how studio monitors sit on stands

[andybot]

Hi,
im building a set of studio monitor stands ( sand filled column type) but what im mainly wondering about is if i need a surface for the monitors to sit. I read some discussions on this and ended up a little confused.

So whats the good word, should o treat the top of the stand, sit the monotors on tiny rubber feet of plonk them down have at it.

Thx all

[manman]

There are few methods to choose from:

1. Spikes (spikes on small rubber pads)
2. On layers of rubber pads
3. On layers with rubber/metal pads+ springs/foam in between
4. Could be very soft foam + metal plates

Whichever the best is up to scientific research lol

[takman]

what kind of floor will the stands be sitting on? concrete slab, wood framed etc

[DanDan]

I would top the stands with a dense plate, say MDF.
Then use Sorbothane feet to decouple the speaker from the structure.
DD

[andybot]

The stands will be standing on a carpet over a framed wood floor, no insulation
between the joists. The room im in is built off of an existing building, supported on the outside edge only, you can see through underneath the floor.
Thx

[andybot]

Sorbathane sounds delicious, ill check that out the thx. I was planning an mdf top so im half way there.
A

[AEX Labs]

conflicting schools of thought on this one,,,
couple vs. decouple
spikes and loaded (sand or shot) stands vs. vinyl, rubber, and foam pads
I typically couple on concrete and decouple with more resonant flooring like wood build ups, but there is no rule of thumb here, I've run 700 lb dual 18"subs that were capable of walking around the room and when spiked would "jack hammer" the concrete foundation, we decoupled them and found foam of higher density and thickness the answer.

[lurxtlifeson]

Can anyone explain (or post a link to a site that explains) the purpose of monitor stands, please?