[TKonrad.NOLA]

What will filling my speakers stands with sand do for sound quality?  I am using Target HR Series 24" Stands

 http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TGHR

I am using some M Series Monster Cable that I bought from Best Buy, will changing that do anything?

I probably have about 40 hours on them right now.  I am MOST impressed with the soundstage and the mid-range.  I don't think I have ever heard female vocals sound so great.  Also, I am kinda shocked at the bass that comes out of those babies too.  The strange thing is sitting in my listening position I don't think the bass is overpowering, but when I go upstairs I can hear and feel the bass...... and so can my neighbors 

[Photon46]

I had to get a temporary speaker cable to use with my older standby Luxman amp while my main amp was getting modified last year, as the Luxman won't accept spades. Needing something fast and inexpensive, some of the inexpensive Monster M series was what I ended up with. Going from $1000 speaker cables to $35 cables, I expected a huge letdown. Guess what? The Monsters sounded quite decent given the price. I ended up getting rid of the big fat expensive cables because I got tired of worrying I was going to snap off the Eichmann cable pod connectors on my amp every time I moved the speaker cables. Just for giggles, I thought I'd try some of Furutech's $5 a foot FS-502. That cable is really good for the money, silly good. A very lively and energetic upper midrange and treble without being edgy. My ACI Talismans and RAM modded PS Audio HCA-2 clearly liked that. I just installed what Mike Dzurko recommends, Dh Labs cable. Specifically the Q-10 that retails for $14 a foot for bulk DIY. I like this stuff the best of all I've heard in my system, which includes Kimber 4TC, Analysis Plus Oval 9, Sonoran Plateau Desert, the Monster I mentioned, and the Furutech FS-502. The rave reviews for the Dh Labs are warranted to my ears.

[Mike Dzurko]

I do highly recommend the DH Labs cables . . .  excellent performance.

Unfilled stands usually "ring". Filling and damping quiets them right down and the mass helps create a more stable platform as well. Sonically you can expect improved resolution and soundstage as well as cleaner mids and more solid lows.

[stereocilia]

I have the same stands; it's worth the effort to fill them.  When I did it, I listened for a couple minutes with one stand filled and the other empty and the ringing of the unfilled side was obvious to me.  I recommend the washed sand (it might be called playground sand), and make sure it's dry.

[Joe_K]

I do highly recommend the DH Labs cables . . .  excellent performance.

Ditto on the DH Labs cable. I like the Q10 so much, I've added it to my Maestro aa

Joe