I have been using lead shot for years but only just now realized how bad it is. In steel stands [sound anchors, VPI TNT stand ] it added an enormous amount of midrange energy that did not belong there. I recently put my Spendor S 100s on the dedicated steel stands filled with lead shot. I had never liked the sound of these but didn't know why. Very bright. I then placed the speakers on a Mapleshade Quadrapier stand [ discontinued maple stand] with upward pointing cones [Mapleshade and Star Sound] and the sound changed drastically for the better. I recently got a VPI TNT stand and , following their recommendation, immediately put in 40 or 50 lb. of lead. I have a 24"x 18" x 3" Michigan Maple Block on top of it , resting on large cones. Had trouble getting my Scoutmaster to sound right. Tonight I moved it onto a dedicated turntable shelf I just got for my Star Sound rack. Same effect, much quieter, more natural. It uses steel bearings for dampening. Disclaimer, I have recently resumed being a small audio dealer. The above experiences represent my efforts to make the products I am going to sell sound better. I have a pair of Skylan stands for the Spendors on order and am eager to see what they do.
