Skylan vs. Sound Anchor speaker stands? Comments?

...he recently posted that he had moved on to using wooden barstools with even greater success!.
Pcoombs (System | Threads | Answers)

Ah, the stale Guiness tweak!

Stanwal, the Skylan web page describes incorporating neoprene de-coupling pads. Are these located on the top of the top plate (thus between the bottom of the speaker and the top of the stand)?

Do you use them this way?

I wonder if these neoprene pads, and the SA's adjustable rubber feet can be removed?

I have purchased speakers that are intended to be placed on mass loaded stands, but the manufacturer recommends blue tacking the speakers to the stands for rigidity.

Stanwal, what you describe regarding Blutak is what the manufacturer intends, i.e. rigid coupling.

I can't say what I would prefer, but I first have to go with what's suggested before I deviate.

I considered Sistrum speaker stands, but frankly, in my seismic prone location sharp brass points are not the best choice for keeping gear undamaged even in a small shaker.

Anyway...any further comments on the Skylan versus Sound Anchors are appreciated.

I was under the impression that Skylan stands are metal, excepting the base and top platform. Is this not correct?

On the other hand, Sound Anchor stands are 100% metal, yes?

What would you think of a 3/4" birch plywood stands...basically a boxes divided into upper and lower chambers that would allow the upper chambers to be filled with compacted sand? The bottom would be open, with AudioPoints on the bottom corners. Consider the stand is only 9" tall.

10-31-09: Grannyring
I would think the dealer knows the various kinds of stands that work best and how each may impact the speakers sound.

Clearly, Audio Note has a vested interest in recommending their stands, but some Audio Note owners have reported that other stands work better...and may be less expensive.

I have not settled on an amp, and likely will not do so for several months.

Audio Note recommends Audio Note stands.

I am interested in alternatives for reasons explained earlier in the thread.

I know Paul Folbrecht used those amps with his Audio Notes.

I have a pair of George Wright Signature AU-15 (2A3) monoblocks I am going to try, as well as the Pass Labs XA-60.5.

There are many options.

10-31-09: Jax2
Grant - not to hijack your thread, but have you considered looking for a pair of Osiris stands?

Marco, thanks for the idea. If they were still being produced, I'd definitely be considering them. I think it's unlikely I'll run across a used pair to fit the AN-E speakers, as the AN-E stands are just 10" tall, and sized to precisely fit the footprint of the speakers to allow close placement to side and rear walls.

Steakster, I had the same experience using Rollerblocks and Aurios. Pretty cool.

Isolation of that type runs counter to the recommendation of the manufacturer of my speakers, though.

...being that you are a strong proponent of "try-before-buy", were you able to demo a pair of the AN speakers in your home before you decided to order?
Sherod (Threads | Answers)

Unfortunately, no. There was no home demo available.

I heard them at RMAF, and once at LA HES in 2006, and that's it.

11-01-09: Philjolet
fwiw I have the Sound Anchor stands for my Audio Note kit 3 (model E) speakers and they are at least twice as beefy as the AN stands which are a bit flimsy IMO.

Philojet, you hit on a point that is along the lines of why I am not jumping to buy the AN stands.

Also, the ability to place the speakers close to the walls is important, although 3" shouldn't be a problem.

Sherod, I own SP-101 stands, so I will try them. Their design precludes placing the AN speakers as close to the walls as is recommended, which is one reason the Sistrum stands are not ideal for the AN speakers, IMO ( in addition to the earthquake issue already mentioned).

Marco, Sistrum no longer makes that model, but they do have a new model available. I'm aware of those.

For me, the issues with the Sistrum stands are the wide base that precludes placement as close to the walls as AN recommends, and the brass points which do not provide a secure placement in an area prone to earthquakes. Even a small shaker may cause the speakers to slide on the sharp points, thus causing scratches that will immediately decrease the value of the speaker by more than half.

Marco, you make some valid points. Call me guilty of wanting to keep my gear as pristine as possible, and of taking the steps necessary to do so.

As I mentioned earlier, I own Sistrum SP-101 stands, and I will certainly give them a try with the speakers.

BTW, the Sistrum AN speaker stands are $1320/pair.

Thanks for the link, Sherod. If I have read his system page correctly, he lives in the Netherlands.

Never received a response from Skylan, so that brand is out of consideration.

It's down to Audio Note, Sound Anchor, Sistrum, or custom built mass loaded wood.

I definitely will, Phil.

I don't have the patience to deal with companies that are too busy to answer inquiries or deliver product in a timely fashion. There are too many other alternatives.

I'm sure the Skylan product is excellent, but I'm going in a different direction at this point.

Sherod, since there appears to be a block somewhere in the communication between Skylan and me, perhaps you would email him with my inquiry?

Audio Note AN-E stands. 14"W x 10.5"D x 10"H

Thanks.

Thanks.

I own Sistrum SP-101 stands already, so I am going to try those before purchasing others.

The speakers won't arrive for another 6-10 weeks.