In need of a cheap but relatively sturdy speaker stand

ooheadsoo · « **on:** 10 Apr 2006, 11:16 pm »

I want to try a setup for my speakers and need a single speaker stand that is roughly 29.25" tall spiked into carpet. I don't have the budget to buy one of those insanely expensive $500 stands. I would say that $70 is the most I would realistically want to spend. I'm open to offers from woodworking diyers. I'm going to get it done, one way or another even if I need to stack cinder blocks and use shims to get it to the right height, but it would be nice if it were more or less presentable. Anyone know of any options that I'm missing?

Bill Baker · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Apr 2006, 11:18 pm »

Check out partsexpress.com. They have the Sanus 30" stands that are less than $70 for the pair.
Other than that, I would recommend building your own to get the look and correct size you desire.

Folsom · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Apr 2006, 11:27 pm »

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/stubby_e.html

I made some about foot overall ones that I like.

They are SIMPLE and effective. They also cost next to nothing.

jonwb · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Apr 2006, 11:28 pm »

$70 ain't much of a budget for a set of decent stands. I'd check out what is offered by Parts Express. They have a couple 24" tall stands that would get you close.

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=3&ObjectGroup_ID=515&manufacturer=0&sm=1&so=2

Maybe a cinder block cap on top would give it a bit more personality, and get you closer to your target height.

Good luck

eric the red · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 12:14 am »

I see you've already discovered that mshan has some adjustable Target stands for sale here in the classifieds. I'd also check Audio Advisor as they usually have some good deals in their clearance section like these for 30 bucks: http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATLAS1&product_name=Adjustable%20Black%20Speaker%20Stand,%20Pair

James Romeyn · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 12:40 am »

The best I've seen are ones made in Canada by a guy who assembles them from large gauge plastic rectangular pipe, generally used for commercial sprinkler systems. They are affordable (around $150) but when filled with lead shot should be equal to the best steel. I owned the $500 Atlantis Technology Reference & would rather get those hand made stands next time. If my puter didn't crash I'd still have the link.

They looked great, like steel, not a cob job at all.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 01:05 am »

Quote

The best I've seen are ones made in Canada by a guy who assembles them from large gauge plastic rectangular pipe, generally used for commercial sprinkler systems.

You are speaking of Noel at Skylan. I just received a pair I had him custom build me for our Musica Bella loudspeakers. They do need to be filled or you get quite a bit of resonance from the PVC? uprights. I would say about 2/3 with sand or about 1/4 with Micro Bearing.
Very nice looking addition. I have small Audio Point between the top platform and the speaker but not yet under the stands themselves to couple them to the floor.
Noel is a great guy to talk to. Worth a shot.

James Romeyn · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 01:32 am »

Thanks, Bill, you de man!

Noel is indeed a great guy to talk to. I needed some reaaallllllly tall stands he couldn't make, but he spent about an hour on the phone detailing exactly how to make them. Unheard of. (no pun intended of course....)

A couple of unknown Canadians helped me with a flat motorcycle tire, followed me 40 minutes home from the big red bridge in SF because it was impossible to properly repair. They spent the night, great humans, very friendly, we loved, the "ay" thing in every sentence. The guy is a professional hoofer going to Modesto for the big hoofer's convention! Let's just say, with the crazy Canadian exchange rate, they could not BELIEVE the prices in SF. One night at Maury's hotel in SF is $250 USD, in Canadian it must be a week's wages....

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 01:52 am »

Thanks for the tips, guys. I've built the tnt stubbys before, and I was looking for a different option. I'm estimating the speakers to weigh upwards of 40lbs., so the typical 30" stand need not apply. Mshan's sale seems appealing - I'll double the stands up under the one speaker.

Folsom · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 01:54 am »

Quote from: RibbonSpeakers.net

The best I've seen are ones made in Canada by a guy who assembles them from large gauge plastic rectangular pipe, generally used for commercial sprinkler systems. They are affordable (around $150) but when filled with lead shot should be equal to the best steel. I owned the $500 Atlantis Technology Reference & would rather get those hand made stands next time. If my puter didn't crash I'd still have the link.

They looked great, like steel, not a cob job at all.

I like this idea even more than Stubs.... You can make it on your own too.

JLM · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 04:14 pm »

Look into home improvement or lawn ornament stores for concrete pedestals.

OTL · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 11:05 pm »

Obviously, others have been here before....Not too bad lookin'

http://www.ellisaudio.com/spkrstands.htm