Is there a cheaper alternative to this:

Looks like an oversized tuning fork.  Why would someone want to use a tuning fork stand for audio equipment?

I don't know about the ones the OP speaks of but the Deer Creek Audio stands were made by a local artist near their place and they were constructed of 14 GA powder coated steel filled with a sandstone foam product to deaden them. 

They sounded nothing like a tuning fork when rapped by the knuckles, which didn't feel good.

All the best,
Nonoise

First I thought about some silly item, but realized that that is probably good and reasonable deal.

As speaker stands go that's a pretty low price and they were designed for your speakers seems like a no-brainer to me .

Whatever you get better be the same height and have the speakers at the same angle as the real stands or the speakers will not sound as they were designed to be.