I gotta' tell you fullrun...I've been, as you, looking for the absolute best deal on a pair of stands that are true "reference quality" and there are so few good ones out there that it's frustrating. Virtually every "budget" stand out there is VERY poor quality and even many of those that are purported to be "reference quality" are just plain crap. (pardon my French)
The speakers that I just bought are only $550 (used), so it's really tough to justify even $200-300 for a pair of stands...Yet I do know (as do you) that quality stands are critical in obtaining the best sound. I can see why many people wind up purchasing floorstanders.
I have decided, however, that I'm decidedly fond of monitors, so investing now in a good quality stand that will work equally well as I move further up the food chain in speakers is more palatable. If I look at it from the perspective that I'll be keeping them for the long haul, it seems less "out of proportion".
Anyhow, I would strongly recommend checking with all of the dealers who are selling the 24" Osiris stands to see if they have any of the 28" available or perhaps know someone who does.
Otherwise, I would suggest that you make do for the time being and keep an eye peeled for a used pair of SF stands. They do come up here on the 'goN more frequently than you might think.
Good luck,
Dan
