Quote Originally Posted by kexodusc
I don't blame you for looking at other stands, the Premier's aren't exactly the greatest stands out there and are about 100% over priced in my opinion. Stands don't have to cost you an arm and a leg...the solid MDF stands that Sanus sells, with $2 worth of rubber bumpers you can buy at a hardware store will effecitvely eliminate all vibration issues you might have...steel's even better. Stands are almost as bad as cables when it comes to some of the claims manufacturers make.
That would depend on which Premier stands you're referring to. The J-series (the ones that get photographed with the Studio and Signature series models) stands are a bit overpriced, but no more than the stands that other manufacturers like B&W, Energy, or Sonus Faber sell. When you get up into that price level, a lot of what you're paying for is the design, although I will say that a lot of those higher priced stands give you added stability and mass as well. The J-series stands are nice and very functional, but if you're willing to go with an uglier stand, then Sound Anchor and Target Audio sell stands that are just as stable as the Premier J-series stands for less.

As far as the other Premier stands go, the S-series stands (which I use with my system) cost $120, which is comparable to the steel stands that Sanus sells, and IMO better constructed than the Sanus Steel Foundation stands. The wooden Premier T-series stands cost even less, and I believe are cost competitive with the Sanus stands.

With stands, I think the cost increases stem from the look of the stands, and how stable and/or heavy they are. The Bell'O stands with the swooping Italian designer frame and cherry wood insets go for over $300, but they are relatively lightweight and have average stability. The adjustable Sound Anchor stands that I use for my surrounds are utilitarian/ugly and cost $350. But, they weigh 65 lbs. each, have a frame welded into one piece with no seams, and they'll bruise you before you can accidentally knock them over or wobble them. B&W also sells a set of $350 stands that look nice, but aren't any heavier or more stable than competitors selling for half the price. The $500 Sonus Faber stands have a polished look with heavy four-post construction, and are solid all around.