Audio T Verdict
The Atacama SLX500 is a substantial professional-style speaker stand for medium-sized and larger standmount loudspeakers that benefit from a broad top plate, rigid four-column construction and considerable mass-loading potential.
Its 535mm overall height is lower than many conventional 600mm stands, making it particularly useful with taller speaker cabinets whose tweeters already sit relatively high above the cabinet base.
The 225mm-square steel top plates provide a generous supporting area, while the 305mm-square bases and adjustable floor spikes create a stable footprint. High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads are also included to protect the loudspeakers and provide secure contact with the stands.
Atacama recommends approximately four tubs of Atabites across the pair, but the quantity should be adjusted by listening. The SLX500 can become extremely heavy once filled, so careful planning, safe lifting and accurate speaker matching are essential.
Atacama SLX500 Professional Speaker Stands
The Atacama SLX500 is supplied as a pair of four-column steel speaker stands designed to support compatible standmount loudspeakers weighing up to 15kg each.
With an overall height of 535mm including the supplied floor spikes and High Load Trapezoidal isolation pads, the SLX500 is particularly well suited to medium-sized and larger standmount speakers that would sit too high on a conventional 600mm support.
Every vertical column can be mass loaded, allowing the weight, stability and resonance behaviour of the stands to be adjusted to suit the loudspeakers and listening room.
Why Use Dedicated Speaker Stands?
Standmount loudspeakers need a secure platform that positions their drivers correctly and allows them to be placed independently from shelves and ordinary furniture.
A lightweight cabinet, sideboard or table can vibrate in sympathy with the speaker and may restrict the ability to adjust distance from the walls, toe-in and stereo spacing.
A properly matched stand provides a stable mechanical foundation and makes it easier to position both loudspeakers symmetrically. This can contribute to clearer bass, more precise stereo imaging and a more consistent tonal balance.
Read our
guide to speaker stands, Hi-Fi furniture and resonance control
for more information about supporting audio equipment correctly.
535mm Overall Height
Atacama's current specification gives the SLX500 an overall height of 535mm, including the adjustable floor spikes and supplied HLT isolation pads.
This measurement is lower than the 545mm figure shown in some earlier product information.
The correct height depends on the position of the tweeter within the speaker cabinet and the height of the listening seat, rather than the stand measurement alone.
Calculate the Complete Tweeter Height
Measure from the bottom of the loudspeaker cabinet to the centre of its tweeter, then add the SLX500's 535mm overall height.
Compare the result with the listener's seated ear height and check the loudspeaker manufacturer's positioning guidance.
Designed for Medium and Larger Standmount Speakers
The SLX500's relatively low height and broad top plate make it particularly useful with standmount speakers that are taller, deeper or heavier than a typical compact bookshelf model.
A smaller speaker may also be compatible, but its tweeter could remain below seated ear level. Conversely, a very tall cabinet may require an even lower stand.
Speaker weight, cabinet footprint, centre of gravity and intended listening axis should all be considered before selecting the stand.
Professional Four-Column Construction
Each stand uses four vertical steel columns positioned between the top and base plates.
The four-column structure distributes the loudspeaker load across a broad footprint and provides greater mass-loading capacity than a typical single-column domestic stand.
Every column can be filled, allowing both stands to be tuned evenly rather than relying on one central loading chamber.
225mm-Square Steel Top Plates
The standard top plate measures 225mm wide by 225mm deep.
This provides a substantial supporting area for medium and larger standmount loudspeakers, although the cabinet may extend beyond the plate when it remains securely centred.
Atacama states that the supported speaker's overall width and depth should not exceed the 305 x 305mm dimensions of the stand's base plate.
Check Cabinet Size and Stability
A speaker may remain within the dimensional limits but still be unsuitable because of its shape, weight distribution or unusually high centre of gravity.
Check that the cabinet sits flat and remains stable when positioned on the supplied isolation pads.
Optional 280 x 300mm Top Plates
Atacama offers an optional top-plate pack measuring 280mm by 300mm for compatible SL and SLX stands.
The larger plates are manufactured from 10mm-thick black high-density fibreboard and provide a broader supporting area for larger or deeper loudspeakers.
They can be rotated so either the 280mm or 300mm edge faces forwards, allowing the orientation to suit the speaker cabinet.
The Larger Plates Change the Overall Height
Atacama states that the optional plates increase the stand height by approximately 8mm compared with the original steel plates.
Isolation pads are not included with the optional plate pack, and the original countersunk fixing bolts must be reused.
305mm-Square Base Plates
Each stand uses a 305mm-wide by 305mm-deep base plate manufactured from 5mm-thick laser-cut carbon steel.
The square footprint provides stability in every direction and distributes the combined weight of the speaker, stand and mass-loading material across the floor.
Allow additional space behind the stands for the loudspeaker cables and around the sides so they cannot be knocked by doors, furniture or people moving through the room.
15kg Speaker Capacity per Stand
Atacama specifies a maximum loudspeaker weight of 15kg on each SLX500 stand.
This figure applies to each individual speaker and includes any additional pads, fixing products or accessories placed on the top plate.
Filling the columns increases stand mass and stability but does not increase the stated 15kg speaker limit.
Do Not Exceed the Recommended Load
Check the published weight of one loudspeaker rather than the combined shipping weight or weight of the pair.
A speaker may fit on the top plate while still exceeding the safe load recommendation.
High Load Trapezoidal Isolation Gel Pads
High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads are supplied for placement between the loudspeaker cabinet and top plate.
The pads help protect the underside of the cabinet, provide secure contact and reduce minor movement between the speaker and steel plate.
Their height is included within the quoted 535mm overall measurement.
Leave Enough Cable Slack
Speaker cable should not pull the cabinet towards the back or side of the stand.
Leave a relaxed cable loop and check that each speaker remains securely centred.
Optional Top Spikes
Optional M6 top spikes can be fitted in place of the supplied HLT isolation pads where a rigid mechanical interface is preferred.
Top spikes can permanently mark the underside of a speaker cabinet and may not be suitable for every loudspeaker construction.
Confirm that the speaker manufacturer permits this type of support before replacing the supplied gel pads.
Mass Loading with Atacama Atabites
All four columns on each stand can be filled with
Atacama Atabites SMD-Z speaker stand filler
.
Adding dense filler increases the overall mass of the stands and helps control resonance within their hollow steel columns.
This can provide a firmer foundation and may contribute to improvements in bass control, clarity and stereo focus within a well-matched system.
Approximately Four Tubs per Pair
Atacama recommends approximately four 7kg tubs of Atabites to be shared across a pair of SLX500 stands.
The filler should be divided equally between the left and right stands and across all eight vertical columns.
The four-tub figure is approximate and does not necessarily represent a complete fill.
Four Tubs Add Considerable Weight
Four tubs add approximately 28kg of filler across the pair before the weight of the stands and loudspeakers is included.
Position the empty stands close to their final locations before filling them and remove the speakers whenever the stands need to be moved.
How Full Should the Columns Be?
Atacama suggests that approximately half to two-thirds full provides a useful working range for many SLX installations.
The ideal quantity depends on the loudspeakers, room acoustics, cables, positioning and complete Hi-Fi system.
If the sound begins to lose high-frequency detail or becomes overly heavy and dull through the bass, Atacama suggests that the stands may have been overfilled.
Begin with a moderate quantity, listen with familiar recordings and add more only when the change improves the system.
Keep Every Column Equally Loaded
Equal loading helps keep the weight distribution and resonance behaviour of both stands consistent.
Use suitable scales to divide the material accurately rather than relying only on the visible height of the filler.
Record the amount placed in each column so that the loading can be repeated or adjusted later.
Allow New Speakers to Run In
Atacama suggests allowing new loudspeakers to settle before finalising the exact quantity of stand filler.
Driver suspension and tonal balance can change during the initial period of use, so a loading quantity selected immediately may need to be reconsidered later.
Follow the loudspeaker manufacturer's guidance where a particular running-in period is recommended.
Adjustable 8mm Floor Spikes
Eight adjustable BZP 8mm floor spikes are supplied across the pair.
The spikes allow each stand to be levelled on slightly uneven flooring and feature stainless-steel detailed top caps to assist with adjustment.
Once the stands are upright and stable, the spike fittings should be tightened to prevent movement.
Protect Hard and Delicate Floors
Steel spikes can damage wood, laminate, vinyl, tile and other vulnerable floor coverings.
Atacama recommends two sets of four HD-S spike shoes beneath the pair where floor protection is required.
No Internal Cable Management
Atacama does not list an internal loudspeaker-cable route for the SLX500.
The cable should normally be run neatly behind the stand with enough slack to prevent it pulling on the speaker cabinet.
Cable clips or ties should not be overtightened around a speaker cable, as this may damage its outer insulation.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with both speakers positioned symmetrically and at an equal distance from the main listening position.
Experiment with distance from the rear and side walls, as well as the degree of toe-in towards the listening seat.
Change one element at a time and use several familiar recordings before making another adjustment.
Our
guide to larger standmount loudspeakers
explains why proper elevation and placement remain important even with substantial cabinets.
SLX500 or SLX200?
Atacama SLX200
- 235mm overall height
- Specialist low-profile design
- Suitable for very tall cabinets or raised platforms
- 225 x 225mm steel top plates
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Approximately one tub of Atabites per pair
View the Atacama SLX200 speaker stands
Atacama SLX500
- 535mm overall height
- Suitable for many medium and larger standmount speakers
- 225 x 225mm steel top plates
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Approximately four tubs of Atabites per pair
- Greater elevation for conventional stereo use
SLX500 or SLX700?
Atacama SLX500
- 535mm overall height
- Useful for taller speaker cabinets
- Positions speakers 200mm lower than the SLX700
- Approximately four tubs of Atabites per pair
- Same top plate, base and speaker capacity
Atacama SLX700
- 735mm current manufacturer height
- Useful for compact cabinets or higher seating
- Positions speakers 200mm higher than the SLX500
- Approximately six tubs of Atabites per pair
- Same top plate, base and speaker capacity
View the Atacama SLX700 speaker stands
SLX500 or Moseco 6?
Atacama SLX500
- 535mm overall height
- All-steel four-column construction
- 225 x 225mm standard top plate
- 305 x 305mm steel base
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- High mass-loading capacity
- Professional and substantial appearance
Atacama Moseco 6
- 615mm height excluding floor spikes
- Twin steel columns with bamboo bases
- 130 x 170mm standard top plate
- Lower speaker-weight capacity
- Integrated rear-column cable management
- Less extensive mass loading
- More domestic visual appearance
View the Atacama Moseco 6 speaker stands
Finish Options
Satin Black
Satin Black provides an understated appearance that works well with most loudspeaker finishes, equipment racks and room styles.
Diamond White
Diamond White offers a brighter alternative for light-coloured loudspeakers or rooms where black stands would appear visually heavy.
Assembly and Setup
- Confirm the speaker dimensions, individual weight and required tweeter height.
- Assemble both stands on a clean and protected surface.
- Fit the supplied floor spikes or suitable hard-floor protectors.
- Move the empty stands close to their final positions.
- Add equal quantities of Atabites to every column where mass loading is required.
- Secure all column covers and fasteners.
- Level each stand and tighten the spike fittings.
- Place the supplied HLT isolation pads on the top plates.
- Lift and centre each loudspeaker carefully.
- Connect the speaker cables with enough slack to avoid pulling the cabinets.
- Check stability, listening height and placement before final listening tests.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Medium-sized and larger standmount speakers
- Speakers weighing no more than 15kg each
- Cabinets contained within a 305 x 305mm footprint
- Systems requiring approximately 535mm of elevation
- Speakers needing a broad supporting plate
- Systems benefiting from extensive mass loading
- Rooms requiring a substantial all-steel stand
- Professional and domestic installations
Check Before Buying
- Calculate the complete tweeter height
- Standard top plates measure 225 x 225mm
- Maximum speaker capacity is 15kg per stand
- Cabinet width and depth should not exceed 305mm
- Optional larger top plates increase overall height
- Four tubs of filler add considerable weight
- Steel spikes can damage delicate flooring
- No internal cable-management route is listed
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 HLT 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 professional speaker stands
- 535mm overall height including spikes and HLT pads
- Four-column steel construction
- All vertical columns can be mass loaded
- Approximately four tubs of Atabites recommended per pair
- Filler divided equally across all eight columns
- 225 x 225mm steel top plates
- Optional 280 x 300mm high-density fibreboard top plates
- 305 x 305mm steel base plates
- 5mm-thick laser-cut carbon-steel bases
- 15kg maximum speaker capacity per stand
- High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads included
- Eight adjustable 8mm floor spikes included
- Optional M6 top spikes
- Optional HD-S floor-protection spike shoes
- Satin Black or Diamond White finish
- Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom