how to evaluate comp stand w/o inhome auditions?

i am considering high quality component stand s for my system.
it seems impossible to borrow component racks.
what are the best ways to figure out how they effect the overall presentation? i assume that their effect on the cdp/ t/t are the most obvious, then the preamp [mine is a tube hybrid].

re: woods - is maple preferred over walnut for shelving? why? what about acrylic, crackle acrylic, composites?
so many variables, how to figure it all out?

how to begin this investigation after searching on audiogon for various opinions?

some have commented that tweeks, such as cerapucs, can make a major contribution to a basic good quality shelf system equal or beyond the basic high end stand... opinions?

thanks kindly.