I was considering this but I was wondering if the slight downward tilt of the speaker would be detrimental in any way.

Interestingly, the VP160 has kind of a built in shim system - the supplied rubber feet that screw into the threaded holes on the bottom. Just using 2 of them on the back with none on the front might work.

I really should break down & buy a new stand but my present Sony unit that came with my previous TV is built like a tank and weighs and costs about as much...

TAM