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Original Message
Skylan vs. Target with Merlin TSM's
Posted by Bobsprit@aol.com on March 13, 2011 at 19:11:28:
This is quick shootout between the Skylan 4 post stands and the Target 4 Post MR stands. Speakers used in the test were the Merlin TSM-MXr speakers using the Manley Stingray II tube amp. Speakers were decoupled using small amounts of blu-tack.
Gee, these stands look quite alike. Both are 4 post stands and both are 24" high. The Skylan stands are plastic with MFD bases and tops while the Target's are steel. Both stands were filled with sand, set on spikes. The Skylan top is made to fit the TSM quite exactly.
Once filled the weight of the stands was up there and not much difference between them so far as moving them around.
Summing up the differences we could note wasn't to hard. The Skylan stands seemed to get more bass out of the Merlins, but it was also not quite tight sounding. I never noted this until hearing them on the Targets, which seemed to cut off the lowest registers of what the speakers could produce. We heard a bit less bass, but it seemed more accurate on some recordings. After a while we decided that on the best recordings the Skylan's extension at the low end was welcome and made the speakers more enjoyable. Then there other recordings where there was a real benefit to backing off a bit on the bass.
With the sub:
Using the MJ Acoustics 150 MK2 sub we noted that there was virtually no difference now, at least not one that generated a preference. My friend thought there was something happening with the Target stands creating a bit more HF, but I didn't hear it. His ears being 11 years younger may be part of the answer.
Summary:
Both excellent stands. I like the Skylans for getting more oomph out of the low end. Checking in with some Steely Dan it was great fun. Since I use the TSM's mostly without a sub the Skylan stands will stay put. The Targets will be used with something else....a pair of Focals perhaps. One more note...The Skylan stands really MUST be filled, while some folks seem to enjoy the Targets unloaded or loaded with lighter material, such as kitty litter. I found the Skylans unacceptable with kitty litter.
Cheers,
Rob