Hi Fi Racks Podium review

A solid, capable stand that you should audition Tested at £189.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

These stylish handmade oak stands deserve an audition

Pros

  • +

    Stylish looks

  • +

    well integrated treble and midrange

  • +

    ease of build

Cons

  • -

    Needs some detailing and grip

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Wood, that hardy by-product of the tree, seems to be making a comeback in hi-fi accessories, and that's a good thing. We've already dished out five stars to Hi-Fi Racks' Podium equipment rack, and here the matching speaker stands are put under the spotlight.

These handmade oak Podiums retail in three- and four-legged formats, and in natural satin or black oak finishes.

Easy to build, they come with isolation spikes and are very weighty. Optional plinths are available (£50) that fit between the floor and stand base.

Work best with top spikes
These stands work best with the supplied top-plate spikes, and using B&W's 685s together with EB Acoustics' EB1s, the Podiums serve up a warm, wide sound playing Kanye West's Love Lockdown.

The midrange sounds sweet and the treble integrates well. Bass is reasonably tight and defined, although a touch more detailing would be nice.

Using the optional plinths, we found the sound became narrower and lost expression and detailing.

The Podiums are stylish and are ideal for those with bright-sounding kit and a penchant for wooden furniture.

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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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