@Steve Reichert ...
Hello. Sorry for delay. Did not see your reply to my post. But thanks for the information and I have left the lugs on as you have suggested.
If you do get back to see this reply, I was wondering whether you could answer these questions?
1) why do the lugs have such an odd shape? That is, why not circular? I understand that they are making the minimum of contact but they'd still locate properly if they were circular, surely? And why not slightly bigger diameter locating lugs..the bits that protrude ..so they dodn't skate as much? Being the strange type of person that I am it is instinct to me to want to line up the lugs so they all point in the same direction (ie towards the rear or towards the sides) but that is impossible as it would mean they would not be fulled screwed in.
2) the diagrams and item descriptions show two metal back plates for the Concept 20 stands. I take it this is an error? There is only one metal plate for each speaker that fits against the glass back in the box. The manual shows there being 2 for each stand. x2 x2.
3) thespace for the cable at the bottom of the stands decreases due to the recessed fitting of the glass back support. So the channel for the cables is wider at the top than it is at the bottom. The diagram shows the cables fitted between the stand and the glass but the cables would have to quite thin to get away with that. Was it your intention that specific cables should be used with the stands or is that just some design foible?
4) As has been mentioned, the speakers I have recieved so far have all had minor issues, but issues nonetheless. I just spotted another What Hi-Fi member having issues with the same speakers (same set up as me). From what I can make out these issues can only have occurred during assembly or packing. Do you think that may be something worth addressing?
And btw, the speakers sound terrific and even better on the stands. After a short while of hating the look of the things (the stands) I have begun to warm to them. The aesthetic is quite elegant in fact. Especially as I think the idea behind the glass 'aeroplane wing' is to be as invisible as possible so that the focus is atually on the collumn with the speaker sited on top. Quite a clever idea actually and after a short while you sort of get it. Shame only gloss black /ipod white though. They really are dust and finger print magnets.