How To: Fill Em’ Up – The Importance of Filling Speaker StandsCategories: How To, Speakers

If you have bookshelf speakers – you need to put them on stands. Well, you need to if you want them to sound any good, of course. And of course you do, you’re an audiophile! And if you aren’t – what the heck are you doing reading this?! Well, while you’re here, consider yourself part of our ranks. Here’s your first lesson: if you have bookshelf speakers, they are best placed on speaker stands. If you have speaker stands, they’re best filled. And here is a little guide as to how, and of course why.

We’ve already covered the importance of spikes/cones – but never overlook the simple yet incredibly effective act of filling up your speaker stands to achieve the absolute optimum sound. Some stands will come pre-filled, but many will come hollow so you – the discerning audiophile that we mentioned before – can fill as you please until the optimum sound is achieved. Many prefer bookshelf speakers over floorstanding ones based purely on the flexibility that is offered by simple stand filler. As with everything hi-fi, it is the customisation to the tastes of the listener that holds the appeal.

Why Fill Em’?

For many of the same reasons that it is advisable to sit your bookshelf speakers on stands as opposed to anywhere else (… such as bookshelves. Yes we know it’s a silly name for them, but such is hi-fi life!), filling your stands with various materials (yes, there are plenty available) have various beneficial properties.

Stability

Stands offer some stability, spikes provide even more and stand filler cinches the deal. Stability effects not only the safety of the speaker where its perched, but also helps prevent any minute ‘rocking’ that may occur while the speakers are in use. A heavy stand (especially if coupled with some spikes) will stay rooted, with will ultimately prevent any distortion the movement of the speaker will create.

Bass Response

Bookshelf speakers offer excellent detail and a high level of accuracy – but their bass response is a little lacking, especially when comparing them to their bass-friendly sibling – the floorstander. Filling stands tightens up the bass response, and prevents any potential ‘boom’ that may occur with an unfilled or solid stand.

Versatility

Being able to tweak the sound to your liking is a plus. And as long as you are willing to spend a little time testing the water, it’s a way to gurantee your complete bass satisfaction. Some speakers will only need a half full stand, some will need it full to the brim, some will only need three quarters, or two thirds. A hollow stand means it’s possible to make up for where your speakers lack. More, bass, less bass, tighter, looser – the decision is very much yours.

How to Fill Em’

Filling speaker stands is not rocket science, although it can be a little messy if you’re not prepared, and a little time consuming if you’re planning on tweaking it to your liking.

Although each stand is different, the process of filling them will be much the same. The top plate will unscrew (or come pre-unscrewed for you to assemble) and the pole(s) beneath will be hollow and ready to fill. The rest is mostly a case of damage control, so you make as little mess as possible. We recommend you:

– Only fill outside, or in an area that is easily cleaned (it’s crucial to go outside when filling with a potentially hazardous material, such as lead shot, and make sure children and animals are out of the way)

– Cover the floor with an old sheet (or similar)

– If possible use a funnel pushed through a piece of old cloth

– Fill up in stages (particularly crucial if you wish to test the bass of your speakers)

If you’re wishing to take full advantage of the endeavour, then its worth filling them up bit by bit, reattaching the top plate, placing your speakers and playing a few tunes. Remove, refill and repeat until satisfied. If you feel you have gone too far, carefully tipping the material out is easily done, but bare in mind the steps above. Also, make sure the top plates are properly reached (i.e. tightly screwed on) each time before you place the speakers. You don’t want them to topple off.

What To Fill Em’ With

There are several options for filling your stands, and the general consensus is that as long as the material is dense, the damping effect is sufficient. Here are some of the internet’s most popular DIY fillers:

– Rice (uncooked, of course)

– Sand (kiln dried for preference. We’ve even read stories of some drying the sand in their oven! Make sure you have read up on how to do this if you fancy having a bash yourself)

– Cat litter (unused, of course)

– Cotton (well packed down – use a poking device like a broom handle)

– Lead shot (take care – very hazardous)

– Volcanic sand (a real favourite amongst audiophiles – extra dense)

Of course, if you want to achieve the optimum, there are several brands which sell their own specifically designed filler, optimised for purpose.

Something like Atacama’s very own Atabites would suit the purpose better than anything else. If you don’t fancy messing around with any of the above – you can’t go far wrong with something made for purpose, as always.