I was wary of buying these speaker stands because the price was so cheap. However, I took the chance after reading a review on an audiophile website in which the reviewer used these stands with a $4,500 active speaker stereo system. I'm glad I did.My first priority was to get stands that were heavy and could be filled with shot or gravel to dampen out any vibrations that could affect the sound quality of my stereo system. The Monolith stands definitely checked that box.My second priority was that the stands be reasonably attractive (or at least not unattractive). It was difficult to determine this just from the photos on the website so I was pleasantly surprised when I assembled these and placed my KEF LS-50 speakers on them. Wow! The combination looked great! These stands have a non-nonsense, industrial appearance, which I like. They consist of four vertical square posts which does not convey the overly massive, brutish appearance that some single or double post stands do.My last priority was fit and finish. While these stands do not have precise quality that one would typically get from $500 German or Italian products, the mating surfaces were good enough to not show gaps. Also, the black matte finish was free of any unsightly irregularities. Maybe I was just lucky. Nonetheless, I am a happy camper! And I am not an easy person to satisfy.If you don't feel the need to splurge on a set of designer-style stands costing $500 (or more), these stands are a good alternative. They provide good support for speakers without interfering with the sound quality, look good and are very affordable. I highly recommend them.(Note the seller, Monoprice, offers other stands which do not appear to be as sturdy or as esthetically attractive as the Monoliths, so buyer beware).