Audio T Verdict
The Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential is a versatile UK-made speaker stand that combines a conventional 620mm listening height with unusually flexible speaker and system matching.
Twin 50.8mm steel columns provide a rigid foundation and can be mass loaded to improve stability and control unwanted resonance. The substantial shield-shaped bases and adjustable 8mm floor spikes also give the stands a reassuringly secure footprint.
The supplied 130 x 170mm top plates suit compact speakers, while four optional plate sizes allow the same stands to accommodate wider, deeper or differently proportioned cabinets.
Check the speaker weight, cabinet dimensions and final tweeter height carefully. Up to approximately 16.8kg of Atabites can be used across the pair, but the correct amount should be established gradually rather than treating maximum capacity as the target.
Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential Speaker Stands
The Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential is supplied as a pair of 620mm-high speaker stands designed for compact and medium-sized standmount loudspeakers weighing up to 15kg each.
Each stand combines twin mass-loadable carbon-steel columns with a compact interchangeable top plate and a substantial shield-shaped base.
This adaptable design allows the same stand structure to support a wide variety of speaker cabinet shapes while providing the stability and correct elevation expected from a dedicated Hi-Fi support.
Why Dedicated Speaker Stands Matter
Standmount loudspeakers require a secure foundation that positions their drivers correctly and allows the cabinets to be placed independently from shelves and ordinary furniture.
Lightweight tables, cabinets and sideboards can vibrate in sympathy with the speakers and may restrict the ability to adjust spacing, distance from the walls and toe-in.
A correctly matched stand can help reduce unwanted movement and provide a more consistent platform, contributing to improved bass definition, clearer detail and more precise stereo imaging.
Read our
guide to speaker stands, Hi-Fi furniture and resonance control
for further advice.
620mm Overall Height
The NeXXus 600 Essential measures 620mm high, including the supplied adjustable floor spikes.
This falls within the conventional height range for many compact and medium-sized standmount speakers.
The correct choice still depends on the loudspeaker cabinet and the position of its tweeter. Measure from the bottom of the cabinet to the centre of the tweeter and add the 620mm stand height.
Check the Complete Tweeter Height
Stand height alone does not determine whether a combination is suitable.
Compare the final tweeter height with the listener's seated ear level and check the loudspeaker manufacturer's positioning guidance.
Twin 50.8mm Steel Columns
Each NeXXus 600 Essential stand uses two 50.8mm-wide steel support columns.
The twin-column arrangement helps distribute the speaker load while providing considerably more mass-loading capacity than the previous single-column Nexus Essential design.
Both columns can be filled, allowing the weight and resonance behaviour of each stand to be adjusted evenly.
Mass Loading with Atacama Atabites
The hollow support columns can be filled with
Atacama Atabites SMD-Z speaker stand filler
.
Adding dense filler increases the mass of the stands and helps control resonance within their steel columns.
This may provide a more stable foundation and contribute to improved bass control, clarity and stereo focus within a correctly matched system.
Up to 16.8kg of Atabites per Pair
Atacama specifies an approximate maximum Atabite capacity of 16.8kg across the pair.
Two 7kg tubs are described as sufficient for most applications, leaving some unused capacity rather than completely filling both stands.
The filler should be divided equally between the left and right stands and across all four vertical columns.
Maximum Capacity Is Not the Target
Completely filling a speaker stand does not automatically produce the best result.
The preferred quantity depends on the loudspeakers, room, flooring, positioning and overall character of the Hi-Fi system.
How Full Should the Columns Be?
Atacama recommends experimenting with different fill levels, with approximately half to two-thirds full providing a useful starting range for many systems.
Begin with a moderate quantity and listen to several familiar recordings before adding more.
If the presentation begins to sound overly heavy or dull, reducing the quantity may restore a more open and balanced result.
Keep Both Stands Equally Loaded
Equal loading helps maintain consistent weight distribution and resonance behaviour between the left and right speakers.
Use suitable scales to divide the material accurately rather than relying solely on the visible fill level inside each column.
Recording the amount placed in each tube will make later adjustments easier.
Position the Stands Before Filling
Two tubs of Atabites add approximately 14kg across the pair before the weight of the speakers and stands is included.
Position the empty stands close to their final locations and remove the loudspeakers whenever the loaded stands need to be moved.
130 x 170mm Standard Top Plates
Each stand includes a 130mm-wide by 170mm-deep steel top plate.
This compact size is suitable for many smaller standmount speakers, although cabinet overhang may be acceptable where the speaker remains flat, securely centred and within the stand's weight capacity.
Domed gel pads are supplied to protect the underside of the cabinet and help prevent minor movement on the plate.
Measure the Speaker Cabinet
Check the loudspeaker width, depth, weight and centre of gravity rather than relying on top-plate dimensions alone.
The cabinet must remain stable and should not be pulled towards an edge by a tight or heavy speaker cable.
Four Optional Top-Plate Sizes
Four alternative top-plate packs can be fitted when the standard 130 x 170mm plate is not the most suitable match.
140 x 210mm
A narrow but deeper plate for compact loudspeakers with greater cabinet depth.
160 x 220mm
A versatile option for many medium-sized bookshelf and standmount speakers.
180 x 150mm
A wider, shallower plate suited to compact BBC-style monitors and similarly proportioned cabinets.
190 x 305mm
The largest option, designed for deeper and more substantial compatible standmount speakers.
The speaker must still remain securely centred and within the stand's 15kg load capacity, regardless of the top plate selected.
Reuse the Standard Top Plates
The original 130 x 170mm plates are always supplied, even when an upgraded plate pack is selected.
Atacama suggests attaching the unused standard plates beneath the base plates using the tube-fastening bolts.
This increases low-down mass, helps control base-plate resonance and keeps the original plates safely with the stands for future use.
Domed Gel Pads Included
A set of domed gel pads is supplied for placement between the speaker cabinet and top plate.
These pads help protect the cabinet finish, reduce minor slipping and provide a degree of damping between the loudspeaker and steel plate.
Check that every pad makes proper contact and that the speaker remains level after installation.
Shield-Shaped Steel Base Plates
Each stand uses a 5mm-thick laser-cut steel base measuring 260mm wide by 365mm deep.
The elongated shield-shaped design provides greater front-to-back stability than the smaller base used on the previous Nexus range.
Its broad footprint also helps support more substantial loudspeakers while retaining a relatively compact width.
Allow Enough Floor Space
Each stand requires a clear area of at least 260 x 365mm, with additional room behind it for the loudspeaker cable.
Avoid placing the stands where doors, furniture or people moving through the room could knock them.
15kg Speaker Capacity per Stand
The NeXXus 600 Essential can support one compatible loudspeaker weighing up to 15kg on each stand.
This is a significant increase over the previous-generation Nexus Essential design.
The stated limit includes the speaker and any additional pads or accessories placed on the top plate.
Mass Loading Does Not Increase the Speaker Limit
Adding Atabites can improve stability but does not raise the published 15kg loudspeaker capacity.
Check the weight of one individual speaker rather than the pair or packaged product.
Optional Mass-Loading Base Plates
An optional mass-loading base-plate pack can be fitted discreetly within the underside of the NeXXus base.
The pack adds approximately 1.5kg to each stand, increasing low-down mass without changing the visible appearance significantly.
This can be useful where additional stability is required or where the support columns are not being filled to their maximum capacity.
Adjustable 8mm Floor Spikes
Adjustable 8mm BZP floor spikes are fitted to the NeXXus series.
They allow each stand to be levelled on slightly uneven flooring and provide firm contact with a suitable carpeted surface.
Once the stand is stable, the locking hardware should be tightened securely.
Protect Hard and Delicate Floors
Steel spikes can damage wood, laminate, tile, vinyl and other vulnerable floor coverings.
Atacama recommends two packs of HD-S spike shoes for a pair of stands installed on a delicate surface.
No Internal Cable Route Listed
Atacama does not list an internal loudspeaker-cable route for the NeXXus 600 Essential.
Speaker cable should normally be run neatly behind the stand with enough slack to prevent it pulling the cabinet towards an edge.
Avoid overtightening clips or ties around the cable, as this can damage its outer insulation.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with the left and right speakers positioned symmetrically and at an equal distance from the main listening position.
Experiment with distance from the rear and side walls, together with the amount of toe-in towards the listening seat.
Change one element at a time and use several familiar recordings before making another adjustment.
NeXXus 600 Essential or Moseco 6?
NeXXus 600 Essential
- 620mm overall height including spikes
- Twin 50.8mm steel columns
- 130 x 170mm standard top plate
- Four alternative top-plate sizes
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Up to approximately 16.8kg of filler per pair
- Shield-shaped all-steel base
Atacama Moseco 6
- 615mm height excluding floor spikes
- Steel columns with bamboo bases
- 130 x 170mm standard top plate
- Optional larger top plates
- Lower standard speaker capacity
- Integrated rear-column cable management
- More domestic visual appearance
View the Atacama Moseco 6 speaker stands
NeXXus 600 Essential or SLX600?
NeXXus 600 Essential
- 620mm overall height
- Twin-column construction
- 260 x 365mm shield-shaped base
- Compact standard top plate
- Several optional top plates
- Two tubs of Atabites suit most systems
- Visually lighter structure
Atacama SLX600
- 635mm overall height
- Four-column construction
- 305 x 305mm square base
- 225 x 225mm standard top plate
- Greater mass-loading capacity
- Approximately five tubs of Atabites per pair
- More substantial professional appearance
View the Atacama SLX600 speaker stands
Finish Options
Satin Black
Satin Black provides an understated finish that works with a broad range of speakers, equipment racks and room styles.
Diamond White
Diamond White offers a brighter alternative for light-coloured speakers and interiors where black stands would look visually heavy.
Assembly and Setup
- Confirm the speaker dimensions, individual weight and required tweeter height.
- Select the most appropriate top-plate size.
- Assemble both stands on a clean and protected surface.
- Fit the adjustable floor spikes or suitable floor protectors.
- Move the empty stands close to their intended positions.
- Add equal quantities of Atabites where mass loading is required.
- Secure all column covers and stand fittings.
- Level each stand and tighten the spike hardware.
- Fit the supplied domed gel pads to the top plates.
- Lift and centre each loudspeaker carefully.
- Connect the speaker cables with enough slack to avoid pulling the cabinets.
- Check stability, tweeter height and placement before final listening tests.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Compact and medium-sized standmount loudspeakers
- Speakers weighing no more than 15kg each
- Systems requiring approximately 620mm of elevation
- Speakers requiring alternative top-plate dimensions
- Systems benefiting from adjustable mass loading
- Customers wanting a versatile UK-made support
- Domestic stereo and music systems
Check Before Buying
- Calculate the complete speaker and tweeter height
- Standard top plates measure 130 x 170mm
- Maximum speaker capacity is 15kg per stand
- Optional top plates may be required
- Two tubs of filler add substantial weight
- Steel spikes can damage delicate flooring
- No internal cable-management route is listed
- The correct fill quantity depends on the complete system
Setup Guidance
- Position the empty stands before mass loading
- Share filler equally across every column
- Begin around half full where appropriate
- Adjust the quantity using familiar recordings
- Use spike shoes on vulnerable flooring
- Level and lock every floor spike
- Centre each speaker on the supplied pads
- Remove the speakers before moving the stands
Browse our selection of
speaker stands and brackets
,
standmount and floorstanding speakers
,
loudspeaker cables
and
isolation solutions
, or explore the complete
Atacama range at Audio T
.
Key Features
- Supplied as a pair of speaker stands
- 620mm overall height including floor spikes
- Twin 50.8mm steel support columns
- Both columns can be mass loaded
- Approximate maximum Atabite capacity of 16.8kg per pair
- Two 7kg tubs sufficient for most applications
- 130 x 170mm standard steel top plates
- Four optional top-plate sizes
- Domed speaker-support gel pads included
- 260 x 365mm shield-shaped base plates
- 5mm-thick laser-cut steel bases
- 15kg maximum loudspeaker capacity per stand
- Adjustable 8mm BZP floor spikes
- Compatible with optional HD-S spike shoes
- Compatible with optional mass-loading base plates
- Satin Black or Diamond White finish
- Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the NeXXus 600 Essential stands supplied as a pair?
Yes. The product contains two speaker stands.
How tall are the stands?
They measure 620mm high, including the adjustable floor spikes.
What size are the standard top plates?
The supplied top plates measure 130mm wide by 170mm deep.
Are larger top plates available?
Yes. Four optional sizes are available: 140 x 210mm, 160 x 220mm, 180 x 150mm and 190 x 305mm.
What should I do with the original plates after upgrading?
Atacama suggests attaching them beneath the base plates using the tube-fastening bolts to add low-down mass and keep them safely with the stands.
What is the maximum speaker weight?
Atacama specifies a maximum of 15kg per stand.
Can the stands be mass loaded?
Yes. Both support columns on each stand can be filled with suitable material such as Atacama Atabites.
How much Atabite filler can they hold?
The approximate maximum capacity is 16.8kg across the pair.
How many tubs are normally required?
Atacama states that two 7kg tubs are sufficient for most applications.
Should the stands be filled completely?
Not automatically. Approximately half to two-thirds full provides a useful starting range, with the final amount adjusted by listening.
Should every column contain the same amount?
Yes. Divide the filler equally between both stands and every support column.
Are speaker-support pads included?
Yes. Domed gel pads are supplied for use between the loudspeaker cabinets and top plates.
Are floor spikes included?
Yes. Adjustable 8mm BZP floor spikes are included.
Can the spikes be used on wooden floors?
Use suitable spike shoes or floor protectors beneath every spike to prevent damage to hard or delicate flooring.
Can more weight be added to the base?
Yes. Optional mass-loading base plates add approximately 1.5kg to each stand.
Do the stands provide internal cable management?
No dedicated internal cable route is listed. Speaker cable should normally be run neatly behind the stands.
Which finishes are available?
Atacama currently lists Satin Black and Diamond White.
Are the stands made in the UK?
Yes. The Atacama NeXXus series is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Advice on selecting the correct speaker-stand height
- Speaker weight and cabinet-dimension checks
- Guidance on choosing the most suitable top plates
- Atabites quantity and mass-loading advice
- Comparison with Moseco and SLX speaker stands
- Floor-spike and hard-floor protection recommendations
- Speaker positioning and toe-in guidance
- Demonstrations with suitable standmount loudspeakers
- Ongoing system setup and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
for help matching the Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential stands with your speakers, listening height and room.