Skylan vs. Sound Anchor speaker stands? Comments?

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.

As you know, I'm up in Seattle, right next to a fault line. I've lived through a couple of shakers myself - one pretty good one where I stood in the door frame of my studio (not enough time to get out) and watched the walls undulate and the floor go up and down (what a truly bizarre sight). No damage to spiked components in my systems that I recall. I'd guess you could speculate on all kinds of risks to your speakers and system. Things could fall down on it, they could fall on any stand you choose, pipes could break, fires could start. Heck, you may not make it through to enjoy your speakers. Life's too short. Isolate freely and without fear. You could always hang them by cables from the ceiling once you've determined the best position (that's a serious suggestion).

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.

Grant,
Since earthquakes are a major concern, maybe( in order to keep your costs minimized) you might consider a custom stand( mass loaded) to match your speaker measurement requirements and place a special plate designed by Silent Running Audio or perhaps Bright Star Audio on top of it to couple to your speakers. Basically a 6" tall stand with a 2" plate to give you your 8" height requirement. Adona also makes custom stands for speakers.

Sound Anchors made stands for Audio Note before Audio Note decided to make their own stands. The Sound Anchors stands for my AN/J speakers will allow them to get tight into the room corners if that is your desired speaker position. I'm sure Sound Anchors could make you a pair of stands for your speakers if you decide to go that route as they would have the specs on file or they can custom design to your specifications.

Blu-Tac is a good interface between speakers and stands but there are alternatives that may be different, better or more to your liking. I liked Herbie's Fat Dots and I've also tried adhesive cork pads which can be found at any hardware store.

On Silverline 17.5, using EPOS metal stands ST12, the sound is very lively and the speakers disappear, with great transparency.

With Skylans, they sound less lively, disappear a little bit less well, and have a bit less going on.

BUT, there is something beguiling about the Skylan sound. Blacker backgrounds. More lyrical. Something about it just grabs your attention.

At least one of these two stands is very colored in sound!
(perhaps both?)

I can't say for sure that my experience with the metal EPOS stands will translate to the Sound Anchors. But I'll tell you that the difference is very substantial, with the metal EPOS sounding more like what I expect my cds (recordings that I'm very familier with) to sound like, but the Sklyan offering a take on the music that makes me smile.

I'm planning to play with both for the forseeable future, so I can experiment more (e.g. try lighter kitty litter instead of sand in the Skylan), and give each one more time to convince me it's the real thing.

Also I'll have fun demonstrating for skeptical visitors what a huge difference a pair of stands can make :)

I have a clear memory of past occasions where the component that sounded better to me at first did not wear on me as well as other choices. We shall see.

Art