Should we put weights on speakers

[travellersol]

I know that speakers are best to be placed on metal stands, and some would even fill the stands with sand to increase their weight for added stability. I just wonder–if we put some weights (thick books, sand bags, etc.) on top of the speakers (which are already on stands), would it helps too?

 

[darkblue94]

I know that speakers are best to be placed on metal stands, and some would even fill the stands with sand to increase their weight for added stability. I just wonder–if we put some weights (thick books, sand bags, etc.) on top of the speakers (which are already on stands), would it helps too?

Yes it could helps too, it certainly won't hurts anything.

 

[4-2-7]

The options to spike or have weighted stands is to couple the speaker to the floor. This can give better bass response and transfer sound to the floor, something you may or may not want.

 

[trinhsman]

I have my speakers on Sound Anchor stands. I also have put a rectangular piece of granite on rubber feet, on the top of each speaker. I think it helps.

 

[JoeESP9]

Sand and/or lead shot is put into stands mostly to make them inert, not necessarily to make them weigh more.

 

[mhardy6647]

some folks do.

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hug/messages/17/177349.html

 

[travellersol]

some folks do.

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hug/messages/17/177349.html

wow, he puts bricks on them? and crossovers too? wonder what effect it would have created.......

 

[travellersol]

The options to spike or have weighted stands is to couple the speaker to the floor. This can give better bass response and transfer sound to the floor, something you may or may not want.

this is new to me.... thanks!

 

[travellersol]

I have my speakers on Sound Anchor stands. I also have put a rectangular piece of granite on rubber feet, on the top of each speaker. I think it helps.

I might want to try that too.

 

[travellersol]

Sand and/or lead shot is put into stands mostly to make them inert, not necessarily to make them weigh more.

this is new to me, too... thanks!

 

[JoeESP9]

Tap a hollow metal speaker stand and you'll hear ringing. Fill it with a mixture of sand and Lead shot and tapping it will produce a dull thud.

 

[travellersol]

Tap a hollow metal speaker stand and you'll hear ringing. Fill it with a mixture of sand and Lead shot and tapping it will produce a dull thud.

so filling with sand is advisable all the time? and, would you put weights on speakers?

 

[easycraig]

empire and dynaco speaker weights ! (technically wrong, I know)

 

[tonyk]

The options to spike or have weighted stands is to couple the speaker to the floor. This can give better bass response and transfer sound to the floor, something you may or may not want.

I was always under the impression that spikes were to isolate cabinet resonances from the floor.

 

[4-2-7]

I was always under the impression that spikes were to isolate cabinet resonances from the floor.

A lot of spikes are to go though the carpet and couple to the floor for a solid foundation.

 

[Tom Brennan]

Bruce Edgar sees benefits from the practice, his views aren't to be taken lightly.

 

[travellersol]

thanks for all the responses thus far. would like to hear from people who have actually put weights on speakers: what's your verdict?

 

[tonyk]

A lot of spikes are to go though the carpet and couple to the floor for a solid foundation.

I get that, but by spiking your speakers you're reducing the contact area the speaker has with the floor, and hence it's ability to transfer low frequency cabinet resonances to the floor is reduced.

I suspect it's why most people will claim the bass tightens up after spiking.

 

[motorstereo]

I've not had weights but I have had some heavy amps sitting on my speakers in the past. I couldn't hear any difference one way or the other. If I could've (and I was hoping I'd hear an improvement) I had plans of fashioning up a sandbox. It certainly won't hurt to pile some weight on them and you'll gain first hand knowledge as well if it works or not.

 

[John James]

thanks for all the responses thus far. would like to hear from people who have actually put weights on speakers: what's your verdict?

What ever happened in their experience is not likely to translate into your experience. (Different speakers, different amps, different room, etc.)

Put some weight on your speakers and see for yourself if it makes any difference, good or bad.