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Skylan speakers stands-how much sand?

I searched the forums but did not find any specific information.

I received a pair of Skylan 26" single post speaker stands yesterday. Noel suggested loading the stands with play sand, about 15 lbs. per speaker. I filled them with sand today, tamping on the top of the stands to pack the sand down.

I listened to my system yesterday, prior to adding the sand, and again today, after adding the sand. The highs seem to be muted and the speakers seem less open after filling the stands with sand.

Is it my imagination? The speakers are Spendor S3/5's.
oneinthepipe
selfdivider
33 posts
 
I have 18" Skylans for my Harbeth Super HL5s. I used clay-based kitty litter after talking to Noel about it, basically loaded the stands up to the top. My experience is similar to JB's: the bass is very tightly reined in, w/ no boominess, and the treble gained in definition and transparency. I don't think I'd go any less w/ speaker stands, now that I've had the Skylans.
oneinthepipe OP
22 posts
 
Thank you for the replies.

The tops are cut the exact dimensions of the Spendors.

The bass is good, but I can't tell about the high end. I really packed the sand in. Maybe that makes a difference, but I don't think it should.

The stands are very well made and very nice looking. Who would have thought that PVC pipe could look so good?
nieuwen
60 posts
 
You might find that if you use something like blu-tak to help make a solid connection between the speaker and stand will help you to get better sound from your speakers. Some speakers come with custom stands designed have you actually screw the stands to the speakers to get that solid connection. I am thinking of Dynaudio and KEF Reference with their dedicated stands. Blu-tak will get very close to the same level of connection without marring or damaging the speaker.
frank_sm
112 posts
 
Could you have possibly altered the speaker positioning which would lead to a change in sound? Did you move the speakers at all when you added sand? Just a thought, try different placement, toe-in.
oneinthepipe OP
22 posts
 
I replaced the speakers in exactly the same position. (my wife has never been keen about the blue masking tape on the floor.) I will continue listening to them, but there is definitely a difference. I agree that the low end is better, but I really think that they have lost a little presence in the midrange and top.

They still sound good, and I like the stands. They are infinitely better than the metal stands that I was using.

I don't know whether there is a solid connection between the stands and speakers, but I can feel the low end vibrations in the stands. I have hardwood floors and am not using the carpet spikes. The adjustable feet have flat metal bottoms.
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