Monitor Stand Material

I use Von Schweikert VR-1's; I bought them with their stands. I'd like to use these stands, but they aren't high enough to accomodate my position behind the mixing board. So I plan on placing the VR-1's on top of their stands, on top of a cinder block with a portion pile rug glued to -- and covering -- the top, on top of another cinderblock sitting on a painted cement floor. (Of course, there's a large rug in the listening area.) Is this an appropriate plan? Thanks for your time.

Is this an appropriate plan?

That depends on how your room geometry is set up. Correct height for your speakers is 1.2m above the floor, where that refers to the height of the acoustic axis of the speakers, not the height of the top or bottom of the speaker cabinet. If that places the speakers behind something, such as your console (it shouldn't), then you can raise the speakers slightly and tilt them down slightly (so that they are still aimed at your ears), but the tilt angle cannot exceed 10°, absolute maximum. (Some say 15°, but that's a little unrealistic, for several reasons. So the question is: do you have that geometry correct? Currently, and if not will it be correct with your new plan? If the answer is "no" to both questions, then there's something else wrong with the room layout. It would be good if you could provide a diagram of what you have, and of what you are planning, plus some photos, so we can see what you are dealing with. - Stuart -

Thanks for your reply. I now have different plans -- long story.

For future reference: In this type of situation, is pile rug a good choice?