[Mass. Wine Guy]

These look pretty good for my Quad 12L2 speakers. Does anyone know these stands?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Bowers+%26+Wilkins+-+24%22+Universal+Speaker+Stands+%28Pair%29/1502082.p;tab=reviews?id=1218264251967&skuId=1502082

[Letitroll98]

Yes, the B&W stands have been highly rated.  However since this is the C&C circle, you might check these out at 1/2 the price:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=240-750

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Are both stands similar enough? Has anyone used either/both?

[rollo]

We use the B&W stands to demo our speaker line at shows. Very good. Those Daytons for the money cannot be equaled they are just are fine. Buy them.


charles

[srb]

The Dayton stands have a base of 8-1/4" W X 11" D.  The top platform is 6-5/8" X 8-1/4".  Can't tell from the photo which dimension is width and which is height.  It would make sense to have it deeper than wider as the majority of speakers are deeper than they are wide, however the perspective of the photo makes it look like 8-1/4" could possibly be the width, which would also match the width of the base. (?)
 
The B&W stands have a slightly larger base of 9-1/2" W X 11-3/4" D but the dimensions of the top platform are unknown.  The B&W stands are also slightly heavier at 18lbs. each vs. 14lbs. for the Dayton.
 
The Quad 12L2 is 8.1" W X 10" D.  My Quad 11L has a base that is inset ~ .6" on each side, so I would assume the base of your 12L2 is ~ 6.9" W X 8.8" D.
 
I would want the top platform to be as close a match as possible without being larger.  I would verify with Parts Express the orientation of the top platform.  The B&Ws dimensions might be harder to verify unless they are in stock at a local Best Buy.
 
Steve

[Mass. Wine Guy]

For the price, I think I'll go with the B&W stands. They're more solid than the Parts Express stands, and they fit my speakers. At least mostly. Does it really matter a great deal if the stand's platform is an inch or so larger than the base of the speaker?

[AffordableAudioFan]

I own the B &W stands, which I like a great deal, but know they don't provide an absolutely perfect seal. If you fill them with shot or other dampening material, make sure to examine the seal carefully before filling.

[Letitroll98]

Welcome aboard AffordableAudioFan, judging by your nic you may have found the right circle at AC.   

I'd agree that just about all of the sand filled stands could use better sealing.  Some better ones supply plastic bags that fit inside the posts, I would have thought B&W would be one of those, but I guess not.  Easily fixed with a touch of clear silicone.

Also note not all sand is equal in damping properties, play sand is not the best, you want a high silica sand like the craft sand for art work and displays.  Some like to use kitty litter, or a mix of kitty litter and sand.  As to what's best and/or what brand of kitty litter is best, we'd need a large, expensive testing facility, years of research, and a large government grant to answer that.  That should be easy to accomplish, said no one, ever.

[decal]

These are pretty cheap. I don't know how cheerful they are though !!!!

[AffordableAudioFan]

The best silica I was able to find locally was actually from a ceramics supplier. I think I paid less than $20 for the 50lb bag.

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Concrete blocks probably work very well, but I'm through with college and want something a little bit better looking.

[JLM]

Wrap concrete blocks with cloth, cheap enough?

Lots of old wives tales out there regarding stands.  Hollow = bad.  Heavy = good (less tipsy).  Solid front face = a bit extra bass.  Adjustable height = good.  Spikes = good (only if your floor is very solid, like concrete).  That's about it.

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Wrap concrete blocks with cloth, cheap enough?

Lots of old wives tales out there regarding stands.  Hollow = bad.  Heavy = good (less tipsy).  Solid front face = a bit extra bass.  Adjustable height = good.  Spikes = good (only if your floor is very solid, like concrete).  That's about it.

Are you saying that the things you describe aren't necessarily true? I'm making an educated guess that 24 inch stands are what I need. I've taken some measurements and that seems ok.

[JLM]

Sorry to confuse.  Most advice regarding speaker stands is crap.

Truths (IMO):  Heavy = good (less tipsy).  Adjustable height = good (tweeter at ear height, saves buying additional stands).  Spikes = good (only if your floor is very solid, like concrete).  Hollow = bad (can resonant - ring).  Solid front face = a bit extra bass.  That's about all you need to consider when shopping (in order of importance).

[rollo]

For the price, I think I'll go with the B&W stands. They're more solid than the Parts Express stands, and they fit my speakers. At least mostly. Does it really matter a great deal if the stand's platform is an inch or so larger than the base of the speaker?

  May I suggest that when you get them try using the carpet bumpers attached to the top plate to support the speakers. Enjoy !!


charles

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Carpet bumpers? Ok. I was planning to use that Blu Tac stuff.

[srb]

Does it really matter a great deal if the stand's platform is an inch or so larger than the base of the speaker?

No, but I would align the speaker's front face with the front edge of the platform to avoid a diffraction lip.  When the platform is smaller than the base of the speaker (as many pairings are) the stability is not as great, that's all.
 
Steve