I have the stands and think they made quite a difference (I filled them with sand and not lead shot).
1. they will change the tonal balance depending on the height of your listening chair versus the speakers (they raise the speaker about 8-9").
2. it also helped the imaging (my room, my system, YMMV)
3. a quick way to "try before you buy" would be to put your speakers up on cinder-blocks and see what you think.
(Also, I had to wait a good while for mine--hope they're in stock for you if you decide to get them).
1. they will change the tonal balance depending on the height of your listening chair versus the speakers (they raise the speaker about 8-9").
2. it also helped the imaging (my room, my system, YMMV)
3. a quick way to "try before you buy" would be to put your speakers up on cinder-blocks and see what you think.
(Also, I had to wait a good while for mine--hope they're in stock for you if you decide to get them).