Audio T Verdict
The IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub provides a simple and beautifully engineered way to isolate a compatible subwoofer from its supporting floor.
Its patented directional isolators reduce the transfer of mechanical energy into floorboards, furniture and the surrounding structure, helping prevent the room from adding unwanted resonance and rattle to the bass.
The design also reduces vibrational energy reflecting from the floor back into the subwoofer cabinet. Depending on the subwoofer, room and floor construction, this can help bass notes sound tighter, cleaner and more clearly defined.
The low-profile aluminium frame fits beneath the flat centre section of many subwoofer cabinets without interfering with their existing corner feet. Four carpet discs are included for use on suitable carpeted floors.
Correct sizing and orientation remain important. The subwoofer should be the same size as or larger than the Aperta Sub, must weigh no more than 36.3kg and should sit securely on the frame without rocking or unsafe overhang.
IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub Subwoofer Isolation Stand
The IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub is a low-profile isolation stand designed for compatible front-firing and side-firing subwoofers weighing up to 36.3kg.
It combines a sculpted aluminium frame with four integrated IsoAcoustics directional isolators, reducing the mechanical connection between the subwoofer and the supporting surface.
Measuring 265mm wide, 290mm deep and only 33mm high, it can fit beneath many compact and medium-sized subwoofers without dramatically changing their position within the room.
One Isolation Stand Is Supplied
The package contains one complete Aperta Sub and four carpet discs.
It is intended to support one compatible subwoofer. The subwoofer itself is not included.
Patented IsoAcoustics Isolation
A subwoofer generates considerable mechanical energy as its driver moves forwards and backwards.
When the cabinet is coupled directly to a floor, part of that energy can travel into the supporting structure and cause floorboards, furniture and other objects to vibrate.
The Aperta Sub provides a controlled mechanical connection that reduces this transfer while continuing to support the cabinet securely.
Reducing Structure-Borne Vibration
Structure-borne vibration travels mechanically through the floor and surrounding construction rather than through the air.
This can cause suspended floors, cabinets, doors and nearby equipment to resonate along with the subwoofer.
Reducing this mechanical transfer can help the listener hear more of the subwoofer’s intended output and less of the supporting structure.
Reducing Reflected Vibration
Mechanical energy can also reflect from a hard supporting surface and travel back into the subwoofer cabinet.
IsoAcoustics identifies these returning vibrations as a potential cause of low-frequency smear and reduced definition.
The Aperta Sub is designed to manage this interaction, helping bass notes start and stop more cleanly.
What Improvements Might You Hear?
- Tighter and more clearly defined bass
- Improved separation between low-frequency notes
- Reduced floor and furniture vibration
- Less low-frequency smear
- Cleaner integration with the main speakers
- Reduced disturbance in adjoining rooms
The scale of the improvement will depend on the subwoofer, room construction, floor type, placement and existing isolation.
Room Rattle and Airborne Bass
The Aperta Sub can reduce rattles caused by mechanical vibration travelling through the floor.
It cannot prevent powerful airborne bass from exciting loose doors, windows, shelves or decorative objects elsewhere in the room.
Any remaining rattles may therefore need to be identified and treated separately.
Directional Isolation
The patented isolators are directional rather than designed to move equally in every direction.
Their internal shape helps resist sideways deflection and oscillation while aligning the isolation with the front-to-back movement of the subwoofer driver.
Correct orientation is therefore an important part of installation.
Align the Stand with the Driver
For a front-firing subwoofer, position the Aperta Sub with the IsoAcoustics logo facing forwards in the same direction as the driver.
For a side-firing subwoofer, rotate the stand so that the isolators remain aligned with the direction in which the driver moves.
Front-Firing Subwoofers
With a front-firing subwoofer, the IsoAcoustics logo should normally face the listener in the same direction as the drive unit.
The stand can be rotated through 180 degrees if you prefer to hide the logo, as the isolators remain aligned on the same front-to-back axis.
It should not be turned through 90 degrees beneath a front-firing subwoofer.
Side-Firing Subwoofers
The Aperta Sub can also support physically compatible side-firing models.
In this installation, turn the stand sideways so its directional isolators align with the movement of the side-mounted driver.
The logo may therefore face towards the side of the room rather than towards the main listening position.
Low-Profile Aluminium Frame
The Aperta Sub uses a rigid sculpted aluminium frame finished in black.
Its height of only 33mm provides isolation without raising the subwoofer as substantially as a conventional platform or studio-monitor stand.
The open frame is shaped to fit beneath the centre section of many subwoofer cabinets without interfering with feet positioned near the corners.
Works with Existing Subwoofer Feet
The Aperta Sub is normally positioned beneath the flat underside of the cabinet while the original feet remain fitted.
This avoids the need to remove compatible factory feet or install threaded adaptors.
The feet must not prevent the cabinet from resting evenly on the isolation stand or cause the complete assembly to rock.
Measure the Flat Contact Area
Measure the section of the cabinet that will actually rest on the Aperta Sub.
Do not rely solely on the subwoofer’s overall width and depth, particularly where it has a narrow plinth, curved underside or unusually positioned feet.
Subwoofer Size and Overhang
IsoAcoustics recommends that the subwoofer should be the same size as or larger than the isolation stand.
A few inches of overhang on each side can be acceptable where the cabinet remains stable and the weight is distributed safely.
The Aperta Sub should not project substantially beyond the edges of a smaller cabinet.
36.3kg Maximum Capacity
The maximum supported load is 80lb or approximately 36.3kg.
This capacity applies to one complete Aperta Sub supporting one subwoofer.
The published limit should not be exceeded, and the cabinet weight should remain reasonably centred across the stand.
Check the Net Product Weight
Use the subwoofer’s net weight rather than its packed shipping weight.
Where the subwoofer is very close to the limit or has unusual weight distribution, use the Product Selection Wizard below or ask Audio T for advice.
Also Suitable for Lighter Subwoofers
The 36.3kg figure is a maximum rather than a target weight.
IsoAcoustics confirms that the Aperta Sub can also work effectively with lighter compatible subwoofers.
Physical fit, cabinet shape and stability remain as important as weight when selecting the correct isolation product.
No Height or Tilt Adjustment
The Aperta Sub has a fixed height of 33mm and does not provide height or tilt adjustment.
Conventional Aperta stands include tilt because bookshelf speakers may need to be aimed towards seated ear level.
A subwoofer does not require tweeter alignment, allowing the Aperta Sub to use a simpler and lower fixed-height structure.
Four Carpet Discs Included
Four carpet discs are supplied for use on appropriate carpeted floors.
The discs provide a firm connection through thicker carpet and underlay to the solid flooring beneath.
This gives the directional isolators a more stable foundation and helps prevent the stand from rocking or sinking unevenly.
Are the Carpet Discs Always Required?
No. They are intended for carpeted installations and are not normally required when the stand sits securely on a suitable hard floor.
Use them where they create a more stable connection through the carpet.
Installation on Hard Floors
On wood, laminate, tile, stone and other suitable hard surfaces, the Aperta Sub can normally be positioned directly on the floor.
The surface must be stable, level and capable of supporting the combined weight of the subwoofer and stand.
Remove dirt or grit before installation to prevent instability or damage to delicate flooring.
Delivered Ready to Use
The Aperta Sub is supplied as one assembled isolation stand.
There are no alternative height tubes or separate frame sections to construct before normal installation.
Once compatibility has been checked, position the stand correctly and carefully lower the subwoofer onto it.
Installation Guide
- Confirm the subwoofer’s net weight
- Measure the flat underside of the cabinet
- Confirm that the existing feet will clear the frame
- Check that the supporting floor is stable and level
- Fit the included carpet discs where required
- Align the stand with the direction of driver movement
- Ask another person to help where the cabinet is heavy
- Carefully lower the subwoofer onto the stand
- Check that the cabinet sits evenly and securely
- Reconnect the signal and power cables
- Ensure that the cables do not pull the cabinet off-centre
- Recheck the subwoofer’s position and settings
Handle Heavy Subwoofers Carefully
Do not attempt to lift a heavy or awkward cabinet without assistance.
Follow the subwoofer manufacturer’s handling instructions and protect the equipment and floor during installation.
Recheck Your Subwoofer Settings
The Aperta Sub raises the cabinet by 33mm and changes its mechanical interaction with the room.
After installation, recheck the subwoofer level, crossover frequency, phase and position.
The reduction in structural vibration may alter the amount and character of bass heard at the listening position.
Hi-Fi and Home Cinema Systems
The Aperta Sub is suitable for compatible subwoofers used in two-channel music systems, home cinemas and mixed entertainment rooms.
In a stereo system, cleaner low-frequency definition can help the subwoofer blend more naturally with the main speakers.
In a cinema system, reduced structural resonance can make effects feel more controlled without removing their scale and physical impact.
Flats and Shared Buildings
Reducing structure-borne energy can help limit vibration travelling through suspended floors and into adjoining rooms or properties.
This can be particularly useful in flats, terraced homes, upstairs rooms and buildings with lightweight timber floors.
Airborne bass can still travel through walls and ceilings, so listening volume and room construction will continue to affect neighbouring spaces.
Aperta Sub or Aperta Sub XL?
Choose the Aperta Sub When
- The subwoofer weighs no more than 36.3kg
- A 265 × 290mm frame suits the cabinet
- The compact 33mm-high design is preferred
- The subwoofer has a smaller footprint
- The standard model is confirmed by the wizard
Choose the Aperta Sub XL When
- The subwoofer weighs up to 72.6kg
- A larger 368 × 406mm frame is required
- The cabinet is too large for the standard model
- A broader supporting area is preferable
- The XL model is confirmed by the wizard
The IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub XL applies the same broad design to larger subwoofers weighing up to 72.6kg.
Aperta Sub or OREA?
Choose the Aperta Sub When
- A simple one-piece isolation stand is preferred
- The subwoofer fits its fixed footprint
- Carpet discs are required
- No individual isolator positioning is needed
- The cabinet weighs up to 36.3kg
Choose OREA When
- Individual isolator placement is required
- The cabinet shape does not suit a fixed frame
- A lower-profile arrangement is preferred
- The correct OREA model and quantity suit the weight
- The subwoofer has suitable contact points underneath
The IsoAcoustics OREA Series uses individual isolators that can be positioned beneath compatible speakers, subwoofers and audio equipment.
Aperta Sub or GAIA?
Choose the Aperta Sub When
- A removable platform-style solution is preferred
- The original subwoofer feet should remain fitted
- No threaded installation is available
- The fixed Aperta footprint suits the cabinet
- Carpet discs are required
Choose GAIA When
- The original feet can be replaced safely
- Compatible threaded inserts are available
- A strong threaded connection is preferred
- The correct GAIA model suits the total weight
- The cabinet shape does not suit the Aperta frame
The IsoAcoustics GAIA Series replaces compatible factory feet or spikes using threaded adaptors.
Not Intended for Standmount Speakers
The Aperta Sub is designed specifically for subwoofers and does not provide the tilt adjustment included with conventional Aperta speaker stands.
For bookshelf, standmount and centre-channel loudspeakers, select the appropriate IsoAcoustics Aperta speaker isolation stand.
Safety and Stability
The subwoofer must remain level and stable after it has been positioned on the Aperta Sub.
Do not use the stand where the cabinet rocks, slips, overhangs unsafely or contacts only part of the frame.
Power and signal cables should be arranged so that they do not pull the cabinet towards one side.
Do Not Use an Unstable Combination
The Aperta Sub cannot correct an unsuitable cabinet shape, uneven underside or unsafe supporting floor.
Use the Product Selection Wizard below or contact Audio T if there is any uncertainty about fit, weight distribution or compatibility.
FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR ALL YOUR ISOLATION NEEDS USING THE SELECTION WIZARD BELOW:
IsoAcoustics Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Isolation stand for compatible subwoofers
- Supports up to 80lb or 36.3kg
- Patented IsoAcoustics isolation technology
- Four integrated directional isolators
- Reduces mechanical energy transfer
- Reduces supporting-surface vibration
- Reduces reflected vibration
- Can help tighten bass response
- Can improve low-frequency definition
- Can reduce structure-borne room rattle
- May help reduce neighbour disturbance
- Rigid sculpted aluminium frame
- Low-profile 33mm height
- 265mm width
- 290mm depth
- Black finish
- Compatible with suitable front-firing subwoofers
- Compatible with suitable side-firing subwoofers
- Designed to fit between many existing corner feet
- Original feet can normally remain fitted
- Fixed height
- No tilt adjustment
- No assembly normally required
- Suitable for stable hard floors
- Four carpet discs included
- Suitable for thick carpet when correctly installed
- One complete stand supplied
- One stand supports one subwoofer
- Works with lighter compatible subwoofers
- Integrated Product Selection Wizard
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub do?
It reduces mechanical vibration travelling between a compatible subwoofer and its supporting surface.
Can it improve sound quality?
It may produce tighter, clearer bass by reducing supporting-surface resonance and vibration reflecting back into the cabinet.
Can it reduce floor vibration?
Yes. It is designed to reduce structure-borne energy travelling from the subwoofer into the floor.
Will it stop every room rattle?
No. It can reduce mechanically transmitted vibration, but airborne bass may still excite loose doors, furniture and other objects.
Can it reduce disturbance for neighbours?
Reducing structure-borne vibration can help, especially with suspended floors, although airborne bass can still travel through the building.
What is the maximum supported weight?
The Aperta Sub supports one compatible subwoofer weighing up to 80lb or approximately 36.3kg.
Can it be used with a lighter subwoofer?
Yes. IsoAcoustics confirms that it also works well with lighter compatible models.
How large is the stand?
It measures 265mm wide, 290mm deep and 33mm high.
How many stands are supplied?
One complete Aperta Sub isolation stand is supplied.
Are carpet discs included?
Yes. Four carpet discs are included.
Is assembly required?
No normal frame assembly is required. The Aperta Sub is supplied ready to position beneath the subwoofer.
Which colours are available?
The Aperta Sub Series is available in black only.
Does it provide height adjustment?
No. Its height is fixed at 33mm.
Does it provide tilt adjustment?
No. Subwoofers do not require the ear-level alignment needed by standmount speakers.
Can it be used on a hard floor?
Yes. It can normally sit directly on a suitable stable and level hard floor.
Can it be used on carpet?
Yes. The four included carpet discs provide a firm connection through suitable carpet to the floor beneath.
Can it be used with a front-firing subwoofer?
Yes. Position the logo in the same direction as the front-mounted driver.
Can it be used with a side-firing subwoofer?
Yes. Turn the stand sideways so the directional isolators align with the side-mounted driver.
Can I turn the logo towards the back?
Yes. With a front-firing subwoofer, the stand may be rotated through 180 degrees while retaining the correct isolation axis.
Will it work with a down-firing subwoofer?
IsoAcoustics specifically lists front-firing and side-firing compatibility. Use the Product Selection Wizard or ask Audio T to confirm other designs.
Does the subwoofer need to be larger than the stand?
IsoAcoustics recommends that the subwoofer should be the same size as or larger than the stand.
Can the cabinet overhang the stand?
A few inches of overhang on each side can be acceptable if the subwoofer remains stable and securely supported.
Do I remove the original subwoofer feet?
Not normally. The frame is designed to fit beneath the cabinet without interfering with many corner-mounted feet.
What should I measure before ordering?
Check the subwoofer’s net weight and measure the flat underside that will actually contact the isolation stand.
What is the difference between Aperta Sub and Sub XL?
The standard Aperta Sub measures 265 × 290 × 33mm and supports 36.3kg. The Sub XL measures 368 × 406 × 37mm and supports 72.6kg.
Can it be used under a normal loudspeaker?
It is designed for subwoofers. Use the conventional Aperta Series for standmount and centre-channel speakers.
How do I know whether it fits my subwoofer?
Enter the subwoofer model into the IsoAcoustics Product Selection Wizard above or contact Audio T with its dimensions and weight.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist subwoofer isolation demonstrations
- Subwoofer weight and sizing checks
- Aperta Sub and Sub XL comparisons
- Driver-orientation guidance
- Hard-floor and carpet setup advice
- Subwoofer positioning assistance
- Crossover, phase and level guidance
- Stereo and home cinema system advice
- Comparison with OREA and GAIA products
- Home demonstrations where available
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to confirm whether the IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub is the correct isolation solution for your subwoofer, floor and listening room.