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Sand or Lead Shot?

K

KeithL

Active Member
I just picked up a used pair of Vienna Acoustics Bach speakers and they have the option of filling the base section. What is the best option ...Sand or Lead Shot?

I also have a pair of Paradigm J29 speaker stands. Same question here.

Thanks
Keith
 
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Been wanting to retro-fit some speakers to add some weight. Do most put the lead or sand into smaller sealed bags first, then put them into the speaker? I can envision quite a mess if the sand were to get everywhere. I realize speakers designed for this would be easier to accommodate.
 
Volume for volume, lead is heavier than sand, so you'd be able to get more weight in a given space. Smaller shot (larger numerically 6-8) will pack tighter in an equal space than larger shot (smaller numerically 0-2). Even the tiniest lead shot sizes are much larger than sand so it's less likely to seep out.
 
Real lead shot is expensive hazardous. I would use sand, or if you really need all the weight you can get then use shot made from a metal other than lead.
 
KeithL said:
OK, so now I see Zaph uses Kitty litter as an option? Any input on this ?
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Kitty litter? Really? I'd be a little leery as to the potential "chemical" reaction to components inside. Could potentially impact networks and maybe even cause issue with VC's over time.

I would think sand would be relatively cheap, and very available from any cement place. They have different grades of sand you can pick from too.
 
Good Sand

White clean sand used in sand blasting is sold in bags comes in different grades should work also. Seal joints with silicone bathroom tub seal to stop leaks.
 
I had 75 lbs of lead shot, and room for much more, so I bought a 50 lb bag of swimming pool filter sand. Clean, bug-free, odor-free.

Mixed the sand and shot, and ladled it into the columns of my equipment rack, and the bases of my Atacama speaker stands.
 
Lead shot is VERY expensive. Non-hazardous though unless you do something dumb. Once sealed in a enclosure, it's harmless. I shoot trap regularly and handload. Here's a couple of sources.

25lb bags are standard, and will almost fill a 2 liter soda bottle to give you an idea of the volume.

Ballistic products has it new http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Magnum-Chilled-Lead/products/68/,

and Rotometals has reclaimed shot sucked up off trap and skeet fields and cleaned. http://www.rotometals.com/Lead-Shot-s/64.htm

$85/50lbs tyd is about as cheap as it gets. Rotometals has 10% off sales 3 or 4 times a year once you get on their e-mailing list.
 
Scott594 said:
Lead shot is VERY expensive. Non-hazardous though unless you do something dumb.
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True in theory, I guess. Still, I wouldn't use it if there is any chance small children would ever be in the same room as the speakers, or the room you handled the loose shot.
 
I have Lovan 5-pole stands, about a 1" dia pole and I filled mine with sand. The hole on top was only 1/2" wide so I used a funnel to help with sand spillage......sounds great!! One of those spend a little for a lot in return tweaks.
 
There's lead in your equipment already. The solder that holds it together. And no, most manufacturers have not switched to lead free solder. It's the lead oxide (white powder) that is dangerous, and has to be ingested. Shot that is not corroded is as safe to handle as solder, just wash your hands when done. I've been casting bullets, handloading and shooting competitively for 40yrs. Had a lead test while in the hospital a couple of years ago, and my lead levels were below average.

Sand is much cheaper though. Aquarium gravel is usually hitting the garage sales this time of year too. Plenty heavy IMO. Cat litter is just clay, and will draw moisture. Not real dense either.

The reason I stopped back though -

If you do decide on the shot option:

I just received a e-mail from Roto-metals.(I never get that kind of timing when I'm looking to buy something)
Spring Sale - 10%off - code #1913

My opinions only.
 
I would use play sand from HD or Lowes and call it a day. It's less expensive, easily available, and non toxic. Plus it's highly doubtful that the lead shot route would be an audible upgrade over the sand.
 
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