Just put my monitors on stands... WOW!

[Skol303 589]

Over the weekend I achieved something I've been meaning to do for [i]ages[/i]... and that's mount my monitors on a pair of sturdy floor stands, rather than having them sitting on my desk.

WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!

I'm gobsmacked. I knew it would be an improvement - friends and various forums telling me that it was a good idea - but I never expected it to make [i]such[/i] a difference. It really does sound like a new pair of speakers. The sound is much more clear and defined; the low end in particular has dramatically improved.

Like I said, gobsmacked

If you've ever thought about doing the same, my advice is [i]just do it! [/i]My own monitors are cheap'n'cheerful - certainly not high end - and yet they now sound fantastic. It's probably the single most effective thing I've ever done to improve the quality of my set up.

That is all. As you were.

Edited May 3, 2016 by Skol303

[RockfordStone 8]

i was considering doing this (space allowing) once i move house. did you get proper studio stands or just bog standard ones?

i found i got a lot difference by decoupling from the desk with a sponge pad.

[Skol303 589]

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1462277415' post='3041637']
i was considering doing this (space allowing) once i move house. did you get proper studio stands or just bog standard ones?

i found i got a lot difference by decoupling from the desk with a sponge pad.
[/quote]

Hi Rob. The stands I have are metal with hollow posts, which I filled with shot filler - i.e. tiny metal pellets - to add extra weight. You can also use kiln-dried sand.

You want the stands to be as heavy as possible (within reason) to reduce reverberation. I think mine weigh something like 15kg each with the filler.

[Winny Pooh 0]

The isoacoustic stands are also really good for having on a desk and do have a slight improvement in clarity

[Jus Lukin 3,112]

I've made some desk stands for mine from layers of MDF, a big block of fairly tough foam, and some thin yoga mat. They do seem to have reduced vibrations on the desk and cleared the sound up somewhat. The biggest issue I probably have now is early reflections from the wall behind, which I can't do much about beyond the acoustic foam already in place. As nearfield monitors they still need raising to have the tweeters directly at ear height, so I'll probably make some solid risers to add at some point.

Glad yours have worked well, anyway!

[ahpook 2,190]

I know you're impressed, but don't go putting them on a pedestal or anything.

[Zenitram 2]

I read somewhere that putting bags of salt under monitors effectively decouples them from the surface they're on as well as anything else.

[RockfordStone 8]

[quote name='Winny Pooh' timestamp='1464270803' post='3058083']
The isoacoustic stands are also really good for having on a desk and do have a slight improvement in clarity
[/quote]
i am planning on getting some of these once ive settled into my new space

[NancyJohnson 2,424]

I built some little stands for mine...hardwood 2x2" stock, glued and screwed (Jenga-style) to bring the drivers up to ear height; got some adjustable feet to minimise contact with the desk they're sitting in. The difference is astonishing.

[ras52 3]

I bought a pair of these https://new.andertons.co.uk/p/SMOS10/speaker-stands-accessories/stagg-smos-10-studio-monitor-stand-each with my monitors (Eris E5s), largely out of expediency, as otherwise I wouldn't have anywhere to put the speakers!

[RockfordStone 8]

whilst i havent decided to go with stands (space reasons as much as anything), i took advantage of a studio spares clear out and have ordered a set of Auralex isolation pads, which im hoping will have a tonal improvement.

we shall see.