Custom Design RS300 review

These minimilist stands give music real pace and drive, and for the money are undoubtedly worthy of five stars Tested at £90.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

An excellent buy; minimal design and a thoroughly appealing listen

Pros

  • +

    Decent timing, fast bass

Cons

  • -

    Nothing given the price

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We're not averse to the minimal approach to stand design, and the RS300s' single-column look is both simple and attractive. A single bolt secures each top-plate to the large central pillar, which can be mass-loaded with any suitable filler, from silver sand to Custom Design's own inert filling material, yours at £5 a bag.

The company recommends two bags per stand, which is how we tested them. Most great-sounding speaker stands can look a little industrial: witness the excellent Partingtons. But the stylish RS300s give music real pace, which injects energy into tunes and always keeps you entertained. Bass is both well-founded and articulate, with weight and agility to match the sparkling midrange beautifully.

True, you can get even more extension and grip from larger, heavier stands, such as the Partington Super Dreadnoughts (£180), but otherwise, the RS300s hold their own against their aesthetically challenged opponents. That, and their price, makes them five stars.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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