While many models of TV stands and entertainment centers include dedicated compartments for some type of speaker system, speaker stands can actually help enhance your audio experience. They are designed to optimize sound quality by lifting them off the floor and away from walls that might cause distortion. Especially if you are a home theater enthusiast, you will want to be able to position your surround sound speakers to their best advantage. Here are some tips for buying speaker stands for your home that will perfectly fit your requirements.

Speaker Stand Height

When purchasing speaker stands for a setup that will be independent of entertainment centers or TV stands, height is often overlooked. Sometimes it is mistakenly considered to be standard, but speaker stands are available in a number of different heights for a reason. For that optimum listening experience, you will want the speakers to be at the height that will position the speaker’s tweeter at or around ear level when seated. If you’re not sure exactly where that is or if the room includes different types of seating such as barstools and a couch, adjustable speaker stands that let you select and change the height might be an option for you.

Speaker Stand Size

You will want to purchase speaker stands that fit your speakers proportionately; the base of the speaker should be the same shape and size or only slightly smaller than the top of the speaker stand. You want to make sure that the speaker sits comfortably balanced without being top heavy.

Speaker Stand Construction

Speaker stands should be well constructed so that there will be no vibration, wobbling or danger of the speakers not being properly supported in any way. Popular construction materials for speaker stands are wood and metal. Choose speaker stands that use quality materials and solid construction methods. The stands must be able to hold the weight of the speakers; check product information if you are unsure. In addition to standard speaker stands, there are some models of stands that are designed for a specific type of speaker, like central channel speaker stands.

Speaker Stand Features

To ensure that the speaker stands will be the right fit for you and your setup, give some thought to what kinds of features your would like your new stands to have. Some common features of speaker stands are:

• some type of wire management system to keep cables/wires hidden from view

• additional mounting brackets in an alternate size

• steel top plate spikes for reducing sound vibrations

• carpet spikes for added stability

• rubber feet for use on hardwood flooring