Cables & Accessories

Elegant and classy are the first words that come to mind as I unpack the X50 speaker stands from Hi-Fi Racks. The vertical support legs are made from 22mm-thick solid oak and the top and bottom base plates from 40mm-thick solid hardwood. The standard-size top plate is 165 x 195mm and the base plate is 185 x 240mm, although these can be customised if required. The stand is available in three standard heights: 500mm, 600mm and 700mm, finished in natural oak or for an additional cost you can opt for black or white satin or gloss lacquer or walnut, cherry or mahogany stain finishes. Included with the stands are isolating spikes and matching floor protectors, which can be supplied in a choice of stainless steel or black finishes.

The top plate has sound-absorbing pads for the speaker to sit on and hold it in place.

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Performance
With the X50 supporting my Tangent Spectrum X4, Azymuth’s Equipe 68 shows off how well the punchy and powerful bass line is controlled. At the other end of the audio spectrum, the hi-hats are crisp and their position within the soundstage is well defined.

Playing Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, the stand works well with a full orchestra and there is no audible colouration – giving the impression of the speaker being placed in mid-air.

Some nice jazz is provided by an excellent 1965 LP eponymously titled Late Race by the wonderful Steve Race. The saxophone on the left playing the melody in Round Midnight with the harpsichord located in the centre and the guitar on the right perfectly demonstrates the well-focussed imaging of the music in my listening room. The bass and drums are also in perfect proportion to this appealingly well-balanced recording.

The X50 stand is solidly built and represents fantastic value for money. The choice of flexible size and customisation options ensures that it should work well with a wide selection of different speaker models. NR

DETAILS
Product: Hi-Fi Racks X50
Price: From £180.48
Type: Speaker stands
Read the full review in September issue 453