Hi-fi Racks Podium Slimline Speaker Stands review

Decent, affordable stands that will make your kit sound easy going and pleasant, if not the most attacking Tested at £120

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Decent, affordable stands that will make your kit sound easy going and pleasant, if not the most attacking

Pros

  • +

    Warm, engaging and open presentation

  • +

    Affordable

Cons

  • -

    Needs tighter bass and precise detail

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We like the warm, full-bodied and gentle sound that these slim wooden stands bring out of our reference ATC SCM 11 speakers.

Performance

While tightening the legs gives you better stability, you will find they don’t align perfectly

While tightening the legs gives you better stability, you will find they don’t align perfectly

We’re less fond of the slightly tubby bass and fuzzy edges, though. Play a Norah Jones CD and these Hi-Fi Racks stands suit the languid pace and sweet vocals – it’s such a comfortable listen.

The presentation is open and airy, but we’d like more precision and tight bass to get us through the attacking rhythms of an Iggy Azalea track.

You have the choice of 50, 60 and 70cm stand heights to get your speakers at the right ear level. In the standard oak finish, the Slimline stands will cost you just £100.

Opt for our review sample’s glossy mahogany finish (or the black, walnut and cherry options), and you’re looking at spending £120 for the pair.

They’re also surprisingly light, so make sure the legs are tightened and floor spikes are adjusted for maximum rigidity.

Verdict

Any unevenness can affect the overall sonic performance of your speakers, and you don’t need the sound getting any more relaxed.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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