I dont want to mount these on the wall..I want to use stands..are the ones Axiom sell my only option. I realize I need an opening on the bottom but the cost is very steep for these..anything else out there made for these.

There aren't any other manufacturers that I've ever heard of that have a hole on the bottom. I think there are also concerns for stability / liability when the stands start to get too tall.

If you don't want Axioms, I think the only other option will be to build your own.

FWIW, those that HAVE purchased the Axiom stands seem to report that although they're pricey, they're well-made... if that helps.

The FMS QS Stands are fabulous! I have actually gotten away with using them in my living room until the home theatre system gets moved downstairs. The WAF was positive

I bought these 30.5" stands for $70 shipped. I'll let you know how well they work. They don't have a hole in the bottom. I will either cut one out or just put the speaker on its back. But for $70 it's worth a try.

Mod, you may be able to attach an angle plate(made of wood) to the top of those brackets, then attach the T-bracket from the QS8 to that...voila! speaker sitting upright as it was designed too be. If you aren't able to make an angle plate, think of a very small ready made wood shelf from one of the box stores flipped over, one face mounted to your stand, the other face with your surround attached.

This could be why the Axiom stands are so expensive. They are the only company that has a stand that works well with the QS8/4.

In business this is called "cornering the market".

I know, I am no help here, sorry.

paul

WOW! That was a great idea! I could also buy a can of black spray paint to complete the look. I will do this not long after I set up my system.

The whole laying flat thing was bugging me a bit but I didn't want to shell out $300 as I am already over budget. I guess Home Despot can hook me up.

Edit: Two thoughts: how would I counter-balance the weight of the SQ8's? And how would the down-firing woofer be heard?
I wish I were really handy at making things ...

I don't think you'd have any problem counterbalancing the speakers according to the link of the stands you posted. It appears the supports are attached to the back part of the base in the pictures, so the speaker would end up, more-a-less centred. You'd have to have a look at it yourself to try it though.

Cool. I'll give it a go some time in April when I actually have all my speakers and a place to put them.

I like the idea of modifying the stand, but wouldn't it fire down right onto the the plate?

Ideally that stand would need to be quite a bit taller to work properly with the surrounds.

They do make taller stands but the 30.5" ones would leave the speakers at perfect ear level for my sitting position, which is why I bought them.

Usually the surrounds are placed a couple of feet above and behind your listening position.

Not usually. For people to stand mount them a few feet above ear level would make the stand very unstable with the slightest bump unless a very heavy base is used.

The recommended level is a few feet above ear level.

Agreed, Jay. But I think he wants to use the stands that he linked to and he inferred that they were at the 'correct' listening height. From what I see, those stands are less than 3 ft tall so it's doubtful they are near high enough, but you're right, unless they can be made stable he shouldn't try it. Actually, the Axiom QS8 stands are only 38" high, by the looks of it. I was thinking of making my own stands for surrounds about 6 ft tall rather than put holes in the wall. This way I can move them around if I need to.

You can have the Axiom stands custom made, I am not sure if that means they could be higher if so desired, never looked into it. I have heard a set of QS8s on the Axiom stands over at icehawk's place and the surround soundstage was as good if not better than my system which has the surrounds ~4ft above the listening area due to room demands and being cautious.

I'm actually a little confused(not the first time) about the surrounds. By nearly all accounts, they are meant to be above and behind the seating position, yet the QS stands are barely over 3 ft high which doesn't seem ideal. Maybe it doesn't matter with the multi-directional drivers.

The multi-directional driver certainly helps with the improper positioning that many of us have to deal with. The 'ideal' still has a wide range to it so the effect of a less tha ideal position should be minimal, at least it has in my experiences.

I did think the 'correct' placement would be near my ears. I guess it won't be ideal but when I buy a house I want to get the basement wired so I can place the speakers exactly where I want the. The stands should be a 1-year solution so it will be what it will be.