Stands for Saras - Properly Posted

Posted by: Evan D. Jay on 17 February 2001

I have a pair of original Saras and the original stands. However, the stands are missing a few bits that are likely irreplacable. Anyone try another manufacturer's stands with the Saras? How do they compare to the original stands?
Posted on: 17 February 2001 by Mark Dunn
Hi Evan:

Back in the mid 80's I used Saras on the Linn stands. I also worked for a Linn dealer for a while and did lots of experimenting. My advice is to seek out a complete set of pukka Sara stands.

As an aside, I filled my stands with lead shot (one shot at a time through the threaded holes of the uprights!) and it was well worthwhile. Tighter, deeper bass, more 'texture' and easier to follow individual instruments.

Good luck,
Mark DunnÖ

Posted on: 18 February 2001 by Andrew Randle
Would Mana be able to make Sara-sized stands to order?

Probably the better solution.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 18 February 2001 by Evan D. Jay
Thanks everyone. I've always been told that the Saras sound better on their own stands. I've unfortunately made the mistake of letting a less anal member of my family use them. So far, can't find the bottom spikes, but more problematic is that one of the female "nuts" that attaches to the bottom of the stands in which the spike is threaded is missing. I suspect that this will be the most difficult part to replace. Any suggestions?
Posted on: 18 February 2001 by Ron Toolsie
Very early 80s Saras had some odd (and very ugly) looking stands that were sort of like a capital Sigma (in the greek alphabet) in shape. With castors on the bottom too I think. Like the original Barik stands these were far from the last word in optimal. Later Sara stands were sort of 'Pi' shaped and allegedly better.
The first person that I am aware of that custom welded stands for rigidity and claimed a sonicimprovement (which was met with a healthy dose or skepticism at the time) was one John Farlowe, a long time naim lover and some say emulator, who founded Exposure Electronics. Up to this point the purpose of stands was to get the cabinet off the floor and raise the drivers to a suitable height. Period. Think back to the art-deco bent tubular stands that came with the Gale 401s.... tubular bells, anyone?

Did you know the Saras have exactly the same dimensions (LxW) as the LP12 chassis? So they could be shipped in the same boxes, or at least use the same polystyrene shipping-moulding, without the added expense of having to fashion new boxes for them. An interesting design parameter.

So don't be too hung up on the idea that the original Sara stands cannot be matched, let alone bettered by another.

Ron
Dum spiro audio
Dum audio vivo

http://homepages.go.com/~rontoolsie/index1.html

Posted on: 26 February 2001 by mark dunsford
I used Heybrook HB2 stands on my Sara 9s which I prefered. They cut down the bass excess and gave a better sound IMHO. Must be loads on the second hand market compared to Sara stands.
Posted on: 26 February 2001 by Mick P
Evan

If I have read your letter correctly, you have only lost the bottom nuts and spikes and cannot find replacements.

Why not purchase a standard set of spikes and then tap a thread in the stand to suit. It should only take a minute per hole.

The Sara stands are to good to scrap because of some little spike.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 28 February 2001 by Richard Paget
Sara stands for £60 at http://www.jeffries.co.uk/default.html
under used equipment

Regards Richard