, 174mm wide and 3mm thick.
Which stands fit the standard plate?
It is officially compatible with IsoAcoustics Aperta and ISO-155.
How large is the Aperta 200 plate?
It measures 272mm long, 218mm wide and 3mm thick.
Which stands fit the Aperta 200 plate?
It is officially compatible with Aperta 200 and ISO-200.
Will the plate fit Aperta 300?
Neither plate is officially listed as compatible with Aperta 300.
Will it fit an Aperta Sub?
No. The plates are intended for conventional Aperta and ISO speaker stands, not the Aperta Sub Series.
Does it increase the maximum speaker weight?
No. The weight capacity remains limited by the loudspeaker stand, isolation stand and supporting structure.
Will it make an unstable floor stand safe?
No. The underlying stand must already be rigid, level and capable of supporting the complete installation.
Can it be used on a shelf or cabinet?
IsoAcoustics states that the plates can be fixed to any suitable supporting surface, provided it is stable and capable of carrying the total load.
Will the tape damage my speaker stand?
Adhesive can leave residue or affect some delicate finishes. Check compatibility before applying it permanently.
Does the plate need to be secured?
IsoAcoustics provides double-sided tape and also allows the plates to be drilled and bolted. The chosen method should keep the plate safely positioned.
Can I simply place the plate loosely on top?
The official installation guidance describes fixing it using tape or mechanical fasteners. A loose plate may move and should not be used where it creates instability.
Does it alter the speaker height?
It adds approximately 3mm, plus the small thickness of the adhesive layer.
Do I need one beneath each stereo speaker?
Yes. Use matching plates beneath the left and right speakers. Two plates are included for this purpose.
Do I need these plates with every Aperta installation?
No. They are only required where the existing supporting surface is too small to support the Aperta or ISO-Stand securely.
How do I choose the correct size?
Match the plate to the IsoAcoustics stand: Aperta or ISO-155 uses the standard plate, while Aperta 200 or ISO-200 uses the larger plate.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Speaker-stand compatibility checks
- Aperta model and plate-size guidance
- Loudspeaker weight and stability advice
- Support-surface measurements
- Installation and fixing guidance
- Aperta and ISO-Stand comparisons
- Speaker positioning and tilt advice
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm the correct Aperta Support Plate for your IsoAcoustics stand and existing speaker-stand top plate.