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Filling speaker Stands?

I have a modest system. Continually look for ways to improve it's performance even to a slight degree. I have read many posts about improvements than can be achieved by filling the hollow spaces of some speaker stands with some type of material....sand, kitty litter, lead shot, and some others. Here are the stands I have......
https://www.sanus.com/en_US/products/speaker-stands/sf26/ 
These stands are of metal construction. There are 2 upright support tubes which are approx. 2" diameter. The stands sit on a carpet floor with spikes. On the top plates are a layer of Sorbothane and PSB Imagine B speakers sit on top of that. The 2 metal supports are attached to the base and top plate with just threaded holes about 1/4 " diameter. Pouring some type of dampening  material would definitely require a funnel.
The reason I ask this question is that, when I thump on each upright post, it rings for several seconds. A dampening fill would minimize this but would filling those posts really benefit the speaker performance to even a small degree given my modest setup? I don't know. Probably, few have experimented with this type of scenario.Thanks for any advice.



jrpnde
dill
2,525 posts
 
jrpnde .. I don't think 1/4" is large enough to accept the small pebbles. As long as your bases are welded, sand might be a good option for you (not beach sand). You might also check out steel shot.
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Lead.

It does not ring like steel and substantially increases the stand mass over sand, steel, pebbles, etc. Best would be lead filled with sand.

Sorbothane works very well in coupling the speaker and stand. The improvement in mid-bass detail is impressive.

Kitty litter is far too light to be of any use.

As far as disposal, almost any gun club can direct you to a reclamation center. Simply add a label on the back stating the stand is filled with lead shot in the event the owner is not the disposer.
miketuason
337 posts
 
How about a molten lead where you can pour inside the stand which will fill up every small spaces then let it cool down, would that work?
jerroldls's avatar
jerroldls
33 posts
 
Lead is toxic, no need to use it. You can get steel ball bearings from many industrial suppliers at very low prices. stainless won't rust and is safe to handle and get rid of if u want to latter on. Some of the newer kitty litters are pretty dense and could be used. The steel shot or bearings can be had in small diameters so they pack tight.

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 
One common mistake people make is to fully fill their stands. It can kill the sound totally dead. Far bettter results are usually usually obtained by going 50% to 65% max. Keeps a lower C of G too.
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