Speaker stands are stands for speakers where loudspeakers are installed with the objective of enhancing the quality of audio in the speaker. The stand is necessary because it helps in the proper positioning of the speaker, and also because it has a bearing on the total performance of the loudspeaker. It is therefore essential that one purchases the best quality of speaker stand possible to get the most out of their loudspeakers.
There are several factors that need to be kept in mind while shopping for speaker stands. These include ensuring that the stand is the right size for the type and shape of the speaker, and ensuring that there is ample space at ear level to be able to rest the speakers without having them become hindrances. Another important thing to consider is that the stand should ensure that the tweeter (if present) or woofer does not block the sounds from reaching the listeners ears. This could result in muffled sounds that will ruin the entire effect. The height of the stand is also important, as it allows the listener to be able to adjust the sound to suit the height of the ceiling and chairs in the room.
A good quality set of speaker stands should have sturdy mounting brackets, with suitable tensioned wire to make sure that the cables are not damaged in the process of mounting the speakers. In order to enhance the bass of the sound, subwoofers need to be mounted on a stand with good quality mounting brackets. The quality of the mounting brackets will determine the quality of the sound produced, so one needs to pay particular attention to this aspect. The distance between the tweeter and woofer is also an important factor, as a long distance makes it difficult for the listener to hear the low tones.
The design and type of feet and cable management should be chosen wisely, as they can have a significant impact on the quality of the sound produced. Speakers with good quality feet allow listeners to move around easily, reducing the effect of speaker stand clutter. The weight rating is another important feature, as high-quality products will usually carry heavier cables. Cable management systems allow ease of cable access and provide a safe way of keeping the wires neatly away from any potential fire hazards. Some stands even have an extension port to support other speaker systems.
When purchasing a stand for a home theatre system, the best sound reproduction should be the main priority. Standing speakers are often required to help keep the sound level at a reasonable height and avoid standing on carpeted areas. The best sound quality is however obtained when the speaker stands are used in combination with the correct subwoofer.
Surround speakers are usually placed in the corner, as they are harder to hear due to their elevated position. One of the advantages of corner speaker stands is that they are usually higher than other standing positions and this makes them easier to place in corners. The closer proximity also makes it easier to listen closely to the same position of the speakers without having to move the speakers. There are however speakers available that can be used in most areas and at all times, providing more freedom of movement.
The distance between the listener and the sound source needs to be taken into account. An illogical measurement would mean that the sound must be spread over a long distance without any depth. As such, it is recommended to take the sound speaker height and the distance from ear level separately, as one does not always take into account the effect of angle. Most surround sound speaker stands can accommodate a number of speakers, but it is not advisable to buy a stand with more than eight speakers as they will make the sound experience less lifelike. As such, a set of eight speakers is generally the best solution.
All of the above factors play a part in the way a product behaves. A good set of speaker stands will improve all of these areas and is therefore worth looking for in a stand. There are two options available in terms of design: either folding or collapsible. While both have different effects on the stand, there are strong advantages for using folding stands: they are easier to carry around, require less space and do not increase the size of your room.