Pros and cons for loading Totem Forest

Jswarncke, How does sand attract moisture? Sand is relatively inert silica. Moisture adheres to the surface of the grains and (if saturated) fills the void spaces between the grains. But the individual sand grains do not absorb moisture and they certainly are NOT deliquescent. Deliquescent is the property of absorbing moisture from the air. That is the property that makes salt and sugar cake.

On the other hand some clays have a remarkable ability to absorb moisture and are used as liners for landfills and for slurry walls to prevent flooding or water intrusion. Another name for clay is "kitty litter". What does kitty litter do? It absorbs moisture. I don't have cats but I imagine the litter swells as it absorbs water.

Lead Fans: What part of the "get the lead out" message is not getting through? Laws have been passed to get the lead out of many things to the maximum extent possible. That includes electronic equipment. Yet audiophiles insist on buying many pounds of lead to put into their speakers and stands.

This is not my first post on the subject and unfortunately will probably not be my last post because some people are not getting the message. Mining and smelting lead has a much larger environmental impact than mining sand. When lead has to be disposed of it is a hazardous waste. Sand is not. Lead is soft and leaves a HAZARDOUS residue in whatever it is placed in. I would never buy any equipment that was filled with lead.

Please just use sand or kitty litter. I used sand for my speakers. Cheap (and dry) at Home Depot and easy to get rid of (in my garden or concrete project) when the time comes.

The reason for me asking is because I just got a new amp/pre combo and it took me to another level. I really like the forest and have been looking to upgrade them but only a few of the more pricey speakers catch my fancy. So I was just trying to improve on what I have, not destoy the world

catula bill....i suspect you're enjoying your system as is. the forests are one of the great all rounders. even if you paid 10k or more, you could do alot worse...

i found it deadend sound,less life to music,imho.

Yes I enjoy my system very much. I read reviews in mags and read what people say here on the gon about $3000 speakers that are the next coming, want to love them but couldn't. then I jump to $5000 speakers and still they don't do it for me. As for deadend, I'm shocked, I understand we all have different taste but thats not even close to a discription I;ve thought or herd about the Forests. In my journey for better I've auditioned many speakers that I would call lifeless that people seem to love. Thanks for the help on to load or not. My room is 400 sq. ft. I think i'll leave them alone