Also, the top platform is a little too small for the footprint of my speakers (about 1.5" spills over on all sides on my Yamaha NS333's).Overall, these actually look expensive and are a great deal.

They probably would have been fine without it as the platform feels pretty sturdy

But CAUTION- do not use your drill in high speed as you will quickly drill through the hole top platform

The top platforms are indeed small, but so are my speakers' footprints.

what I took from is that you absolutely MUST use toothpicks to line up the holes for the posts to the top platform and to the base.

Repeat for the top platform.

Finally, mine arrived missing the top platforms

Finally, mine arrived missing the top platforms

Before I could use the tape, I had to countersink the wood screws (they are raised) that hold the top platform to the stand.

What I didn't know or expect was that the top platform is smaller than the shorter version

I may swap the top platforms from my shorter stands of the screw

I have the earlier version of these stands, but they're exactly the same as this model except for having a completely flat top platform and no foot spikes

Top platform is a mite small - you have to carfully balance your speakers over the center.

If your speakers are going to be resting on the plate, this wont work as they will be resting on their own wire

These stands live in my dark media room so looks don't bother me as long as it's matte black, and these work perfect for my purpose