Why Buy Home Theater Speaker Stands?

Do they do anything?

Stands for your home theater speakers are a difficult thing to talk up.  Their function is singular, and product differentiation is generally geared toward the aesthetic side rather than a specific collection of features.  Is it stable enough?  Does it fit my speakers?  Does it look good?  Answer 'yes' three times and you have a winner.  However, the question of necessity precludes them all.

Nobody will be surprised to hear that speakers positioned on the floor don't resonate quite as lively as those positioned higher.  For this reason, most people put their speakers on shelves of some sort.  Few would argue that housing a speaker on a shelf is a grievous waste of space.  Obviously, speaker stands would free up this space for more entertainment gear or assorted baubles that are so popular for occupying empty shelves.    Those who do vehemently argue in favor are most likely in the business of selling speaker stands.

Solving minor problems

They have a couple valid points, chief among them are mobility and economy of space.  You may very well like your speakers pointed in different directions when entertaining or watching a movie, and shelves can be limiting in this respect.  Home theater speaker stands handily solve this problem, often being very lightweight with adjustable height.  'Wire management' is also offered, an obtuse phrase that means the cable goes through the pole. 

Plus, they just seem to be the way to go.  With the latest home entertainment equipment, it is nearly possible to have your entire system mounted on the wall, rendering shelf systems obsolete.  Eliminating the need for entertainment cabinetry would be advancement indeed - simultaneously maximizing living space and reducing the need for bauble collection.

Consider the alternatives

It should be stated outright that stands are generally a good idea.  But saving shelf space implies spending floor space.  And most stands are simple tubes mounted on a fairly sturdy base, which creates a precarious top-heavy image when speakers are attached.  A single bump may send your gear toppling as you wish you'd just gone with the wall or ceiling mounts instead.

More information on speakers