Usher CP-63XX owners, have you added Lead Shot?

I'd stay away from the lead. However it is still used in some commercial and industrial paints since it's not banned 100%. Lead emits fumes when being heated like in soldering however dust can be inhaled when pouring the shot into the the speakers and a very minute amount could be absorbed through the skin. The body can't distinguish the difference between lead and calcium, so the body uses it as if it's calcium. That's one of the reasons symptoms of lead poisoning take so long to develop. I used sand in my stand.

I use plated Daisy Zinc plated BB's. They are safe and though not as heavy as lead shot (and not as cheap) they safer and easier to use and clean up when spilled (use a magnet). The plus is you can get them almost any where.

The issue of lead shot being used in speaker stands has come up in the past quite frequently, and I agree with most that discourage the use of this material in domestic applications. In my opinion, it is not worthwhile to use something that has potential hazard. However small it might be, there is risk anyone can be affected, not only to toddlers or small kids. It's like keeping knives and sharp objects clear from infants. The only difference is knives are essential household utensils being used in the kitchen while lead is not. There is a choice of using other safer material. You would never know if there is leakage and lead dust(possibly from abrasion between the lead pellets) may leak out from the stands.

Also, I think there isn't any major differences between lead shot and steel shot, or sand material. I may be wrong, but I will leave it for lead shot users to comment.

Nordost wires used to have this "Lead Free-Protect Our Environment" label on their packaging, for those who might want to know.

Thanks for the info, I will get them up and running then decide. Any idea where to purchase the steel shot, if I decide to go that route?

I had both the 6371 and 81's. Its important to break them in for a time before using shot or sand in them. Give them a good 300 hrs and afterwards I used steel shot in the cavities. Start with 10 lbs in each speaker. You can add in 2 lb increments and listen for the changes. I started with near 30lbs in them and that amount took too much mid-bass away.The dealer was using "50" lbs and said to "load 'em up"! DONT do that! Trust me... I ended up with only ~13 lbs in each, which was just right. Deep tight locked in bass..Use the shot judiciously as a little will make noticable changes. The speakers change too much during break in to get a true reading on the bass, so putting in shot before this will end up costing you time and sweat putting in and taking out shot..(very messy and those Ushers are quite heavy!)

Good luck, and enjoy them..They are great sounding speakers!

that's a great thought Emilg1955 - Thank you - it didn't occur to me.

Use steel shot. The shot cleans up the cabinet resonance in the all important midbass area. And no toxic impact on the world or your family.

Interesting thread! I am considering the purchase of 200lbs of #8 lead shot in 25lb bags to use as ballast for the back of my Myesound Stands on the Maggies. The thought was to keep them in the bags and lay them in a custom made box to fit on the back of the stands. The only common element denser (i.e. heavier) than lead shot is lead itself (blocks, sheets, etc.). Permanently sealing the box with the lead inside shouldn't be a problem as I see it...You?

toxic when touched, and the chance that residue from the shot inself can enter the air for decades. not worth the risk to you or family.

Is lead shot dangerous if they are not ingested? Does lead shot give off fumes? I do have small children so this is pretty important to know.

no lead under any circumstances....even filling with something thats not toxic is overrated

I have a lot of lead shot that I used in speaker stand and don't use it anymore. If anyone live close to Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, you can get it for free. I remember I brought 4 or 5 bags and each bag is about 50 or 100 lbs. Anyway, I don't remember exactly but I know I have a lot.

Tran

Stop with the lead already. There have been multiple threads on this. Many laws have been passed in the United States and Europe to get lead out of our equipment. Don't add pounds of lead to your speakers.