speaker stands, worrth it?

[carter711]

Im going to buy a good set of B&W 'bookshelf' speakers from a friend at work, he is also selling some speaker stands if i want them.

I'd like to know if they are worth having? Will it really make a difference over them being sat on spikes on a shelf/cabernet top?

Any help appreciated.

[Funk]

Short answer - yes.

[dumbfunk]

Agree. Proper isolation is the foundation of any speaker design and you can't compare the solidity of bookshelves with a properly designed (even shot filled if possible) stand.

[carter711]

Thanks for the advice.

[Dai Capp]

Funk said:

Short answer - yes.

Long(er) answer - yes best to make sure spikes are used to get the maximum benefit...

[benzo]

Out of interest, what B&W' speakers are you interested in?

[Stamp]

Even longer answer.
All speakers need good coupling to the surface they sit on and that surface really needs to be rigid. ( It's no good putting them on a whipy shelf, the whip will remove frequencies you don't want to loose.)
The stands in theory will plant the speakers firmly to the ground maximizing the sound and frequency response. Also, some people will fill the stand with lead or sand to firm it a bit more.

[koenig999]

Short answer

Ye

Koenig

[Funk]

Dai Capp said:

Funk said:

Short answer - yes.

Long(er) answer - yes best to make sure spikes are used to get the maximum benefit...

Spikes on the bottom, blu-tack on the top - won't damage the speakers and secures them nicely.

[carter711]

Thanks for the knowledge chaps it's what makes this forum great, much appreciated.