I have so many questions and thought rather than post individual threads for each, I would try to put them all in one.

I have done as much research as time has allowed, including using the search function on this forum. Hopefully my research will help me from asking questions that have been answered many times already. ;)

I will start by trying to provide as much info as possible.

1.) As I start the process of comparing many manufactures, features, etc, I have selected the following list. If I have missed any major things, please let me know.

- Recliner type: Power vs Manual
- Fabric: Leather, bonded leather, microfibre
- Dimensions: L x W x H.
- I am not as concerned about cup holder lights, buttkickers, etc

2.) I am researching both US and CDN sources. I live in western Canada. I am trying to compare landed costs. I am asking for delivery $, duty $ (will duty change based on state?), customs / brokerage / inspections, etc.

3.) Configuration: I am looking for four seats. Want all to recline. Power would be nice, but not a must. I am 6' tall and do not like low seat backs. I have also been told that if a seat has too tall of back, it may impact your surround speakers. :confused: I would prefer a curved set up, with at least four cup holders. I would prefer four individual seats, second choice could be the two center seats together w/o an armrest.

4.) The upper end of my budget is ~$5000 CDN landed cost. If I can spend $3K or $4K and get good value, then I would be happy with that. :D

5.) If I thought pricing was going to drop another 20% in the summer, then I could wait. I would prefer not to though. :)

6.) Warranty: Not sure whether this is an issue or not. If I purchase from the US, it may even be less of an issue.

After reading many posts about good experiences from some of the forum sponsors and also the possibility of a powerbuy, I have contacted both Serge and Roman looking for their assistance. So far very fast and informative responses!

If there are other things that I should be on the look out for, please let me know.

This is the part where I start asking for opinions on different styles / models and manufactures to tap into peoples experiences and knowledge...

Here is the first cut at some of the ones I am considering:

1.) Private Collection Santa Fe 3073 (http://www.rtheaters.com/PCS/SantaFe.html)
2.) Berkline 45090 Matinee (http://www.berkline.com/ht/45090/pr_45090.html)
3.) Berkline 45099 Bijou (http://www.berkline.com/ht/45099/pr_45099.html)
4.) Berkline 45004 Palladium (http://www.berkline.com/ht/45004/pr_45004.html)
5.) Berkline 45023 The Plaza (http://www.berkline.com/ht/45023/pr_45023.html)

The reason that I have listed so many Berklines, is that I found one US website that currently offers free power reclining if you buy four or more chairs.

I would like to narrow this down to two - three.

1.) As I start the process of comparing many manufactures, features, etc, I have selected the following list. If I have missed any major things, please let me know.

- Recliner type: Power vs Manual

I highly recommend power recline because of the ability to stop the chair and keep it there in any position, once you are comfortable.


- Fabric: Leather, bonded leather, microfibre
Of the manufacturers you have listed, Berkline offers a wide selection of leather, a few bonded leathers and many microfibers. You will find a smaller selection of leathers and micro fibers on their import models (anything that starts with a '1'). I sat in the costco model being offered here in the states, which I assume is the same thin in CA, at a local customer's house. It is a very comfortable seat, but I'm not crazy about the cover on that chair.

- Dimensions: L x W x H.
As you have probably already seen, of the Berkline models the 45004 and 45088 are scaled down seats with the 45088 being the smallest and the 45004 being slightly wider. The 45004 also offers a taller back, recommended for persons over 5'9" / 5'10" in height, but under about 6'1".

- I am not as concerned about cup holder lights, buttkickers, etc
I am not a big fan of the lighted cup holders for two reasons. I don't think they look great while off and I'm not crazy about how they operate on the photosensor. It has to be very dark (almost completely dark) in the room for those to come on, so you'll rarely see them on, especially if you have any ambient light on in your theater. This is probably by design so that they don't turn on during a very dark scene in a movie, but...
Buttkickers (and other good tactile products like Clark Synthesis and IBeam) are a great addition to a home theater. They allow you to "feel" the action without cranking up your subwoofer and can really complement a movie. The key, in my opinion, is not cranking them up too high, but using them as a more subtle effect.

2.) I am researching both US and CDN sources. I live in western Canada. I am trying to compare landed costs. I am asking for delivery $, duty $ (will duty change based on state?), customs / brokerage / inspections, etc.
Look for a reseller that can offer you full brokerage services so that you don't have to get involved with this, if possible. I would think most resellers these days would be able to handle this for you. Make sure you understand what is included and what is NOT included in your shipping quote.

3.) Configuration: I am looking for four seats. Want all to recline. Power would be nice, but not a must. I am 6' tall and do not like low seat backs. I have also been told that if a seat has too tall of back, it may impact your surround speakers. I would prefer a curved set up, with at least four cup holders. I would prefer four individual seats, second choice could be the two center seats together w/o an armrest.
I can't speak for the Private Collection, but Berkline offers almost infinite configuration possibilities.

4.) The upper end of my budget is ~$5000 CDN landed cost. If I can spend $3K or $4K and get good value, then I would be happy with that.
Should not be a problem with Berkline depending on the options and total shipping costs.

5.) If I thought pricing was going to drop another 20% in the summer, then I could wait. I would prefer not to though.
I saw a post on the forum about this and I am not sure where that poster got his information and don't think that is accurate... unless a vendor is caught with a large amount of stock and decides to reduce prices to unload their inventories. I have seen several local resellers go out of business lately because of the slow economy and have a "clearance sale". But don't look for manufacturers to suddenly reduce prices by 20% by summer. Have you seen what the cost of a loaf of bread has done in the last two years? :)

6.) Warranty: Not sure whether this is an issue or not. If I purchase from the US, it may even be less of an issue.
This will likely be a problem if you purchase from the US. But parts should not be a problem.
The reason that I have listed so many Berklines, is that I found one US website that currently offers free power reclining if you buy four or more chairs.
Obviously, just be sure to compare your total delivered price.

I hope this info helps and good luck in your seating purchase.

Given that you are located in western Canada, I think it would be a mistake not to consider a Palliser home theater seat. In terms of quality, they are comparable to Berkline and have a far more extensive warranty. They are also located in Winnipeg which will mean that you do not have to pay customs and additional cross-border shipping costs. Palliser seats are not featured heavily on this forum because the dealers that participate here predominantly offer Berkline. Also, you will have to source the seats from a Canadian dealer because Palliser does not allow US dealers to sell to Canadian customers. In terms of price, they are comparable to Berkline and tend to be more contemporary in style but also, in general, have a smaller footprint than a Berkline seat. Based on the Berkline options you identified, it seems that space may be a factor to you.

I think it would be a mistake not to consider a Palliser home theater seat. they are comparable to Berkline and have a far more extensive warranty

Can you please elaborate on this?

Roman,

The Palliser warranty on the material for their home theater seats is 3 years as compared to 1 year with Berkline seats.

First, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to post responses!

I highly recommend power recline because of the ability to stop the chair and keep it there in any position, once you are comfortable.

Thank-you for the advice. I have heard this from numerous sources. I think I will move this to the "must have" column :)

Buttkickers (and other good tactile products like Clark Synthesis and IBeam) are a great addition to a home theater.

It seems like this is something I can add at a later time. I would want to research this more. I am not sure what other "add-ons" (e.g. amps) would be required to run this. It is something that has interested me for some time now.

Look for a reseller that can offer you full brokerage services so that you don't have to get involved with this, if possible. I would think most resellers these days would be able to handle this for you. Make sure you understand what is included and what is NOT included in your shipping quote.

I have already experienced this first hand. You have to be careful to make sure you are comparing equally. I read proposals for a living, so understanding the fine print is second nature. ;) I will limit my dealings to a one-stop-shop.


...Berkline offers almost infinite configuration possibilities.

This is actually making my research more difficult than I first expected. There are so many styles. I have only found a few local stores with seating I can try, but none have carried the models I have listed.

Martin,

I am having a heck of a time finding any Palliser home theater seating info in Canada. Go figure!

All that I can find on their website (http://www.allyourfurniture.com/catalogues/palliser/list.php?type_id=772&retailerID=257) or dealers web site is sofa style units.

Yet a number of US based website have the styles I am looking for. I am baffled. :(

I will continue my search...

Ratnrol,

The styles that are on the US sites should all be available from any of the larger licensed Palliser dealers. I say 'larger' because smaller dealers of their products can only sell models that they carry in stock if they are brick and mortar stores and smaller online dealers can only sell limited models under the Kiira Designs name.

The larger volume dealers can sell all products under the Palliser name subject to MAP pricing. I would recommend that you identify a style that you like on one of the US sites and call a few of the larger local dealers for their best prices. They should all have access to the theater seating options.

Good luck!

I believe I have narrowed my search down to the the following seats;

- Berkline 12000

- Private Collection 3013 Mainstreet

I have read many good things about the 12000 seats on this forum. I am having having troubles finding reviews / comments on the 3013's.

I know these two are like comparing apples and oranges, but something about the 3013's that interest me.

I would love to hear from others who have purchased the 3013's. In my particular situation there is about a 20% increase in cost between the 12000 and 3013's.

I may be willing to convince the wife to pay the difference if it would be worth the extra dough. ;)

Part of the 20% extra cost is the 3013 they include wireless buttkickers.

I am still trying to find a local Palliser distributor that is stocking HT seating... :(