Nearfield monitor speaker stands?

AlanRatcliffe

Anyone have a recommendation for good floor-mounted monitor speaker stands? Something solid enough to take 8" speakers without swaying in a light breeze? ?

Big-G

Can't name you any specific brands, but I would use anything that can be filled with sand. The other things I would recommend are some sturdy plinths for the stands to sit on on the floor, like some Marble slabs or such. You can interface the slabs from the floor with some foam or rubber pads, so that the Marble doesn't vibrate on the floor. Obviously that's not an issue on a carpeted floor.

Then I would also look at some sort of isolation of the speakers themselves from the stands. Again, some rubber or foam is great for this.

I'm sure you already know all that though, but even if you do, it'll hopefully help others who don't know? ?

EDIT: Some people recommend filling the stands with concrete, but I would not recommend this, as the solidified concrete can act as a 'transmitter' of vibrations, where as the sand being free to move inside will do the opposite, and effectively dampen the vibrations.

Regards
G!

AlanRatcliffe

Floor is concrete slab, so no problems there and I have Auralex Mopads for isolation from the stand. Just need the stands themselves. Useless just looking online as any that look decent are not available locally - even those that have local representation.

Actually, it's fast becoming apparent that studio furniture and fittings are very neglected product lines locally.

sharonzaz

samson makes just what you need for a killer price
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/accessories/speaker-stands/ms200/

Big-G

Unfortunately Alan, that is far too true! Its harder and harder to get things like this here without at least paying an arm and leg!

There is a company that build hifi (as in audiophile) furniture, and they may be able to help you with some stands? They are very good kit indeed, but not cheap! I'll try and remember their name and get back to you. Otherwise, there is a hifi company called Epiphany in the Northern suburbs who may be able to help you get something decent? It will be more hifi orientated, but should still do the job with all the isolation you'll have. Just as I say, make sure you can fill them with sand.

Regards
G!

AlanRatcliffe

sharonzaz wrote: samson makes just what you need for a killer price
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/accessories/speaker-stands/ms200/

I've seen those and wasn't too impressed. Too thin and spindly - bound to resonate.

Looks like I might end up making something.

sharonzaz

I also made mine.

ftcl

Try Murray at Designs unlimited. They used to build high end audio furniture (not so much right now AFAIK), but I'm sure he can help:

http://www.designsunlimited.co.za

Norman86

Focal have some nice stands..
But you will probable be better off making your own!

AlanRatcliffe

It really is simple enough to build something solid (if you google "DIY speaker stands" there's even a guy who made some with four breeze blocks and four paving slabs - now that's solid ?.

Only real decision is wood or metal. Wood I can do easily enough - make it from think lumber and make the centre column hollow for sand or shot.

Metal I'd have to get someone to make them for me, but this is a farming area, so there are plenty artisanal types around - even a technical school (apparently open to commissions for gates and things on the side). Hmmm... I'm liking the idea...

(Thinking aloud...) Two thick steel plates, a length of 120mm - 150mm steel tubing and a flat sheet of rubber for the top. Hole through the top for sand and four threaded holes in the base for spikes (which could be as simple as sharpened steel bolts). Could even have a second, smaller diameter tube for cable. Paint matt black. Easy. Thoughts?

Big-G

The 'commissioned' Metal work option sound good. Just make sure that when its all welded together, that they actually do manage to weld it 'true'. Too many welders sling things together, and then just weld it without checking for how straight and true everything is first. That's the only danger with this kind of 'on the side' job.

Then again, I'd say fill only with sand. Metal shot is also prone to vibrations, even if only a little, and you will find it will enhance certain frequencies, even with isolation padss in place, especially in the lower bass frequencies. Sand will be completely inert, and 'dead weight'.

Have fun bud!
G!

AlanRatcliffe

Big G wrote: The 'commissioned' Metal work option sound good. Just make sure that when its all welded together, that they actually do manage to weld it 'true'. Too many welders sling things together, and then just weld it without checking for how straight and true everything is first.

Murder, murder, gasp, blood... ? My nephew is a welder specialising in wrought iron, so I presume he's pretty good at it threats of death will ensure a decent job I'm sure.

Then again, I'd say fill only with sand.

Good points! Shot would also be molto expensive compared to sand...