cinder blocks as speakers stands?

[Jim Clark]

Is they any disadvantage in using cinder blocks as speaker stands?

Besides being hideously ugly? but hey if it works for you...not to mention that it's only my opinion.

Some better and inexpensive solutions from my point of view:
Most garden shops will sell concrete or a marble/concrete plant stands for about 60 bucks. Designs vary but I would suggest a simple Roman column as the most classic and versatile. Colors are limited but can be painted and I'd think a black faux marble finish would look classy, as would granite.

A simple square column made of MDF and trimed out on the top and bottom, filled with sand. Very easy project that can be finished with a black powder coat, veneer or any of a million faux finishes. A simple design and almost as easy to create. Cheap too. Could also mix MDF with PVC (filled) to create a ton of different designs.

Some designs others have created-

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/stubby_e.html

http://www.lungster.com/l/speakers/stand/stand.html

http://www.audiotweaks.com/diy2/robs_stands/page01.htm

Not sure I'd use steel on the last one, probably sub PVC and while it won't look as cool it should make for a better stand.

jc