Audio T Verdict
The Atacama SLX600 is a substantial speaker stand for compact and medium-sized standmount loudspeakers that need a broad supporting surface, rigid construction and plenty of scope for mass loading.
Its 635mm overall height falls within the conventional range for many standmount speakers, while the 225mm-square top plates provide considerably more support than the smaller plates found on many slim domestic designs.
Four fillable steel columns, 305mm-square bases and adjustable floor spikes create a strong foundation. High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads are also included to protect the speaker cabinets and provide secure contact with the top plates.
Atacama recommends approximately five tubs of Atabites across the pair, but this is only a guide. The final quantity should be adjusted to suit the speakers, room and system, and the stands should be positioned before they are filled because their completed weight can be considerable.
Atacama SLX600 Professional Speaker Stands
The Atacama SLX600 is supplied as a pair of four-column steel speaker stands designed to provide compatible standmount loudspeakers with a rigid and stable platform.
The stands measure 635mm high, including the supplied floor spikes and High Load Trapezoidal isolation pads.
Their broad steel top plates, substantial base plates and 15kg-per-stand load capacity make them suitable for a wide variety of compact and medium-sized loudspeakers.
Why Dedicated Speaker Stands Matter
A standmount loudspeaker needs a stable platform that positions its drivers correctly while allowing the cabinet to be placed independently from shelves and ordinary furniture.
A lightweight table or sideboard can vibrate in sympathy with the speaker and may restrict the ability to adjust distance from nearby walls, stereo spacing and toe-in.
A properly matched stand helps reduce unwanted movement and gives the loudspeaker a more controlled foundation. This can contribute to improved bass definition, clearer detail and more precise stereo imaging.
Read our
guide to speaker stands, Hi-Fi furniture and resonance control
for more information about supporting audio equipment correctly.
635mm Overall Height
Atacama's current specification gives the SLX600 an overall height of 635mm, including the floor spikes and supplied isolation pads.
This height is suitable for many conventional standmount loudspeakers, but the complete listening height still depends on the speaker cabinet.
Measure from the bottom of the cabinet to the centre of its tweeter, then add the 635mm stand height. The resulting measurement can be compared with the listener's seated ear height.
Check the Complete Tweeter Height
Stand height alone does not determine whether a combination is suitable.
Speaker cabinet height, tweeter position, listening distance and the manufacturer's recommended listening axis should all be considered.
Professional Four-Column Construction
Each SLX600 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 vertical column can be filled, allowing the mass and resonance behaviour of both stands to be adjusted evenly.
225mm-Square Steel Top Plates
The standard steel top plates measure 225mm wide by 225mm deep.
This provides a generous supporting surface for many compact and medium-sized standmount loudspeakers.
A cabinet may extend beyond the top plate where its weight remains securely centred, but Atacama states that the speaker's overall width and depth should not exceed the stand's 305 x 305mm base dimensions.
Check Speaker Size, Shape and Balance
A loudspeaker can remain within the stated dimensions but still be unsuitable because of its shape, weight distribution or unusually high centre of gravity.
The cabinet should sit flat, remain securely centred and resist rocking or tipping in every direction.
Optional Larger Top Plates
Atacama offers an optional top-plate pack measuring 280mm by 300mm for compatible SL and SLX stands.
These larger plates are manufactured from 10mm-thick black high-density MDF and provide additional support for wider or deeper speaker cabinets.
The plates can be rotated so that either the 280mm or 300mm side faces forwards, allowing their orientation to suit the loudspeaker.
The Optional Plates Change the Overall Height
The larger top plates increase the stand height by approximately 8mm compared with the original steel plates.
They do not include new isolation pads or fixing bolts, so the original countersunk bolts must be reused and suitable pads added separately where required.
305mm-Square Steel Base Plates
Each stand uses a 305mm-wide by 305mm-deep base manufactured from 5mm-thick laser-cut carbon steel.
The square footprint distributes the combined weight of the speaker, stand and filler across a substantial floor area.
Additional clearance should be allowed behind the stand for loudspeaker cables and around its sides to reduce the risk of accidental knocks.
15kg Speaker Capacity per Stand
Atacama specifies a maximum loudspeaker weight of 15kg on each stand.
This includes the individual loudspeaker and any additional pads, fixing products or accessories placed on the top plate.
Mass loading increases the weight and stability of the stand but does not increase the stated 15kg speaker limit.
Check the Weight of One Speaker
Loudspeaker specifications may list the weight of one cabinet, a complete pair or the packaged product.
Confirm the weight of each individual speaker before selecting the stands.
High Load Trapezoidal Isolation Gel Pads
High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads are supplied for placement between the loudspeaker cabinet and steel top plate.
The pads help protect the underside of the speaker, provide a secure non-slip interface and reduce minor vibration between the cabinet and stand.
Their height is included within the quoted 635mm overall measurement.
Leave Enough Cable Slack
The loudspeaker cable should not pull the cabinet towards the rear or side of the stand.
Leave a relaxed cable loop and check that the speaker remains securely centred after the system is connected.
Optional Top Spikes
Optional top spikes can be fitted in place of the supplied HLT gel pads where a rigid mechanical interface is preferred.
Top spikes may permanently mark the underside of the speaker cabinet and are not appropriate for every loudspeaker construction.
Confirm that the speaker manufacturer permits this type of support before replacing the supplied 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 mass of the stand and helps control resonance within its hollow steel columns.
This can create a firmer foundation for the loudspeaker and may contribute to improvements in bass definition, clarity and stereo focus.
Our
guide to controlling vibration and resonance
explains the principles behind speaker stands, isolation and mass loading.
Approximately Five Tubs per Pair
Atacama recommends approximately five 7kg tubs of Atabites to be shared between a pair of SLX600 stands.
The filler should be divided equally between both stands and across all eight vertical columns.
Five tubs represent approximately 35kg of additional material across the pair, so the completed stands can become extremely heavy.
Five Tubs Is an Approximate Guide
The recommendation does not mean that every column must be filled completely.
The preferred quantity depends on the loudspeakers, room acoustics, cables, positioning and overall balance of the Hi-Fi system.
How Full Should the Columns Be?
Atacama suggests that approximately half to two-thirds full provides a useful working range for many SLX installations.
Start with a moderate quantity, listen to several familiar recordings and add more only when the change improves the complete system.
If the sound begins to lose high-frequency detail or becomes overly heavy and dull through the bass, the columns may have been overfilled.
Reducing the amount of filler can restore a more open and balanced presentation.
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 inside each column.
Recording the amount added to each column also makes it easier to repeat or adjust the setup later.
Allow New Speakers to Settle
Atacama suggests allowing new loudspeakers to run in before finalising the exact amount of filler.
Driver suspension and tonal balance can change during the early period of use, so an amount selected immediately may need to be reconsidered later.
Follow the loudspeaker manufacturer's guidance where a particular running-in period is recommended.
Plan the Final Position Before Filling
Position and level the empty stands close to their intended locations before adding large quantities of dense filler.
Remove the loudspeakers whenever the stands need to be moved and use appropriate help and safe lifting techniques.
The floor must be capable of supporting the combined weight of the speakers, steel stands and approximately 35kg of filler.
Do Not Move Filled Stands with the Speakers Attached
A mass-loaded SLX600 can be difficult to control while lifting or repositioning.
Remove the speakers first and avoid dragging the spikes across the floor.
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 each stand is upright and stable, the fittings should be tightened securely 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 SLX600.
The cable should normally be run neatly behind the stand with enough slack to avoid pulling on the speaker cabinet.
Cable clips or ties should not be overtightened around the cable, as this may damage its outer insulation.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with both loudspeakers positioned symmetrically and at an equal distance from the main listening position.
Experiment with their distance from the rear and side walls, as well as the amount of toe-in towards the listener.
Change one element at a time and listen with several familiar recordings before making another adjustment.
A correctly positioned speaker on a properly matched stand will usually provide better focus and more controlled bass than the same speaker placed on ordinary furniture.
Suitable for Larger Standmount Speakers
The broad top plate and 15kg capacity make the SLX600 suitable for many larger standmount loudspeakers, provided their dimensions and listening height are appropriate.
Larger standmount speakers can provide greater scale and bass weight than compact bookshelf models while retaining many of the placement and imaging advantages associated with a separate cabinet and stand.
Read our
guide to the benefits of larger standmount loudspeakers
for further system-matching advice.
SLX500, SLX600 or SLX700?
Atacama SLX500
- 535mm overall height
- Suitable for taller speaker cabinets
- 225 x 225mm top plates
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Approximately four tubs of Atabites per pair
- Positions speakers 100mm lower than the SLX600
View the Atacama SLX500 speaker stands
Atacama SLX600
- 635mm overall height
- Suitable for many conventional standmount speakers
- 225 x 225mm top plates
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Approximately five tubs of Atabites per pair
- Middle-height option within this comparison
Atacama SLX700
- 735mm overall height
- Suitable for smaller cabinets or higher seating
- 225 x 225mm top plates
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Approximately six tubs of Atabites per pair
- Positions speakers 100mm higher than the SLX600
View the Atacama SLX700 speaker stands
SLX600 or Moseco 6?
Atacama SLX600
- 635mm overall height including fittings
- All-steel four-column construction
- 225 x 225mm standard top plate
- 305 x 305mm steel base
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Extensive mass-loading potential
- 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 standard speaker capacity
- Integrated rear-column cable management
- Less extensive mass loading
- More domestic visual appearance
View the Atacama Moseco 6 speaker stands
SLX600 or NeXXus 600 Essential?
Atacama SLX600
- 635mm overall height
- Four-column professional construction
- 225 x 225mm standard top plate
- 305 x 305mm square base
- Approximately five tubs of Atabites per pair
- Greater mass-loading potential
- Suited to substantial standmount speakers
Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential
- 620mm overall height
- Twin-column construction
- 130 x 170mm standard top plate
- 260 x 365mm shield-style base
- 15kg speaker capacity per stand
- Several optional top-plate sizes
- More compact and visually lighter design
View the Atacama NeXXus 600 Essential stands
Finish Options
Satin Black
Satin Black provides an understated finish that works well with most loudspeakers, 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 loudspeaker 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 stand fittings.
- Level each stand and tighten the floor-spike hardware.
- Place the supplied HLT isolation pads on the top plates.
- Lift and centre each loudspeaker carefully.
- Connect the loudspeaker cables with enough slack to avoid pulling the cabinets.
- Check stability, listening height and placement before completing the setup.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Compact and medium-sized standmount loudspeakers
- Compatible speakers weighing no more than 15kg each
- Cabinets contained within a 305 x 305mm footprint
- Systems requiring approximately 635mm 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 speaker and 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
- Five 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 the 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
- 635mm overall height including spikes and HLT pads
- Four-column steel construction
- All vertical columns can be mass loaded
- Approximately five 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 MDF 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 top spikes
- Optional HD-S floor-protection spike shoes
- Satin Black or Diamond White finish
- Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Atacama SLX600 stands supplied as a pair?
Yes. The product contains two speaker stands.
How tall are the SLX600 stands?
Atacama's current specification gives an overall height of 635mm, including the floor spikes and supplied HLT isolation pads.
What size are the standard top plates?
Each standard steel top plate measures 225mm wide by 225mm deep.
Are larger top plates available?
Yes. Atacama offers optional 280 x 300mm high-density MDF top plates for compatible SL and SLX stands.
Do the larger top plates change the stand height?
Yes. Atacama states that they increase the overall height by approximately 8mm compared with the original steel plates.
Can the speaker cabinet overhang the top plate?
Some overhang may be acceptable where the cabinet remains securely centred, but its width and depth should not exceed the 305 x 305mm base dimensions.
What is the maximum speaker weight?
The maximum stated capacity is 15kg per stand.
Can the stands be mass loaded?
Yes. All four columns on each stand can be filled with suitable material such as Atacama Atabites.
How many tubs of Atabites are recommended?
Atacama recommends approximately five 7kg tubs shared equally between the pair.
Should all five tubs be used automatically?
No. The amount should be adjusted by listening. Approximately half to two-thirds full provides a useful working range for many installations.
Should every column contain the same amount?
Yes. Divide the filler equally between both stands and across every vertical column.
Are isolation pads included?
Yes. High Load Trapezoidal isolation gel pads are included for the standard top plates.
Are floor spikes included?
Yes. Eight adjustable 8mm floor spikes are supplied across the pair.
Can the spikes be used on wooden floors?
Suitable spike shoes or floor protectors should be fitted beneath every spike to prevent damage to hard or delicate flooring.
Do the stands include cable management?
No dedicated internal cable route is listed. Loudspeaker cable should normally be run neatly behind the stands.
What finishes are currently listed?
Atacama currently lists Satin Black and Diamond White.
Are the stands made in the UK?
Yes. The SLX range is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Advice on selecting the correct speaker-stand height
- Complete stand, cabinet and tweeter-height calculations
- Speaker weight and cabinet-footprint checks
- Comparison with shorter and taller Atacama stands
- Atabites quantity and mass-loading guidance
- Advice on optional larger top plates
- Floor-spike and hard-floor protection recommendations
- Speaker placement and toe-in advice
- Demonstrations with suitable standmount speakers
- Ongoing system setup and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
for help matching the Atacama SLX600 stands with your loudspeakers, listening height and room.