The Best Studio Monitor Stands - Desk & Floor
Studio Monitor Stands - Floor
Pyle PSTND32 Studio Monitor Speaker Stand (Pair)
The Pyle PSTND32 is a versatile and portable speaker stand that works just as well in the studio and on-stage, thanks to its adjustable height and foldable design.
It features rubber grip speaker pads that prevent slippage and distributes the weight of the speaker evenly resulting in stable positioning. This also works together with the rubber cap feet used on the stand's foldable tripod base to reduce unwanted vibrations or resonance.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjustable (34" to 53")
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 8.9" x 8.9"
- Weight Capacity: 90 lbs.
- Weight: 6.1 lbs.
Pros
Most users are happy with its overall construction and functionality, describing the PSTND32 as a solid speaker stand. Many also find its portability, adjustable height and built-in rubber mats to be commendable. And since it works just as well as a PA speaker stand, its double purpose adds even more value to its already affordable price tag.
Cons
There are some reports of missing parts out of the box, but these are more of a shipping issue than an actual product problem. Given that it can carry up to 90 lbs., there are some who wish that the speaker platform was wider to handle bigger speakers.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable studio monitor stand that can double as a reliable PA speaker stand, then check out the PSTND32 from Pyle Audio.
K&M 26720 Adjustable Monitor Stand (Single)
The 26720 is a sturdy stand with a locking screw and safety pin mechanism.
The thick shaft also enables cables to be routed internally for a cleaner look for your studio.
Rubber matting on the plate prevents movement and minimizes vibration transfer.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjustable from 26.8" to 44.9
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 27.5" (diameter)
- Weight Capacity: 77.1 lbs.
- Weight: 10.4 lbs.
Pros
Users found it sturdy and reliable. The internal cable routing was the main selling point for a few.
Cons
None that we could find in user reports.
Overall
Simple, sturdy and reliable, the K&M 26720 also keeps your studio looking neat with the internal cable routing.
K&M 26754 Tiltable Monitor Stand (Single)
At publication time this was the highest rated floor mounted studio monitor stand.
To get your optimal placement, you usually have to take into account the vertical axis (speaker height) and horizontal axis (speaker distance and angle to listener) but adding another dimension, in this case tilting the monitors, adjusts the sweet spot slightly and changes the way the sound bounces around your room.
The K&M 26754 Tiltable Monitor Stand enables you to make these adjustments thanks to its clamping lever locking system and stable stop angles for tilting the tray.
Specifications:
- Height: 31.4"-51.1"
- Material: Steel
- Base Size (L x W): 23.6" (diameter)
- Weight Capacity: 77.1 lbs.
- Weight: 14.9 lbs.
Pros
As with many K&M products, owners of this stand praise its build quality and materials. Despite the tilting, users felt secure about placing their monitors on the tray thanks to its adequate rubber matting and catch lip. One user found it easier to center his monitors with this stand.
Cons
None.
Overall
If you have a less than optimal room and want to prevent the sound from bouncing from a wall behind you, tilting your monitors is an easy option to make the most of your space. At this price, the K&M 26754 is perfect for these applications.
Ultimate Support MS-90/36B 36" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
The Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is especially designed to meet the space and isolation demands of studios.
It is crafted from aluminum with three internal channels, two of which are meant for neatly organizing audio and power cables, while the third one is meant to be filled with shot or sand for added stability.
This particular model is 36" tall, and comes with four sound-decoupling pads that work well with many of the most in demand studio monitors.
Specifications:
- Height: 36"
- Material: Aluminum
- Top Plate Size (D x W): 10.25" x 12"
- Base Size (D x W): 19" x 19"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
- Weight: 12.2 lbs.
Pros
Market response to the Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is overwhelmingly positive, most of which is from users who are impressed with its overall construction. The convenience of the internal cabling channels is also well appreciated, which many report to greatly reduce cable clutter. Aesthetic quality is also mentioned another of times. 8" studio monitors from Rokit, KRK, Yamaha and many more are reported to be working well with this stand.
Cons
There are a few who reported minor finish blemishes, while others are looking for extras like adjustable rubber pads for easier leveling of the speaker.
Overall
If the K&M stands are outside your budget, then these are your next best option for going up to 36 inches.
Ultimate Support MS-90/45B 45" Floor Monitor Stand (Pair)
The Ultimate Support MS-90/45B is similar to the 36B version, with the main difference being its taller profile, which is up to 45" high. As such, it is also designed for studio use, with emphasis on space saving, decluttering and vibration isolation.
These are crafted from the same aluminum material with three hollow channels for running power and audio cables cleanly, and for adding in sand or shot for added weight and stability.
Finally, they come with four sound-decoupling pads that comfortably sit most studio monitors.
Specifications:
- Height: 45"
- Material: Aluminum
- Top Plate Size (D x W): 10.25" x 12"
- Base Size (D x W): 19" x 19"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
- Weight: 12.2 lbs.
Pros
Esteemed for their rock solid build and excellent vibration, the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B's continue to gather rave reviews. Many also appreciate their aesthetic value, especially when considering how they helps declutter studio space. Various speakers from Focal, JB, Rokit and many more have been reported to sit well on these stands.
Cons
Not many complaints other than a few who report minor cosmetic flaws.
Overall
If the 36" version is too low for your studio setup, then definitely consider getting the Ultimate Support MS-90/45B.
Studio Monitor Stands - Desktop
IsoAcoustics ISO-PUCK Vibration Isolators (Pair)
The ISO-PUCK isn't your standard monitor stand; they are small, sound and vibration isolating modules meant to be used to prop up your speakers away from the surface they're resting on.
They essentially decouple your speaker from anything that might resonate with the speakers, improving balance and stereo image.
Specifications:
- Height: 1.2"
- Base Size (L x W): 2.4" x 2.4"
- Weight Capacity: 20 lbs. per puck
Pros
Far from just a placebo, many users experienced a boost in clarity and separation when their speakers were mounted on ISO-PUCKs. Resonance from your surfaces or desks can cause unnecessary low frequency buildup, resulting in smearing of the stereo field.
Cons
The ISO-PUCKS are best used in sets of 4 per speaker. Given their nature and small size, they cannot elevate your speakers to the "tweeters at ear level" industry standard. Desks that lay low may need additional height to place speakers.
Overall
The ISO-PUCKs are more supplementary stands than main stands as they are meant to reduce resonance from speakers leaking onto your desk. If your speakers are propped up on elevated desk shelves and you want more isolation or height , the ISO-PUCKS are a great way to prop them up and decouple them. The clarity alone is worth getting into. Avoid them if you are looking for a main stand or mounting device for your speakers.
K&M 26772 Tabletop Stand (Single)
At publication time this was the equal highest rated desktop mounted studio monitor stand along with the IsoAcoustics Aperta 200.
Not everyone has the space to put up stands for their studio monitors. For those of us with limited real estate and a tight budget, the K&M 26772 is a tabletop stand meant to elevate your monitors and provide a measure of isolation.
The design also allows for some extra space under the speakers.
Specifications:
- Height: 6.5"-10"
- Material: Steel
- Platform Size (L x W): 6.6" x 5.9"
- Base Size (L x W): 8.2" x 8.4"
- Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
- Weight: 6.83 lbs.
Pros
Many reviewers praise the 26772's simple but sturdy build. One user noted it as "weighty and confidence inspiring". The stability of the design was also seen as a plus.
Cons
None that we could find in user reports.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable tabletop stand that feels sturdy, looks good and is easily adjustable, look no further than the K&M 26772.
IsoAcoustics ISO-155 Medium Acoustic Isolation Stands
The IsoAcoustics ISO-155 operate on the acoustic principles of Placement, Isolation and Focus.
With their adjustable height and tilt, minimal design to prevent reflections and vibration absorbing engineering, the ISO-155 enables you to place your monitors effectively without worrying about your desk resonating with the vibration.
Specifications:
- Height: 8.75" (Maximum)
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 7.5" x 6.1"
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs.
Pros
Users note that they perform just as advertised: Increased clarity overall with less cluttered midrange, a more predictable low frequency response and better stereo imaging. The minimalistic design also works with smaller desks.
Cons
Might not work for larger monitors in terms of stability.
Overall
With rave reviews from seasoned professionals, the IsoAcoustics ISO-155 Isolation stand is a great pick for those who need better stereo separation from their monitors that are currently mounted on their desks.
Soundrise Pro Desktop Studio Monitor Stand (Pair)
With its distinct C-Shape design, the Soundrise Professional desktop speaker stand frees up a bit more space while elevating your monitor speakers and isolating them from your desk. And it looks like these benefits are more than enough for most users to give their honest commendations.
At its core is industrial aluminum that's laser cut and bent to form its distinct C-shape profile that can carry many of the most popular studio monitor speakers, including the Yamaha HS5, Rokit 5, M-Audio BX8 and more.
Specifications:
- Height: 9"
- Material: Plastic/Steel Tube
- Contact Surface (D x W): 8.5" x 6.5"
- Base Size (D x W): 19" x 19"
- Weight Capacity: 30 lbs.
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Pros
Simplicity combined with reliability result in an easy to use, set and forget desktop speaker stand. And this peace of mind is what made many users rate this highly. It also gets a lot of commendations for visual appeal, which many describe as sleek and nice to look at.
Cons
The pricing seems to be the main point of contention for the few who had qualms about the Soundrise Pro, but they are easily outnumbered by the many satisfied users who are more than happy with their purchase.
Overall
If you're looking for a simple way to raise the position of your monitor speakers, or you're simply looking to make some room on your work desk, then check these out.
IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 Isolation Studio Monitor Stands (Pair)
At publication time this was the equal highest rated desktop mounted studio monitor stand along with the K&M 26772.
The IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 is a premium low-profile monitor stand crafted using solid aluminum material which allows it to handle large speakers that weigh up to 75 lbs.
More importantly, it does so while keeping vibrations in check with its vibration diffusion capabilities.
Finally, built-into this stand is a tilting mechanism with markings for angle adjustments.
Specifications:
- Height: 3.5"
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (D x W): 7.8" x 10"
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Pros
Users are impressed with how this simple stand improved their overall listening experience, so much so that even those who were critical at first find themselves more than satisfied. Reports are consistent in saying that they helped reduce low frequency resonance, resulting in a sound that's clearer and easier to listen to. Solid build and ease of use also received a number of commendations.
Cons
It's premium price tag seem to be the stumbling block for some, but most of those who invested in the Aperta 200 have great things to say.
Overall
If you want no less than the best premium quality desktop monitor stand, then check out the IsoAcoustics Aperta 200.
Additional Option for Subwoofers
While you can place a subwoofer on a regular stand, this one is engineered specifically for decoupling and isolation.
IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub (Single)
One of the hardest things to have under control are sub frequencies. They are omnidirectional, highly affected by parallel walls (standing waves) and resonate like crazy with a lot of different objects.
To take away at least one of these factors would be a great incremental improvement. This is why the IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub is on our list: Aside from having your monitors propped up to position and decoupling them from surfaces, subwoofers are usually an afterthought.
The ISO-200Sub shares the same engineering and philosophy as other IsoAcoustics gear in this guide with the exception of being specifically tailored for decoupling subwoofers from the floor and provide more placement options for optimal sound and synergy with your speakers.
Specifications:
- Height: 5" Maximum
- Material: Aluminum
- Base Size (L x W): 10" x 7.8"
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
Pros
Rave reviews abound for the ISO-200Sub for the immediately noticeable improvement in bass clarity and cohesion. Among these were people who lived in apartments saying that their subs don't rattle the floor or surroundings as much while experiencing an improvement in overall sound.
Cons
Too small for many subwoofer types. Changes the sound of some down-firing subwoofers.
Overall
If you're a basshead that wants low frequency clarity from the sub itself and not your floor, walls or anything near the unit, the IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub is an essential pick.
Things to Consider When Buying Studio Monitor Stands
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Floor and Desktop Stands
As the name implies, floor stands are meant to be used on the floor, usually in the form of a metal pole that elevates the speakers to a desired height. They are the most common type used on Public Address systems because they can secure and position bigger speakers, but the same principle also applies to studios. Floor stands are ideal because they lift the speakers far from vibrating and reflective materials - like the floor or your desk. But they do usually take a lot of space, and are not ideal for smaller studio monitor speakers (you don't want small speakers too far from the listener).
Desktop stands are meant for positioning and isolating smaller monitor speakers on a desk or tabletop. They are usually compact and serve as bottom base for the speakers. As such they don't have the positioning capabilities of a floor mount stand, and are usually limited to smaller speakers. More importantly, they isolate your speaker from your desk, which translates to a clearer sound as attested to by many reviewers.
Note that we left out other types of speaker stands, most notably wall mounts, in order to keep this guide focused on the types primarily used in home studios.
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Isolation
Isolating or decoupling your speaker prevents unwanted vibration transfer to your desk or floor, resulting in less unwanted noise or frequency issues. This is usually achieved by rubber materials that absorb cabinet vibration, and these are usually placed on the speaker base and on the point where the stand meets the floor or desk.
Desktop speakers benefit the most from isolation because they are standing in close proximity to a solid object that reflects audio and transfers vibrations. This is the reason why many desktop stand users report improvements to their sound.
The stands featured on this list all have some sort of isolation mechanic built into them, but you can add in some more DIY style if needed.
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Cabling
When considering studio speaker stands, you may want to carefully plan how you're going to lay out your cables to match your planned setup. Interestingly, there are some speaker stands that have built-in cable management features. You may also want to extend your budget so you can get back up cables while you're at it.
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Positioning
Modern studio speakers generally have wider sweetspots, so getting the speaker in appropriate position is no longer as hard as before. But to make the most of your speakers, you'll want them positioned in the right height and angle that matches your listening position best. This is where height and tilt adjustments come in handy. In general you'd want the tweeters at ear level and the distance between them the same as the distance to your ears, effectively forming an equilateral triangle with your listening position.
Studio Monitor Stand Selection Methodology
The guide was first published on September 14, 2018 written by Alexander Briones and the latest comprehensive update was published on April 15, 2020 written by Raphael Pulgar with contributions from Alexander Briones.
We started by looking at speaker stands for studio monitor use, and decided to focus on floor and desktop stands which are the most common choice for home studios. We then picked out 29 popular and highly rated stands, keeping in mind that they should be readily available from US based music gear retailers. We ended up gathering over 3,100 reviews, ratings and recommendations from experts and users, all of which were then processed via the Gearank Algorithm. This process gave us the scores that we used to pick out the best, divided into two categories: Floor and Desktop, as well as adding in an extra section for subwoofers. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
Comments
As a result of our April 2020
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our April 2020 update the following came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of it:
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