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OnlookerDelay
12-30-06, 05:07 PM
Good job on that mod Stocky!

Bluewookie, the Tech Craft CR60HW is in my top 5 final choices. My wife hasn't "approved" it yet because she thinks it's too "exposed" looking (ie. the components are too visible to *her* living room decor. She also doesn't like glass shelves.

The images you've already posted cast this piece in a different light, I must confess. At those angles, it looks more "complete" than the open-shelf look the stock photos reveal. I certainly wouldn't have to worry about ventilation of my XBox 360 with the CR60HW. Furthermore, it would be at the right height for my JVC HD-56FC97, without my having to saw off a portion of the legs ;)

OC 335i
12-30-06, 10:28 PM
Overdue pictures of my stand I bought from Tweeter.

Delray Designs by Z-Line Jazz TV Stand:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v27/jmsxap1/Home%20Theater/IMG_0836.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v27/jmsxap1/Home%20Theater/IMG_0841.jpg

triton.
12-31-06, 01:13 AM
Had a few request to see the Tech-Craft SWP60 - Avalon Series 60" Wide Credenza that's availble at CC and a few online retailers. I was originall going to buy a sound bar from yamaha for the sound, but doesn't compare to the B&W 602's and JBL center and some small surrounds I have. Kinda made my own sound bar. :) Sorry for the delay in posting. No real complaints.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2268/img1480sf3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5885/img1482rr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2007/img1490uy7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7222/img1499yw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9647/img1502vk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

OnlookerDelay
01-01-07, 01:41 AM
Nice pix Triton, thanks for posting them.

I got my Avalon SWP60 put together late Saturday night/early yesterday morning. I probably should have waited until I was rested because in my haste to put it together, allowed the top trim piece (just under the top) to fall over before I had the screw fully locked and it ripped out the keeper hole, splintering the wood. I had to glue it back together, but it still isn't right. There's enough there to give it a bite, but it won't pull as hard as it's designed to do to the side.

I was relieved to see that it doesn't really use that connection for any real support :o Anyway, I finally got it all together and as I suspected, it was too tall with my JVC HD-56FC97 (it's 38" tall from it's base to the top of the screen bezel). I hated to do it, but I took the saw to it after a trial run with the full legs, and cut 2" off them. There's now only about 3/4" of leg below the base plate. Looks a little bit strange, but I can easily live with it.

That 2" made a world of difference in the viewing angle (it's now ideal for me while seated on the sofa), and it makes the set less imposing on the room. I'm not sure I could recommend this for everyone, but if you're the adventurous type like me, it might fit the bill.

Raj
01-01-07, 09:25 AM
OK, need some help.....

I am replacing my 37" Panny that is wall mounted in the 2nd floor bedroom with a 50" Pioneer(I think). I currently have the Tivo in the basement and use IR distribution to control it. Given the 50" is HD and I course didn't put enough cables (have (2) RG6 and (2) Cat. 5, one of which is used for IR distribution) in the wall, I'm am thinking of bringing the components back to the bedroom (Tivo + DVD player).

Ideally I'd like to find something that mounts to the wall below the plasma with a shelf (I can stack the DVD on the Tivo). The only thing I have found is the mount with the glass shelves which doesn't look very kid friendly (I have little kids). I'd rather not get furniture that sits on the floor.

Anybody have any ideas?

triton.
01-01-07, 11:28 AM
Nice pix Triton, thanks for posting them.

I got my Avalon SWP60 put together late Saturday night/early yesterday morning. I probably should have waited until I was rested because in my haste to put it together, allowed the top trim piece (just under the top) to fall over before I had the screw fully locked and it ripped out the keeper hole, splintering the wood. I had to glue it back together, but it still isn't right. There's enough there to give it a bite, but it won't pull as hard as it's designed to do to the side.

I was relieved to see that it doesn't really use that connection for any real support :o Anyway, I finally got it all together and as I suspected, it was too tall with my JVC HD-56FC97 (it's 38" tall from it's base to the top of the screen bezel). I hated to do it, but I took the saw to it after a trial run with the full legs, and cut 2" off them. There's now only about 3/4" of leg below the base plate. Looks a little bit strange, but I can easily live with it.

That 2" made a world of difference in the viewing angle (it's now ideal for me while seated on the sofa), and it makes the set less imposing on the room. I'm not sure I could recommend this for everyone, but if you're the adventurous type like me, it might fit the bill.

Be careful about making it too low. I mounted my screen alittle high so that when I lean back on the sofa it's the perfect view. i was actually thinking of cutting the legs off too to really accentuate the floating look of the monitor. Plus it would be one less place to vacumm.

OnlookerDelay
01-01-07, 12:29 PM
Be careful about making it too low. I mounted my screen alittle high so that when I lean back on the sofa it's the perfect view. i was actually thinking of cutting the legs off too to really accentuate the floating look of the monitor. Plus it would be one less place to vacumm.

I hear ya'... it would be too low if I tried to put my old 42" Vizio plasma on top of it. Heck, it would probably be to low with a 50" plasma on top of it. The case for this 56" JVC LCoS is huge. If anything, I'd say that the center of the screen is still about an inch above my eye level (I'm 6' 4") as I'm seated. Theoretically, I should lower it a bit more, but I'm leaving it where it's at.

Heck, the JVC stand that came with it was only 14 1/2" high (my modded Avalon is now 19 3/4" tall). I tried it out on that and found it too low. One variable that I'm having to deal with that's out of your equation is viewing angle. This rear projection LCoS is more prone to washout when your viewing angle is greater than 30 degrees, or as little as 15 degrees vertically. I knew this was an inherent limitation of rear projection, but I thought the LCoS varieties were more immune to it. No biggie though... it's not a problem with any place viewers will be sitting while watching the screen (unless they're on the floor!)

Oh, I should add... I left the back off of my Avalon SWP60 entirely. I'm particularly worried that my XBox 360 wouldn't be able to shed it's heat, and they are very finicky about overheating. My receiver and set top box are also prone to putting off a lot of heat. This seems to have helped them considerably. You can't tell that the back's not on from the front, as I have all of the bays full.

whsbuss
01-01-07, 06:12 PM
I'm getting ready to buy the Pioneer 5071 plasma. Has anyone tried the BDI Vista 9960 stand? http://www.bdiusa.com/avfurniture/vista_9960.shtml

FACP
01-04-07, 05:46 PM
Just a heads up to anybody looking for a traditional 66" to 80" plasma base tv stand .

Barewoods (there's one here in Brandon Tampa) has a sale going on and they have a variety of 66" and above plasma base stands for a very attractive price.

I scored an 80" Caribbean Rum colored traditional stand today for less than fo-ay-ti.

It looks similar to this one...

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/502/Plasma_Base.jpg

trublu
01-04-07, 06:50 PM
just got this from racks&stands (also available at costco):
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/5898/zfurniture192573949625hj7.jpg
putting it together, mount will be going on soon:
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/6463/dsc0036td1.jpg
planning to hide wireless router, cable modem and voip router behing backpanel:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9580/dsc0028zh1.jpg

epetti
01-05-07, 12:43 PM
Just bought my new TV stand. At the last second I switched from getting a Salamander Synergy Triple 20 to getting a BDI Avion 8527. The final deciding factor was silly enough -- my wife and I didn't like the screws that were sticking up on the top surface of the Salamander. I really don't understand why they can't inset and then cover them -- they make it look so assembled. Anyway, I haven't gotten it home or assembled yet, but I did have a few questions:

- One of the few things we don't like on it are the handles. Do you know if they are set at a fairly standard distance and should it be easy to find and install replacement handles in the future?

- When I was at the store I didn't see any wheels on it and the salesman said there weren't any, but I looked on their web site and they said that it has "hidden wheels". So, does it have wheels or not, and how hard is it to move around (when you're doing all the wiring and so on)?

- I'm a little concerned with the size of the whole for the center speaker. I know my speaker will fit in that drawer, but will the fact that the opening isn't the full size of the drawer space negatively affect the sound quality? Is it possible to install that top center drawer without a front panel at all so the speaker is completely open? I know it has a cloth instead of glass, but I would feel better if it were completely open.

- Has anyone used the optional plasma mounts that it supports?

And I'd be interested in any other comments or observations from people who have bought this stand. Now all I need is a new TV to put on it.

joshtee
01-05-07, 02:37 PM
Trublu, can you post a link for that at Rack&stands.

Thank you.

trublu
01-05-07, 07:52 PM
Trublu, can you post a link for that at Rack&stands.

Thank you.here you go.

http://www.racksandstands.com/Azura-420403-420402-420401-QB1351.html
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11188057&search=cosmo&Sp=S&Mo=8&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=cosmo&Ntt=cosmo&No=5&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

epetti
01-05-07, 08:12 PM
You know, even though the title says Plasma furniture, this thread is really for all furniture. Anyone else thing it should go in the generic flat panel section and even become a sticky:

Official Flat Panel furniture thread.

Ernie

Tigershark
01-05-07, 08:49 PM
You know, even though the title says Plasma furniture, this thread is really for all furniture. Anyone else thing it should go in the generic flat panel section and even become a sticky:

Official Flat Panel furniture thread.

Ernie


I agree that this thread is for furniture suitable for any flat panel and thus should go into the new general flat panel forum. Making it sticky would be great!

fergiej
01-05-07, 10:32 PM
I really like alot of your stuff. I wish I had wood working skills to do my own. I shopped and shopped. I started to go with this one:
http://www.studiotech.com/products/plasma_tv_stands/performance_series_ps-33/index.html
But, in the end I decided to go with a wood flavor. My coffee table is made of redwood and I want to build on that theme. I ended up with this one:
http://www.racksandstands.com/Bush-Furniture-VS13588-03-BU1014.html

Here is my post in the HD-DVD forum with pics of the setup:
My Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9359820&&#post9359820)
I'd love to get a mount for it, but as you can see, the window poses a problem. This worked better in my budget anyway.

GlenH
01-06-07, 02:49 AM
I think this thread should stay here since it's titled, "Found possibly perfect plasma furniture.

For the non-plasma flat panel connoisseurs who are interested in reading this thread, they're certainly welcome to venture into the plasma forum. No worries. I personally guarantee none of them will suffer from any burn-in or image retention while browsing this forum. ;)

Kevin. W
01-06-07, 10:51 AM
For my fellow canucks looking for good audio furniture take a look over at www.efurno.ca They have a nice selection especially the VTI HGR404 rack I bought to fit my oversized gear :cool: Here's a pic

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/502/medium/HT.JPG

sma
01-07-07, 12:20 AM
Thanks, TS, for the info. The stand is identical to the Sonoma, which is VS05250-03. The only difference, according to Bush, is that it's shipped from a different warehouse!

Enjoy the setup!

Yes, I agree. The VS05250-03 is identical to the VS05250-02 that is offered at Best Buy. But I believe it is the Napa collection. The Sonoma collection is almost identical to the Napa except that it is finished in the dark color.

VS05250-03 "Napa Collection"
http://www.bushfurniture.com/bushindustries/bushfurniture/productdetail/productdetail4.jsp?id=VS05250-03&id18=TV&id19=60

VS05850-03 "Sonoma Collection"
http://www.bushfurniture.com/bushindustries/bushfurniture/productdetail/productdetail4.jsp?id=VS05850-03&id18=TV&id19=60

I actually thought that Best Buy just messed up and used "-02" on accident. But they might use "-02" on purpose instead of "-03" so they don't have to price match other stores. Still, Best Buy's price (when it goes on sale periodically) is one of the best on this unit. You can do a search on Best Buy's site and then find Best Buy locations that actually have it in stock. I was not comfortable until I saw it in person. (But seeing Tigershark's pics several months ago did help.) I like it a lot and it matches our Stanley Preface occasional tables perfectly. It is my front runner for a stand when I finally plunk on a plasma this year. I too wish it was a little taller so if anyone puts casters on it please share some photos.

If the Tech-Craft SWP60 - Avalon Series 60" Wide Credenza (like triton's) would come out in a light cherry maple color like this bush unit I would consider that as well. BTW, thanks for the pics triton.

natwilds
01-07-07, 12:02 PM
Had a few request to see the Tech-Craft SWP60 - Avalon Series 60" Wide Credenza that's availble at CC and a few online retailers. I was originall going to buy a sound bar from yamaha for the sound, but doesn't compare to the B&W 602's and JBL center and some small surrounds I have. Kinda made my own sound bar. :) Sorry for the delay in posting. No real complaints.


Triton, (or anyone that has this SWP60) can you list the INTERIOR dimensions of the center compartment. I am looking at buying this unit (today) but haven't been able to find these dims. I just want to be sure that it will fit my center speaker. Sorry if this info is already posted here but i came up empty in my search.
Thanks!

OnlookerDelay
01-07-07, 03:50 PM
Triton, (or anyone that has this SWP60) can you list the INTERIOR dimensions of the center compartment. I am looking at buying this unit (today) but haven't been able to find these dims. I just want to be sure that it will fit my center speaker. Sorry if this info is already posted here but i came up empty in my search.
Thanks!

I just bought one two weeks ago (Tech Craft Avalon SWP60)... it's 18 3/4" wide, and 16" tall (with the adjustable shelf taken out.)

triton.
01-07-07, 11:47 PM
I'm getting ready to buy the Pioneer 5071 plasma. Has anyone tried the BDI Vista 9960 stand? http://www.bdiusa.com/avfurniture/vista_9960.shtml

I always liked these kind of stands in pictures, but can't imagine being able to hide the wires well enough. If you only have 2 components I can see it working, but I have a Cable Box, DVD Player, Reciever, PS3, and 520 DD Disc Holder.

The Side compartments are 18" wide for the techcraft incase anyone needed to know that width too.

JohnA1
01-08-07, 12:51 AM
You know, even though the title says Plasma furniture, this thread is really for all furniture. Anyone else thing it should go in the generic flat panel section and even become a sticky:

Official Flat Panel furniture thread.

Ernie

Yep, renaming and moving back to the generic flat panel thread is a good idea. I was trying to point someone to it the other day and couldn't find it, as I didn't think to look in the plasma only section.

john a

markrubin
01-08-07, 01:44 PM
-made this thread a sticky
-moved to general FP forum with redirect
-renamed thread

Adult Beverage
01-10-07, 01:40 PM
Anyone find a mission style wood cabinet that will hold a 42" plasma, doors to cover the TV, and glass door for components? Major WAF factor. Can't get TV until have something to put it in. Like to close doors when not in use.

XboxEboy
01-10-07, 06:39 PM
This stand is great:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&st=tv+stand%2C+50&type=product&id=1156203389505


A wall-mounted look without the hassle. Holds my Panny 50px60u perfectly and is sturdy. A bit tricky to put together, but looks awesome and has open shelves for proper ventilation of all your peripherals.
Made in Italy, too!

caeguy
01-10-07, 07:36 PM
This stand is great:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&st=tv+stand%2C+50&type=product&id=1156203389505


A wall-mounted look without the hassle. Holds my Panny 50px60u perfectly and is sturdy. A bit tricky to put together, but looks awesome and has open shelves for proper ventilation of all your peripherals.
Made in Italy, too!

I like it. What's the distance between the bottom edge of your plasma and the first shelf. I'm looking to accomodate a very large center channel.

Thanks

[omen]
01-11-07, 12:01 PM
Can anyone recommend a good custom cabinet builder in the New York City area?

I've been looking at cabinets from all the major sellers (Salamander, BDI, Studiotech, etc. etc. etc.) and none fit the specs I need for my cabinet. I've finally come to the conclusion that I need to have what I want custom built, but don't know any good custom HT designers in my area. Has anyone had any luck with anyone in NYC whom they'd like to recommend?

JuiceRocket
01-11-07, 02:52 PM
Does anyone have the "Loop Media Center" that Crate & Barrell is selling? The price looks nice. I've yet to see it in real life and am wondering what the build quality is like.


http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=991&f=22294&fromLocation=trends&l=247

-JR

XboxEboy
01-12-07, 01:06 PM
I like it. What's the distance between the bottom edge of your plasma and the first shelf. I'm looking to accomodate a very large center channel.

Thanks


I have the 50 inch, but do have it mounted as high as it will go. Basically, I can fit my Dish receiver and a center speaker between the shelf and the TV, but the space isn't huge. If you want precise measurements, I'll be happy to help you...just PM me.

Movie Fan
01-13-07, 12:40 PM
Anyone find a mission style wood cabinet that will hold a 42" plasma, doors to cover the TV, and glass door for components? Major WAF factor. Can't get TV until have something to put it in. Like to close doors when not in use.


Have you considered something like this?
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Mission-Style_Wall-Mount_Flat-Screen_TV_Cabinet/

Here are some armoires as well:
http://www.homedecorators.com/Furniture/Home_Theater/Tv_Armoires/

trublu
01-13-07, 09:55 PM
more pics for the folks that asked.
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3111/dsc0084ox4.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6112/dsc0091dt5.jpg

HumptyD
01-14-07, 07:36 PM
Nice stands! Xboxboy, got any pictures of that Bello with the 50px60u on it?

I have been offered a stand (free) that is a nice collector piece and matches my other furniture perfectly, but it is 31" high x46x16. Do you think this is too high for the 50px60u? It is on the floor right now, and it seems 18-20" would be nice, I can't imagine/decide if 31" would be annoying or just as comfortable for viewing...Thanks!

joshtee
01-15-07, 12:35 AM
hey thanks Tru. That's looking nice. Hopefully you can post the finished product, also.

JohnA1
01-15-07, 02:59 PM
I have been offered a stand (free) that is a nice collector piece and matches my other furniture perfectly, but it is 31" high x46x16. Do you think this is too high for the 50px60u? It is on the floor right now, and it seems 18-20" would be nice, I can't imagine/decide if 31" would be annoying or just as comfortable for viewing...Thanks!

Life is full of tradeoffs. Personally I would find the 31" a little high, but I think for a "free" "collector piece" that "matches my other furniture perfectly" I would learn to live with it pretty quick!

john a

XboxEboy
01-15-07, 03:16 PM
Nice stands! Xboxboy, got any pictures of that Bello with the 50px60u on it?

I have been offered a stand (free) that is a nice collector piece and matches my other furniture perfectly, but it is 31" high x46x16. Do you think this is too high for the 50px60u? It is on the floor right now, and it seems 18-20" would be nice, I can't imagine/decide if 31" would be annoying or just as comfortable for viewing...Thanks!

I'll take some pics tonight and post them soon! I love the stand. I would prefer the TV a *little* higher, but I still like it. If your option is free, at least try it out!!!!

XboxEboy
01-16-07, 12:17 PM
I'll take some pics tonight and post them soon! I love the stand. I would prefer the TV a *little* higher, but I still like it. If your option is free, at least try it out!!!!

Here is my setup, guys!

Let me know what you think!
http://groups.msn.com/MySetup/shoebox.msnw?Page=Last

hidefLoans
01-16-07, 01:48 PM
Here is my setup, guys!

Let me know what you think!
http://groups.msn.com/MySetup/shoebox.msnw?Page=Last

I saw that bestbuy stand on their website but didnt like it because my 50px60u would be wider than the shelves on it. I bought the same stand that is in this pic from a past poster on this thread:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/joedish2/100_1620.jpg

It turned out great, I'll take a pic of it when I get home. It was only $230 too, and it swivels!

whsbuss
01-16-07, 07:30 PM
Has anyone tried the OmniMount G3FP from Circuit City?

hidefLoans
01-17-07, 12:57 AM
I saw that bestbuy stand on their website but didnt like it because my 50px60u would be wider than the shelves on it. I bought the same stand that is in this pic from a past poster on this thread:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/joedish2/100_1620.jpg

It turned out great, I'll take a pic of it when I get home. It was only $230 too, and it swivels!

Here are pictures of the stand from walmart with a 50PX60U on it. The wood on the front is not as red as the flash from the picture makes it look like. Its a little darker:




The great thing about this stand is that it swivels and has tons of shelf space. It also was only $230 MSRP. I think walmart is the only place that sells it.

JuiceRocket
01-17-07, 06:59 PM
HiDef,

Does it need to be flush to the wall to maintain it's balance, or is it solid enough to sit on it's own, away from the wall?

-JR

hidefLoans
01-17-07, 07:41 PM
HiDef,

Does it need to be flush to the wall to maintain it's balance, or is it solid enough to sit on it's own, away from the wall?

-JR

Here's a pic of the back. It doesn't need to stand flush to the wall. It is pretty stable because the arm that holds the tv mount frame extends about 6 inches away from the spine of the mount. My TV floats over the middle area of the stand. It has an inch or two of moving freedom (forward or backwards) when you are setting the stand up. I have it all the way forward and the tv floats right over the middle of the stand (in terms of depth.) The closest the back of the TV could be to the wall (when puting the spine against a wall and adding up the distance of the arm and the mount frame add), would be about 8.5 inches.

Kit_C
01-17-07, 08:01 PM
I've been looking for a credenza style cabinet, which wall go on a wall adjacent to our plasma. We bought the following Buss cabinet:

http://www.ebuus.com/products/productdetail.php?ID=80&cat=3


It is a beautiful piece of furniture (more than the photo can show), but at 28" may be too tall if you want to put it under your display.

Kit
San Diego, CA

Kit_C
01-17-07, 08:02 PM
I've been looking for a credenza style cabinet, which wall go on a wall adjacent to our plasma. We bought the following Buss cabinet:

http://www.ebuus.com/products/productdetail.php?ID=80&cat=3

It is a beautiful piece of furniture (more than the photo can show), but at 28" may be too tall if you want to put it under your display.

Kit
San Diego, CA

Kevin. W
01-17-07, 09:26 PM
All these enclosed units are nice too look at but without any air movement your equipment is going to be running in dangerous temp ranges which can't be good. Not to mention the one thing I found out with my new rack, the placement off the center channel on the top shelf puts it just under my wall mounted LCD and within an inch off having the tweeters of the fronts and center being on the same level. It really does make a huge difference with the soundstage when the tweeters are in line across the fronts and trust me I've had my center located both under and above my front L/R at some point.

JuiceRocket
01-18-07, 03:11 AM
Here's a pic of the back. It doesn't need to stand flush to the wall. It is pretty stable because the arm that holds the tv mount frame extends about 6 inches away from the spine of the mount. My TV floats over the middle area of the stand. It has an inch or two of moving freedom (forward or backwards) when you are setting the stand up. I have it all the way forward and the tv floats right over the middle of the stand (in terms of depth.) The closest the back of the TV could be to the wall (when puting the spine against a wall and adding up the distance of the arm and the mount frame add), would be about 8.5 inches.

Thanks for the new pic and the detailed info about the spacing! I'm going to see if there are any Walmarts around my area! If so, I'll be checking this out this weekend, along with the Crate & Barrell stand.

Thanks again hidef,

-JR

mmbond
01-19-07, 11:34 PM
I found this amazing stand that I'm dying to have, but would love to locate it on the West Coast (Southern Cal specifically), and if lucky, find it for a cheaper price. anyone have any thoughts on where to find this on th left coast?

http://www.scandesign.com/catalog/product/381?furniture_type_id=33

JohnA1
01-20-07, 10:10 PM
Tweeter sells the Laurier Silia home theater credenza...

http://ai.pricegrabber.com/product_images/27236000-27236999/27236169_640.jpg

Rack and Stands has it for $929
http://www.racksandstands.com/asp/show_detail.asp?stype=2&sku=LP1198&catid=&

I ordered this stand in mid-December, and it arrived today. Since I ordered it sight unseen from a local B&M store, I thought I'd offer up my first impressions and observations in case someone else is looking at one of these:

- The packing was impressive. It came fully assembled in a large box with a supporting wooden frame below. All I had to do was lift it out of the box and put the handles on the doors. Even the adjustable shelves were in place.

- The shelves themselves are supported by the usual little pin supports typical in any bookcase, but the pin supports are actually attached to the bottom of the shelves with little screws, preventing the shelf from tipping, wobbling, or sliding back and forth.

- The unit came with a bunch of little black plugs to use to fill the shelf support holes that are not in use. This is a silly little touch, I guess, but it impressed me!

- There is a gap between the front of the adjustable shelf and the glass door for airflow (I guess), and a large gap between the back of the shelves and the back panel, probably for air flow and cables.

- The back panels have good-sized openings top and bottom for cables and/or airflow.

- Internal to the cabinet are holes at the back at the bottom between the sections to run cables and cords through.

- In addition to the four legs (one on each corner), there is a fifth support leg in the middle near the back, and it is adjustable.

- Overall the unit seems well built. Being made out of MDF, it is heavy. The finish (called Graphtex Black, or something like that), is a nice matte black that should be easy to care for. The glass doors have adjustable hinges like you'd find on a good kitchen cabinet. And it's kinda hard to see in the picture, but the top surface of the cabinet actually has a gentle curve to it, sort of a bow front.

I'm still waiting for the flat panel TV that I have on order and for my HD satellite installation, but now I'm ready with the stand to hold it all.

john a

JohnA1
01-20-07, 10:24 PM
I found this amazing stand that I'm dying to have...

http://www.scandesign.com/catalog/product/381?furniture_type_id=33

That definitely is a unique and creative stand!

noiseman2
01-21-07, 04:59 PM
That definitely is a unique and creative stand!
I agree in spades. This is the most distintive installations I have ever seen

ewerx
01-21-07, 06:45 PM
I ordered this stand in mid-December, and it arrived today. Since I ordered it sight unseen from a local B&M store, I thought I'd offer up my first impressions and observations in case someone else is looking at one of these:
<snip>

Seems very nice. How much did you pay for it?

Also, if it's not too much trouble, could you tell me the inside width and height of the sections? I'd like to know if my center speaker will fit in there...

mmbond
01-21-07, 10:23 PM
That definitely is a unique and creative stand!

Thanks for the vote of approval guys! :cool: Now, I just need to find it locally and at a reasonable price... :confused:


I agree in spades. This is the most distintive installations I have ever seen

JuiceRocket
01-21-07, 11:15 PM
Thanks for the vote of approval guys! :cool: Now, I just need to find it locally and at a reasonable price... :confused:

That's a really interesting stand. I wish they'd show these mounts with cables. I wonder if there is space in the swivel tubing for all of the cables. Otherwise your ports and power cable will be hanging loose.

-JR

JohnA1
01-22-07, 12:31 AM
Seems very nice. How much did you pay for it?

Also, if it's not too much trouble, could you tell me the inside width and height of the sections? I'd like to know if my center speaker will fit in there...

Hey, Ewerx. I got it through The Brick. They have it on their web site (search for "147760") for C$950. They didn't carry it in my local stores, but I was able to special order it. I was able to negotiate a discount off that price, so you should be able to as well.

As to the sections, the left and right sections are each 19" wide and 15" high (inside dimension). The adjustable shelf sits roughly in the middle - the top area is about 7 1/2" high and the bottom just over 7". The centre section is also 15" high, and it is just over 22" wide (roughly 22 1/4"). It also has an adjustable shelf, so if you need more height for the centre channel speaker you can drop the shelf down a notch. Room for a centre speaker was one of my key criteria in picking this unit.

john a

nightowl
01-22-07, 01:34 AM
Hello all -

I've been following this thread for several months, starting before I bought my Panny, as I was planning a full makeover of my home theater setup. Adding to that, I sold my older desktop iMac and other equipment since I'm losing my office (new baby due in 2 months). So, given the task of eliminating the office, getting rid of the RPTV I've had for several years, I was excited to get started!

I opted for the Panasonic TH-50PX600U Plasma, as it seemed nearly unanimous here that it was a solid set (and couldn't be happier!). I had to wait a while for the stand, as IKEA (it's the Markor unit) stores in my area didn't have the color I wanted in stock for quite some time. The AVR was a pretty logical choice for me, and I liked that it included the auto setup program.

I couldn't be happier with the whole setup. I had already mounted the PDP as I was planning on a different stand due to the delays in getting the IKEA unit, so I took the easier way out and left the feet off of the stand. Saves a few inches of height, and actually make the stand look like a more substantial piece of furniture.

As it was initially posted back around page 4 or 5 of this thread, this piece truly is the "holy grail of plasma stands".

Here's my equipment listing:
Panasonic TH-50PX600U
Harmon Kardon AVR 645
Dish Network 622 HD-DVR
Apple Mac Mini 1.83 Core Duo
Focal JMLab Sib Cub 5.1 speaker system
Logitech 880 Universal Remote

Jeff

gr8pinoydds
01-24-07, 12:58 AM
Does anyone have or seen the Tech-Craft CBK-60 Avalon series. I'm looking for a black credenza to match my pioneer pdp 5070.

manufanatic
01-24-07, 01:19 PM
Lol thanks man I felt like an idoit as soon I did that. Thats funny.


Can you tell me the width and height of the shelves in your Pier1 unit?

falord
01-24-07, 01:35 PM
Here are pictures of the stand from walmart with a 50PX60U on it. The wood on the front is not as red as the flash from the picture makes it look like. Its a little darker:

The great thing about this stand is that it swivels and has tons of shelf space. It also was only $230 MSRP. I think walmart is the only place that sells it.
Probably a stupid question, but is this stand adjustable. I have a 42" plasma, but I noticed it said 50" on the box at Walmart. The wife wanted to get this because it would go well with the rest of the furniture in the living room.

hidefLoans
01-24-07, 04:46 PM
Probably a stupid question, but is this stand adjustable. I have a 42" plasma, but I noticed it said 50" on the box at Walmart. The wife wanted to get this because it would go well with the rest of the furniture in the living room.


Yeah its completely adjustable...You can moust anything on it really....Im sure something smaller than a 32 would look ugly because the mounting frame would not be completely covered by the TV, but a 42 is more than fine.

archie0404
01-24-07, 06:00 PM
I've been reading most of the latest postings on this thread on flat panel furniture and its been helpful. I just purchased the Pioneer 60" Plasma (PDP6070HD) and I'm looking for a stand for it (not comfortable mounting it on the wall). I've looked at glass stands at CircuitCity, Bestbuy, Magnolia. I saw some nice stands at CircuitCity (Zline-Designs ZLN Z22-1S) and Bestbuy (Bush VS74962). Bestbuy had the Pioneer plasma on that very stand. These stands run $300-350. I also saw some really nice and more expensive stands like BDI's 9429 at Magnolia ($800-$900). My concern is that on the CircuitCity website while most of the reviewers loved the 55" Zline-Designs stand, one reviewer stated that one day the top glass (on which the TV sits) shattered. His TV weighed only 76 lbs. well within the specs. In this forum I read some postings that referred to problems with glass but couldn't find the actual postings.

Does any one know of cases where glass stands have broken (not due to user error) or experienced it themselves? I've looked at wood stands like Salamander at Magnolia and StudioTech cabinets (thanks to the postings in this thread). They're definitely nice but also more expensive and I like the glass stands in that there is clearly more air circulation but the incident with the shattered glass gives me concern (even with BDI stands). Any comments or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

ZZen
01-24-07, 08:09 PM
"Does any one know of cases where glass stands have broken (not due to user error) or experienced it themselves? "

There was a post somewhere on here where a guys glass stand exploded spontaneously and his plasma dropped down the the shelf below.

trublu
01-24-07, 08:57 PM
I've been reading most of the latest postings on this thread on flat panel furniture and its been helpful. I just purchased the Pioneer 60" Plasma (PDP6070HD) and I'm looking for a stand for it (not comfortable mounting it on the wall). I've looked at glass stands at CircuitCity, Bestbuy, Magnolia. I saw some nice stands at CircuitCity (Zline-Designs ZLN Z22-1S) and Bestbuy (Bush VS74962). Bestbuy had the Pioneer plasma on that very stand. These stands run $300-350. I also saw some really nice and more expensive stands like BDI's 9429 at Magnolia ($800-$900). My concern is that on the CircuitCity website while most of the reviewers loved the 55" Zline-Designs stand, one reviewer stated that one day the top glass (on which the TV sits) shattered. His TV weighed only 76 lbs. well within the specs. In this forum I read some postings that referred to problems with glass but couldn't find the actual postings.

Does any one know of cases where glass stands have broken (not due to user error) or experienced it themselves? I've looked at wood stands like Salamander at Magnolia and StudioTech cabinets (thanks to the postings in this thread). They're definitely nice but also more expensive and I like the glass stands in that there is clearly more air circulation but the incident with the shattered glass gives me concern (even with BDI stands). Any comments or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=713200

HDDAVID
01-25-07, 12:33 PM
I just ordered the BDI Alcove 8200 from Scan Furniture for my Sony KDL-52XBR3. Anybody have any pictures of this stand with their equipment they want to share?

gigaguy
01-25-07, 12:59 PM
So frustrated looking for an AV cabinet !!!!

I want a sided cabinet, not a rack, I want to set my 40" LCD TV on top of it, not wall mount.
est. size - 60"W x 22H x 22D. Three 20"w sections across TOP (MANDATORY), with good ventilation, and center speaker space. under $600. prefer black. prefer 1 or 2 drawers on the bottom. I only have 4 components and a center speaker. Any doors can be metal screened, glass, or mesh. or no doors is workable too.

Online at Ikea, Wards, Penneys, Sears, Kmart, Walmart, Target, Crate&Barrel, Copenhagen, Eurway, HomeTHeaterStore (BDI). Most standard furniture stores have crap, Rooms to Go, Roomstore, etc. I've even looked for black 20" wide nightstands with a drawer at the bottom and open space above, and would buy 3 and push them together. none.

I looked at the Techcraft @ CC for $399, it might work but it looked cheap and the ugly brown painted color. They didn't even put it together right, screws were showing, doors were loose, scratched up. Does it ventilate okay??

Looked at the Azura Liverpool, NYC, SouthShore, so many.... no ventilation.
The Loop cabinet at Crate & Barrel would work but only if I buy the back panel and mount the TV up off the cabinet, cause it is only 2 segments wide, no room for a center speaker in the cabinet. Not offered in black, no drawer either. So that would be $600 but then it would need a wall mount kit.

My faves are the BDI Avion Noir ($1500+) with black glass doors and ventilation on the bottom, sides, and back. The Studiotech ($1100+) with black metal mesh doors and lots of ventilation is very nice too. These all allow for a center speaker with 3 segments across, and are under 23" tall. These are perfect but I can't pull the trigger for $1100-1600!!

Did I miss something? Am I too picky to want to have the center speaker in the center of the cabinet, and good ventialtion. I only have about 4 components and the center speaker.
Rant over, I can't believe how many I have looked at.

pablo16
01-25-07, 01:11 PM
So frustrated looking for an AV cabinet !!!!

I want a sided cabinet, not a rack, I want to set my 40" LCD TV on top of it, not wall mount.
est. size - 60"W x 22H x 22D. Three 20"w sections across TOP (MANDATORY), with good ventilation, and center speaker space. under $600. prefer black. prefer 1 or 2 drawers on the bottom. I only have 4 components and a center speaker. Any doors can be metal screened, glass, or mesh. or no doors is workable too.

Online at Ikea, Wards, Penneys, Sears, Kmart, Walmart, Target, Crate&Barrel, Copenhagen, Eurway, HomeTHeaterStore (BDI). Most standard furniture stores have crap, Rooms to Go, Roomstore, etc. I've even looked for black 20" wide nightstands with a drawer at the bottom and open space above, and would buy 3 and push them together. none.

I looked at the Techcraft @ CC for $399, it might work but it looked cheap and the ugly brown painted color. They didn't even put it together right, screws were showing, doors were loose, scratched up. Does it ventilate okay??

Looked at the Azura Liverpool, NYC, SouthShore, so many.... no ventilation.
The Loop cabinet at Crate & Barrel would work but only if I buy the back panel and mount the TV up off the cabinet, cause it is only 2 segments wide, no room for a center speaker in the cabinet. Not offered in black, no drawer either. So that would be $600 but then it would need a wall mount kit.

My faves are the BDI Avion Noir ($1500+) with black glass doors and ventilation on the bottom, sides, and back. The Studiotech ($1100+) with black metal mesh doors and lots of ventilation is very nice too. These all allow for a center speaker with 3 segments across, and are under 23" tall. These are perfect but I can't pull the trigger for $1100-1600!!

Did I miss something? Am I too picky to want to have the center speaker in the center of the cabinet, and good ventialtion. I only have about 4 components and the center speaker.
Rant over, I can't believe how many I have looked at.


I too have been looking around over and over...I currently have a Salamander Archetype system, an older model, that doesn't have a flat shelf for the CC. I love the Salamander synergy line, but after all the recent av upgrades, the wife doesn't want another 1300 going to furniture. So, I found a few. For you, take a look at the Bello Pro 25. It has the CC shelf, and plenty of room for 4 components. Racks and stands has it for a nice price too with free shipping. I might go this route. But, last night I was talking with my dad and we may build a salamander synergy clone. We can do it for around 400-500, order many of the parts from Salamander, and can customize to each component space, CC space, etc. I have 6 components (a couple are stackable) and plan to add a turntable and tube pre/pro, so I need at least 6 shelves. So, I would either find a DIY project, or take a look at the Bello Pro 25!

gigaguy
01-25-07, 01:43 PM
Thanks, I have seen some of the Bello Pros too, but the 25 model is 59" tall, too high for my viewing with the TV on top. and at $835, whats another $265 to get the right sized Studiotech U-22T 3 segment console, 66"w x 22"H. or maybe the 2 segment Studiotech U-22D for $699. I'm eyeing that one, but it's kinda narrow, 45"w, no space to center a speaker inside it.

pablo16
01-25-07, 01:55 PM
Thanks, I have seen some of the Bello Pros too, but the 25 model is 59" tall, too high for my viewing with the TV on top. and at $835, whats another $265 to get the right sized Studiotech U-22T 3 segment console, 66"w x 22"H. or maybe the 2 segment Studiotech U-22D for $699. I'm eyeing that one, but it's kinda narrow, 45"w, no space to center a speaker inside it.

Take a look at Bello's site...the pr25 is 32"...on rackssndstands, it's 835 is with the plasma mount, it's 655 without it.

Tigershark
01-25-07, 04:36 PM
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=713200

Scary stuff - glad I went with a wood stand.

gigaguy
01-25-07, 04:40 PM
Thanks, 32" H is still a little too tall for me, and it's only 42" wide.

I really want a 60"W x 22-25"H, triple wide cabinet.

May have to spend 4 digits to get it though.

tdogroeder
01-25-07, 05:54 PM
Thanks, 32" H is still a little too tall for me, and it's only 42" wide.

I really want a 60"W x 22-25"H, triple wide cabinet.

May have to spend 4 digits to get it though.

Chick this one out and you can get it for about $700, it comes in black or cherry.
Overall approx. size: SR-V 19"h x 65 or 75"w x 22"d.

http://www.plateaucorp.com/html/enclosedcabinets/sr-v-75.htm

epetti
01-25-07, 06:21 PM
So frustrated looking for an AV cabinet !!!!

My faves are the BDI Avion Noir ($1500+) with black glass doors and ventilation on the bottom, sides, and back. The Studiotech ($1100+) with black metal mesh doors and lots of ventilation is very nice too. These all allow for a center speaker with 3 segments across, and are under 23" tall. These are perfect but I can't pull the trigger for $1100-1600!!

Did I miss something? Am I too picky to want to have the center speaker in the center of the cabinet, and good ventialtion. I only have about 4 components and the center speaker.
Rant over, I can't believe how many I have looked at.

That's exactly what I wanted and is very reasonable. Eventually for me, pickiness won out over price, and I bought the BDI Avion. I absolutely love it. They paid attention to so many little details with ventilation and wiring and it's the perfect size. Will post a picture later if I can. The thing is, if you want all of those requirements and very good build quality, it's just going to cost a lot. One thought, depending on where you go, you might actually be able to get a custom built for a reasonable price.

Jason Priestley
01-25-07, 10:51 PM
Epetti:

I'm also interested in the BDI Avion. I currently use the Ethan Allen horizon's piece which is very nice looking but suffers from some shortcomings:
1) ventilation is not that great
2) No way of mounting unless you get backboard which then must be mounted to wall anyway which seems dumb

I still love the look though and like that its made of solid wood. My biggest problem with most other makers including salamander is they have the functionality but look cheap. Now I'm looking for a new piece so that I can mount a plasma (but not to a wall) and I'll move the ethan allen to the bedroom. What's the deal with BDI?
Is it just cheap particle board with a crappy veneer that peels off easily? Or is it high quality? Do you mount your flat panel and does it work well?
How is the ventilation since the front panels are covered by glass (unlike the mesh with salamander)
Do the hidden wheels work well (this would be a big plus for me)?
Are the shelves adjustable and is there a semi-permanent way to secure those shelves (ala screws)

So far the only issue I have with the BDI is that the CC speaker spot is too short at 7" as I have a paradigm CC-470 which is 8" high (sigh) but I am interested in it.

gigaguy
01-25-07, 11:12 PM
Chick this one out and you can get it for about $700, it comes in black or cherry.
Overall approx. size: SR-V 19"h x 65 or 75"w x 22"d.

http://www.plateaucorp.com/html/enclosedcabinets/sr-v-75.htm

Thanks, that's very close to what I need, but site says the 65" is $1000. Since I can't see how it vents or other design features, I'd opt for the Techdesign or Avion just cause I can see more about em, and near the same price.

The BDI Avion NOIR series is very sharp with black glass doors instead of the thicker wood trim on the mesh doors of the Avion which can intrude over IR eyes on the components edges, (they told me that at Magnolia). The all glass door Noir solves that.

Jason Priestley
01-25-07, 11:25 PM
Gigaguy:

I am leaning towards the noir as well although i wonder if there is enough ventillation with the noir. My ethan allen piece has glass doors which is nice but man do my components get hot! Both my xbox 360 and PS3 have fans that sound like jet engines if I do not leave that door open when using them.

gigaguy
01-26-07, 12:02 AM
I don't know how well the Noir vents. You know there are cutouts in the bottom piece, on the sides, the back is completely removable and I think the interior shelves have vents/cutouts. The guy at The Home Theater store showed me how they had big amps in the Avions, both the reg and Noir, said they had no heat problems, but...

I'm really liking the Designtech u22-T that is $1100 and the optional panel mount is $99 I think, not $500 like the BDI mount piece.
Designtech has black metal mesh on all fronts and the back is removable. It looks nice, but the black glass Noir is very pretty too IMO.

epetti
01-26-07, 11:46 AM
I still love the look though and like that its made of solid wood. My biggest problem with most other makers including salamander is they have the functionality but look cheap. Now I'm looking for a new piece so that I can mount a plasma (but not to a wall) and I'll move the ethan allen to the bedroom. What's the deal with BDI?
Is it just cheap particle board with a crappy veneer that peels off easily? Or is it high quality? Do you mount your flat panel and does it work well?
How is the ventilation since the front panels are covered by glass (unlike the mesh with salamander)
Do the hidden wheels work well (this would be a big plus for me)?
Are the shelves adjustable and is there a semi-permanent way to secure those shelves (ala screws)

So far the only issue I have with the BDI is that the CC speaker spot is too short at 7" as I have a paradigm CC-470 which is 8" high (sigh) but I am interested in it.

The BDI Avion is very solidly built. I was actually going to buy the Salamander but at the last second changed my mind because it just looked assembled. The BDI comes pretty much entirely assembled except for the shelves and the doors and is very heavy (200 lbs.) and high quality. The flat panel can just sit on it (which mine does), or there is an optional mount that you can always buy later and attach your panel to. I was going to buy it, but it's an additional $450, which I thought was a bit much for what is essentially two big metal poles.

Ventilation is not a problem. Every shelf including the bottom has three slats in it to allow air to circulate through, as do all the back panels.

The hidden wheels work great. Mine aren't perfect but it's sitting on carpet so it's a little hard to move, but I can move the stand with the plasma on it by myself, so that says something for it. Also, there are legs that you can raise and lower with a hex wrench if you have it in place and you don't want it to roll. Basically, retractable wheels.

I loved the system for the screws that the shelves sit on. Rather than the typical friction fit that you need a wrench to pull out, they screw in and screw out. But there's not a permanent way to fix the panels to them. Still, they are seated very snuggly and don't wiggle at all once in place.

I have no complaints and no regrets about this stand. Well worth every penny.

tdogroeder
01-26-07, 12:04 PM
Thanks, that's very close to what I need, but site says the 65" is $1000. Since I can't see how it vents or other design features, I'd opt for the Techdesign or Avion just cause I can see more about em, and near the same price.

The BDI Avion NOIR series is very sharp with black glass doors instead of the thicker wood trim on the mesh doors of the Avion which can intrude over IR eyes on the components edges, (they told me that at Magnolia). The all glass door Noir solves that.

I froogled it and found it for $700 from racksandstands.com.

http://www.racksandstands.com/Plateau-SR-V-75-E-PT0087.html

mmbond
01-26-07, 09:11 PM
You guys have some nice units.

http://hometheaterhut.4t.com/images/plasma_1.jpg

I built mine from an ikea shelf. I added frosted glass doors. It holds 4 components. Cost me about $150.

Herm

What ikea unit is this? and do you have any before and after pics. Great job btw!!!

Jason Priestley
01-27-07, 06:03 PM
Epetti
Thanks for the comments. Can you post a picture?

Have you chipped the veneer at all? Is the veneer easy to chip or is it difficult? We are very much leaning towards the avion (not sure of whether to get the triple or quad) but after looking at it closely today i'm still not 100% convinced on the construction. It seems as though the doors were not super heavy duty and the wood in gneeral is my big concern with regards to chipping. Also do you have trouble using your components given that the doors have small windows rather than large ones?

By the way, salamander has released some new units which are absolutely beautiful but all require that you use an IR repeater which sorta sux (and makes it a no no for me). Anyway, you guys should check it out at their website.

JohnA1
01-27-07, 06:54 PM
What ikea unit is this? and do you have any before and after pics. Great job btw!!!

mmbond, it looks like he started with a LACK shelving unit, and added feet and doors. Also looks like a nice job, Herman.

john a

mmbond
01-28-07, 02:10 AM
mmbond, it looks like he started with a LACK shelving unit, and added feet and doors. Also looks like a nice job, Herman.

john a


Ahhh I see it now. It is a great job! Thanks JohnA1!

Whiskyecho
01-28-07, 12:11 PM
So frustrated looking for an AV cabinet !!!! ..... Rant over, I can't believe how many I have looked at.

Why not build what you want? I made what my Pioneer 5060 sits upon for just a little over $100. It's 57" wide x 18" deep x 21" high. I put 6 each 5" x 18" pigeon holes for components and a large one on the right side in which I put a 13" tv (I use that mostly for background music for when I'm on the computer with my back to the tv(s)).

I finished the unit in a dark stain that matches my wainscoting/paneling but could have done in any color from natural wood to black. I've got 5 sets of 3-wheeled dollies for mobility (one set in each corner and one in the middle - for support).

K-10
01-28-07, 01:04 PM
here's my bdi vista stand. the modern look is not for everyone, but i like it and it conceals all my cables and a surge protector. note: i sit on the floor when i watch tv hence the weird shelf positions.

CKmost
01-29-07, 11:29 AM
Well I've gone through 2 different tv stands for my 50" Panny Plasma that have not worked out well.. The first was terrible freebie ( no need to discuss). The second was from Ashley furniture that perfectly matched my table (same collection), but it's not deep enough (doesn't fit my reciever or cd changer), plus it wasn't the most functional peice of furniture. I loved the looks of it, and the hieght 28" was perfect (don't care low stands). The width was also just perfect for the tv 50". The other problem was that the middle was already bending in from the weight of the television:(

Now i've been looking all over that place and can't seem to find anything. I was wondering if anyone here could help me find a good stand:

-Solid wood
-Black Stain
-28" ish hieght 50"ish length
-Speaker cloth inserts for L & R speakers
-Room for center channel speaker (in the center):)


Thanks any help would be very much appreciated!

gigaguy
01-29-07, 12:48 PM
-Solid wood
-Black Stain
-28" ish hieght 50"ish length
-Speaker cloth inserts for L & R speakers
-Room for center channel speaker (in the center):)


Thanks any help would be very much appreciated!

It's gonna be hard to find a piece that holds all 3 speakers in the smaller 50" width.

BDI 8525 - Avion Series Corner TV Stand - holds L/R speakers but is 22" tall.
BDI 8527 - brown wood - Avions Series - mesh panels hold all 3 speakers but is 22" tall.
BDI Noir - black glass doors - holds center speaker - 22" tall.
Laurier Furniture 1485 - Silia TV Stand - holds center speaker only.
StudioTech U-22 - Black metal mesh doors, brown wood, 45 wide, 24 tall.

dhowlan
01-29-07, 03:45 PM
I'm new to posting; joined this forum expressly because of this thread. I just wanted to add my own two cents to the BDI question that Jason Priestley asked. Namely, how solidly are the Avions built? I have seen the Avions in person at three different stores. Every one had a ding or chip or the drawer and doors didn't fit right. I saw one that the top had sagged down into the way of the drawer. Early on I figured that the store assemblers were just not up to the task of assembling the doors and panels. But, these things come virtually preassembled. What would make the drawers and doors not fit correctly? Are TV stores REALLY hard on the stands? I just can't justify spending almost $2k on something that I have to worry about. Has anyone had one of these for more than a year that can comment on the durability.

Btw, I have read through this entire thread, tome that it has become, and haven't yet settled on what I want.

epetti
01-29-07, 03:56 PM
I'm new to posting; joined this forum expressly because of this thread. I just wanted to add my own two cents to the BDI question that Jason Priestley asked. Namely, how solidly are the Avions built? I have seen the Avions in person at three different stores. Every one had a ding or chip or the drawer and doors didn't fit right. I saw one that the top had sagged down into the way of the drawer. Early on I figured that the store assemblers were just not up to the task of assembling the doors and panels. But, these things come virtually preassembled. What would make the drawers and doors not fit correctly? Are TV stores REALLY hard on the stands? I just can't justify spending almost $2k on something that I have to worry about. Has anyone had one of these for more than a year that can comment on the durability.


I will post a picture of mine tonight. I've only had mine for a month so I can't comment on longevity, but even though the doors and drawers come assembled, it says in the assembly instructions that they might not line up exactly, and there are screws inside to adjust them so that they will line up exactly. Mine has no chips or scratches of any sort. In fact, I was very impressed with the packing of it in the box. The wood pressboard they used as protection for it in the box was thicker than the side and back panels of some cabinets I've seen. Also, the entire thing weighs 200 lbs. if that's any indication of it's solidness.

ZZen
01-29-07, 05:15 PM
K-10 - what size is the the sony tv you have? 40" or 46"? Thanks. I thought about that stand for my 37" LCD but I think the stand is too beefy and will look overwhelming to that size tv. It seems better suited to 42" and up. However, the smaller BDI Accent (I think) similar stand says only up to 32" panels.

dhowlan
01-29-07, 05:30 PM
I will post a picture of mine tonight. I've only had mine for a month so I can't comment on longevity, but even though the doors and drawers come assembled, it says in the assembly instructions that they might not line up exactly, and there are screws inside to adjust them so that they will line up exactly. Mine has no chips or scratches of any sort. In fact, I was very impressed with the packing of it in the box. The wood pressboard they used as protection for it in the box was thicker than the side and back panels of some cabinets I've seen. Also, the entire thing weighs 200 lbs. if that's any indication of it's solidness.


Thanks epetti. I'm glad to hear about the drawers and door adjustment.

K-10
01-29-07, 08:40 PM
K-10 - what size is the the sony tv you have? 40" or 46"? Thanks. I thought about that stand for my 37" LCD but I think the stand is too beefy and will look overwhelming to that size tv. It seems better suited to 42" and up. However, the smaller BDI Accent (I think) similar stand says only up to 32" panels.

it's a 40". i think it'd be ok for a 37". i'd get the silver one instead of the black because the glossy black paint chips easily and for some odd reason uses a slightly different mounting mechanism.

epetti
01-29-07, 10:53 PM
Here's my stand with the Pioneer 5070 on it.

BDI Avion 8527 with Pioneer 5070

Jason Priestley
01-29-07, 11:25 PM
Epetti:

Why is the back panel on the floor underneath your unit? I'm planning on purchasing it tomorrow. I will be getting the 8529 in espresso with the 8540 plasma mount. I too hav enoticed chips on the floor units at stores but these were at magnolia/best buy stores where there is a lot of traffic and new tv's going on the units all the time (plus a bunch of teenagers running the store). At high-end places I did not notice such imperfections.

By the way, see if there are furniture stores that are dealers. I found the one by me was a few hundred cheaper than the a/v stores as was shipping (plus it was white glove delivery sans actually mounting the plasma). Sure I will have to wait about 2-3 weeks but that's fine. Heck, the best buys are special order which takes 6-8 weeks (high end stores took about a week but more expensive).

mondo3
01-30-07, 01:04 AM
could someone post a picture that shows the ventilation in the avion? I read that the shelves are ventilated, but I thought they were glass.

epetti
01-30-07, 10:12 AM
Epetti:

Why is the back panel on the floor underneath your unit? I'm planning on purchasing it tomorrow. I will be getting the 8529 in espresso with the 8540 plasma mount. I too hav enoticed chips on the floor units at stores but these were at magnolia/best buy stores where there is a lot of traffic and new tv's going on the units all the time (plus a bunch of teenagers running the store). At high-end places I did not notice such imperfections.

By the way, see if there are furniture stores that are dealers. I found the one by me was a few hundred cheaper than the a/v stores as was shipping (plus it was white glove delivery sans actually mounting the plasma). Sure I will have to wait about 2-3 weeks but that's fine. Heck, the best buys are special order which takes 6-8 weeks (high end stores took about a week but more expensive).

There are two back panels, one for each side. I have not taken the time to actually do wire organization back there (all the wires are pretty well hidden anyway), so the one side that has the receiver in it won't fit the back panel because of all the wires going into it. This is really more my laziness then any fault in the stand.

That was one complaint of mine, though. I wanted to put the receiver in the center, under the center speaker, but for some reason the back bottom center has an opening like the front openings rather than being fully open -- it's partially closed, and just enough that all of my speaker connectors were covered, so I needed to put the receiver on side, which made the wires less centralized.

epetti
01-30-07, 10:14 AM
could someone post a picture that shows the ventilation in the avion? I read that the shelves are ventilated, but I thought they were glass.

I can send another picture, but in the one I just posted, you can see the back panel on the floor that has the slot in it. The shelves look exactly the same but thicker. They have three slots running across almost their entire length. The floor of the stand has the same slots, as do the backs.

kli
01-30-07, 12:15 PM
What ikea unit is this? and do you have any before and after pics. Great job btw!!!

Herman, i really like what you've done. can you provide additional pics of it? Assuming that this is the Lack bookshelf from ikea, what else did you use to build the legs and the doors?

BigScreenBill
01-30-07, 12:56 PM
I still love the look though and like that its made of solid wood. My biggest problem with most other makers including salamander is they have the functionality but look cheap. Now I'm looking for a new piece so that I can mount a plasma (but not to a wall) and I'll move the ethan allen to the bedroom. What's the deal with BDI?
Is it just cheap particle board with a crappy veneer that peels off easily? Or is it high quality? Do you mount your flat panel and does it work well?
How is the ventilation since the front panels are covered by glass (unlike the mesh with salamander)
Do the hidden wheels work well (this would be a big plus for me)?
Are the shelves adjustable and is there a semi-permanent way to secure those shelves (ala screws)

So far the only issue I have with the BDI is that the CC speaker spot is too short at 7" as I have a paradigm CC-470 which is 8" high (sigh) but I am interested in it.

I've owned the Avion for over a year and haven't had any problems with chipping or scratching. The unit is very solidly built, and if it weren't for the wheels, would be very difficult to move.

Ventilation has been fine - I've not had any problems with overheating.

My center channel is 7.5" tall and was able to fit it in by removing the top center drawer (you can slide the drawer out from the tracks by depressing switches on both sides and unscrew the remaining tracks from the unit) with a little space left over. Total space w/o the drawer is just around 8" I believe, but I haven't measured it in a while.

Bill

Jason Priestley
01-30-07, 06:09 PM
Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to try to buy it tonight at a furniture store near me (about $300 bucks cheaper) and an official BDI partner. Not sure why its cheaper. Maybe they accept lower margins or maybe the store moves more product (since its a furniture store) and therefore gets an economic scale advantage in their cost. Not gonna question it though.

Do the legs ever feel loose? Just wondering because i have steel legs on mine but it also surrounds the entire frame (search in this thread to see what it looks like).

TroutRunner
01-30-07, 11:27 PM
Has anyone had any experience with JSP Industries? They look like they make some nice stuff.

I would link the site but since this is my first post after being a lurker the system won't let me post an URL.

Google search: JSP Industries then go to Home Theater

TR

manufanatic
01-31-07, 11:49 AM
Just a heads up to anybody looking for a traditional 66" to 80" plasma base tv stand .

Barewoods (there's one here in Brandon Tampa) has a sale going on and they have a variety of 66" and above plasma base stands for a very attractive price.

I scored an 80" Caribbean Rum colored traditional stand today for less than fo-ay-ti.

It looks similar to this one...

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/502/Plasma_Base.jpg


Can you tell me if this is the same place

http://www.barewoodoutlet.com/store_locator.htm

heitz
01-31-07, 05:14 PM
Hey guys, I'm in the same boat - trying to find that perfect peice of furniture to hold my spanking new 42" Panny...

A local store has the BDI Avion (65" model) and from the several times I've visited it, the stand looks awesome! That said, after doing some research I'm still not quice convinced that it's the best bang for the buck.

The Avion is made of MDF (medium Density Fiberboard check wikipedia - I can't post links yet) which is essentially a dense particleboard. From what I've read it's the best for laminate finishes but there are concerns with screws staying in and the "wood" swelling from mositure. Not to mention it's known as an inexpensive alternative to real wood.

So do I really want to spend over a grand on a pressed wood stand? Maybe I should just head to Ikea (a couple hours away) and drop a few hundred on a pressed wood stand...

I've seen a few posts for Avion owners on here, just wondering if anyone else has opinions or experiences?

The big thing that keeps drawing me back is the design - it's just *so* slick. The vented shelves, the center speaker drawer, the sliding back (my favorite feature), the wheels and the style are all just beautiful. If I can be convinced that the thing will last I might have to drop in...

For some great pics of the unit's features, check out forum.ecoustics.***/bbs/messages/47077/242814.html

Thanks in advance for any help!

EArkHog
01-31-07, 11:14 PM
Here's my stand with the Pioneer 5070 on it.

BDI Avion 8527 with Pioneer 5070
It's a common misconception that light-colored (white) walls make a room look larger. Try painting the wall behind your unit a darker color. A very talented architect and interior designer once said "It's only paint."

tdnone
01-31-07, 11:29 PM
It's a common misconception that light-colored (white) walls make a room look larger. Try painting the wall behind your unit a darker color. A very talented architect and interior designer once said "It's only paint."

I think it is only visual percection :) :cool: :D

XboxEboy
02-01-07, 11:51 AM
It's a common misconception that light-colored (white) walls make a room look larger. Try painting the wall behind your unit a darker color. A very talented architect and interior designer once said "It's only paint."

You are obviously NOT an interior decorator. You are entirely wrong. Room color variation not ony affects size perception, but also moods, work ethic, etc.

RetRoe
02-01-07, 06:01 PM
Here are pictures of the stand from walmart with a 50PX60U on it. The wood on the front is not as red as the flash from the picture makes it look like. Its a little darker:


The great thing about this stand is that it swivels and has tons of shelf space. It also was only $230 MSRP. I think walmart is the only place that sells it.

I'm not able to view any pics. Is there a link somewhere to the pics you posted?

archie0404
02-02-07, 07:14 AM
Hey guys, I'm in the same boat - trying to find that perfect peice of furniture to hold my spanking new 42" Panny...

A local store has the BDI Avion (65" model) and from the several times I've visited it, the stand looks awesome! That said, after doing some research I'm still not quice convinced that it's the best bang for the buck.

The Avion is made of MDF (medium Density Fiberboard check wikipedia - I can't post links yet) which is essentially a dense particleboard. From what I've read it's the best for laminate finishes but there are concerns with screws staying in and the "wood" swelling from mositure. Not to mention it's known as an inexpensive alternative to real wood.

So do I really want to spend over a grand on a pressed wood stand? Maybe I should just head to Ikea (a couple hours away) and drop a few hundred on a pressed wood stand...

I've seen a few posts for Avion owners on here, just wondering if anyone else has opinions or experiences?

The big thing that keeps drawing me back is the design - it's just *so* slick. The vented shelves, the center speaker drawer, the sliding back (my favorite feature), the wheels and the style are all just beautiful. If I can be convinced that the thing will last I might have to drop in...

For some great pics of the unit's features, check out forum.ecoustics.***/bbs/messages/47077/242814.html

Thanks in advance for any help!


I'm also interested in comments as well regarding MDF. I've looked around and (thanks to this forum) seen online the StudioTech U-22T and I've seen the Salamander 237 at local stores. They both can support my Pioneer 6070 and equipment and both are over $1000. The StudioTech is made of MDF but the Salamander (which is more expensive by a few hundred dollars) is made of hardwood (if I read the info correctly.). I love the rosewood veneer of the U-22T but like the idea of real wood. I'm interested in what you think of MDF and its ability to support a display and not sag over time.

thanks.

tdogroeder
02-02-07, 08:48 AM
I'm also interested in comments as well regarding MDF. I've looked around and (thanks to this forum) seen online the StudioTech U-22T and I've seen the Salamander 237 at local stores. They both can support my Pioneer 6070 and equipment and both are over $1000. The StudioTech is made of MDF but the Salamander (which is more expensive by a few hundred dollars) is made of hardwood (if I read the info correctly.). I love the rosewood veneer of the U-22T but like the idea of real wood. I'm interested in what you think of MDF and its ability to support a display and not sag over time.

thanks.

Check out this stand from Plateau for $700 from racksandstands.com. It is veneered Cherry wood, and very nice looking or you can get a espresso veneered one also. I wanted to get this for my plasma but didnt have the funds for that at the time.
Check out the plateau site to get a better pic of it, the racksandstands web site does not do it justice on the beauty of it.

http://www.racksandstands.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=PT0086&refid=FR1-PT0086#ProdDetails

http://www.plateaucorp.com/html/enclosedcabinets/sr-v-75.htm

hidefLoans
02-02-07, 04:58 PM
I'm not able to view any pics. Is there a link somewhere to the pics you posted?


I took off the image links because they were taking bandwidth from my server, but I PM'd you the links!

ericwarren
02-03-07, 07:14 PM
Hello all,
In need of a stand for a 32" lcd that we will put in our sitting room (off bedroom)
because it needs to be <55" in width, it's been tough to find nice low stand in a dark finish.
here are 3:
1) crate and barrel "countour"
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1152&f=14534

2) west elm "hudson"
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf468&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNSTO&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNSTO

3) seemingly the best quality, but also the most expensive (and tallest) the BDI Avion 8528
http://bdiusa.com/avfurniture/avion_8528.shtml

does anyone have any of these?
has anyone also looked at these?
would love your insight.
thanks
eric

archie0404
02-03-07, 07:29 PM
Check out this stand from Plateau for $700 from racksandstands. It is veneered Cherry wood, and very nice looking or you can get a espresso veneered one also. I wanted to get this for my plasma but didnt have the funds for that at the time.
Check out the plateau site to get a better pic of it, the racksandstands web site does not do it justice on the beauty of it.



Thanks for the references but I'm confused by Rack & Stands description along with Plateau's. (Note: I had to remove the url references because I don't have enough posts yet.)

Racks & Stands says: Cherry finish on natural wood veneer
and : Cherry finish is constructed of real wood veneer

this 'seems' to imply that it could possibly be MDF with real Cherry wood veneer.

Plateau's web site says: Superior Modern Styling using real Cherry and Oak (offered in an Espresso finish).

However this could be interpreted as using real Cherry and Oak veneer finish.

Do you know if remotes will work through the frosted glass?
I'm also concern about ventilation, though they say it provides ample ventilation, they don't say how. Both Salamander & StudioTech provide use mesh screen doors and side panels which solve the ventilation and remote control signal issues.

My original question was about MDF vs. wood and the ability of MDF to support the display without eventually sagging.

thanks.

dan_m
02-03-07, 09:10 PM
Hey everyone. I'm stuck between a SD triple, or the U-22T from StudioTech. The U-22T looks great, and it seems everyone that has it loves it. However, it would take forever getting here to Georgia, while I could have the SD here by this Thursday. I need to be able to fit a fairly large center channel (LCR 60S3) in one of the opening, which is why I am looking at the double and U-22T.
So, should I go with the Salamander, and get it this week, or have to wait a while longer for the StudioTech?

tdogroeder
02-03-07, 09:30 PM
Thanks for the references but I'm confused by Rack & Stands description along with Plateau's. (Note: I had to remove the url references because I don't have enough posts yet.)

Racks & Stands says: Cherry finish on natural wood veneer
and : Cherry finish is constructed of real wood veneer

this 'seems' to imply that it could possibly be MDF with real Cherry wood veneer.

Plateau's web site says: Superior Modern Styling using real Cherry and Oak (offered in an Espresso finish).

However this could be interpreted as using real Cherry and Oak veneer finish.

Do you know if remotes will work through the frosted glass?
I'm also concern about ventilation, though they say it provides ample ventilation, they don't say how. Both Salamander & StudioTech provide use mesh screen doors and side panels which solve the ventilation and remote control signal issues.

My original question was about MDF vs. wood and the ability of MDF to support the display without eventually sagging.

thanks.

Wood veneered products use a piece of wood over another piece of material to make it strong such as mdf or plywood. If it was a solid piece of wood then you would have to be concerned with warping, shrinking/expanding because of humidity. So a veneered product will be very strong and durable, something I learned from my wood instructor at school. I would not hesitate to buy a product that is veneered vs. solid. I hope this helps you understand veneered products. You can always call the Plateau corp and get more info on their products.
I would assume that remotes will work through frosted glass.
Here is an article about MDF: http://www.merbok.com/mdfoverview/whatis.htm

archie0404
02-04-07, 05:33 AM
Hey everyone. I'm stuck between a SD triple, or the U-22T from StudioTech. The U-22T looks great, and it seems everyone that has it loves it. However, it would take forever getting here to Georgia, while I could have the SD here by this Thursday. I need to be able to fit a fairly large center channel (LCR 60S3) in one of the opening, which is why I am looking at the double and U-22T.
So, should I go with the Salamander, and get it this week, or have to wait a while longer for the StudioTech?

Dan, as you can see by the few posts that I've made, I'm looking at the same two units.

If price isn't a factor, then go with the one you like the best and if its StudioTech then wait for it. You're going to have this for some time so you want to get the one you like the best. Since I'm not in an urgent rush, waiting isn't a factor in my decision. (If you're married, make sure your better half likes the choice.)

Price is somewhat of a factor for me, since I wasn't expecting to spend this much money on the stand. I originally saw a glass stand at BestBuy for around $350 that I liked (before I bought my plasma) but after reading some reviews on concern about glass, I looked at wood stands and ended up were we are now trying to choose between these two. I spoke with a local retailer about how much of a discount they could give me on the comparable Salamander unit and got them to drop the price a little and offer free shipping but its still $300 more and 300 hundred bucks is 300 hundred bucks... (maybe towards an HD-DVD in the future.)

My choice leans to the StudioTech because a) I love the rosewood veneer 2) its less expensive. The only thing with StudioTech I was concern about was the use of MDF in construction but I have only gotten one person responding back on my query about MDF. I guess it really isn't much a concern here on this forum.

Currently you can get a 10% discount on the U-22T unit via Digital Trends website. I was at digital trends looking at reviews for other electronics when under the advertisment section I spotted an ad flash that said 10% of StudioTech U-22T so I clicked on it and it sent me to StudioTech's website and placed a cookie (I'm guessing here) so the StudioTech website is applying the discount to my cart, valid through 2/13. I don't see the ad any more on the DigitalTrends web site but my guess is if you go to their website and go to their review on the U-22T you can get the discount. On the review page for the U-22T click on the 'Buy Now' tab which I believe will direct you to StudioTech's website and hopefully get you the discount. Unfortunately I can't post URLs yet on my replies. You can also try to google the words "digital trend" "studiotech" and "discount".

Also note: In sending email queries to both StudioTech and Salamander, I must say StudioTech is much more responsive to my questions. Though I'm sure Salamander makes great products, I'm still awaiting on their reply to questions a while ago (versus StudioTech getting back to me very quickly usually within 24 hours.)

I'm going to make a decision soon (obviously before 2/13 when my discount at StudioTech goes away.)

Good luck and let me know what you decided.

dan_m
02-04-07, 06:50 AM
archie -

You just made my decision quite a bit harder. I really do like the U-22T (also in rosewood), and with $110 off the price (which you can indeed get to by a link in "News" section of Digital Trends page), it is a deal hard to pass up.
I have been watching your posts with earnest, and also considered the veneer vs. solid hardwood question. However, I know that good veneers are, well, good veneers and can last quite a while. My speakers are finished in veneers, and look like they just came out of the box, even after two moves across the Pacific. So, I am not overly concerned. However, when I can, I try to buy solid wood vice veneered finishes (my finance thought I was nuts spending what we did on bedroom/living room furniture...until she saw it in the house :cool: ). In any event, I think I will be going with the U-22, but will definitely let you know what I decide.

EArkHog
02-04-07, 12:32 PM
[QUOTE=archie0404]Thanks for the references but I'm confused by Rack & Stands description along with Plateau's.

Racks & Stands says: Cherry finish on natural wood veneer
and : Cherry finish is constructed of real wood veneer

this 'seems' to imply that it could possibly be MDF with real Cherry wood veneer.

Plateau's web site says: Superior Modern Styling using real Cherry and Oak (offered in an Espresso finish).

However this could be interpreted as using real Cherry and Oak veneer finish.

My original question was about MDF vs. wood and the ability of MDF to support the display without eventually sagging.



Chances are the "natural wood" isn't cherry, or the mfr would have said so. It's more like this - "Cherry-colored finish on natural wood (species?) veneer".

MDF is considerably stronger than particle board. Avoid particle board. Real lumber (solid cherry, or whatever) has romantic appeal, but it tends to be less dimensionally stable - it shrinks and swells with the weather, and ordinary aging/drying can cause the boards to warp. Ask manuf. for some info concerning bending/strength rating. I'd feel comfortable with MDF, if mfr gave me some load-capacity data on the furniture.

cajieboy
02-04-07, 02:49 PM
Unless the piece is custom built, I doubt you're going to be able to find a solid wood entertainment credenza. All the ones I've seen are MDF w/veneers.

dan_m
02-04-07, 03:10 PM
MDF is considerably stronger than particle board. Avoid particle board. Real lumber (solid cherry, or whatever) has romantic appeal, but it tends to be less dimensionally stable - it shrinks and swells with the weather, and ordinary aging/drying can cause the boards to warp. Ask manuf. for some info concerning bending/strength rating. I'd feel comfortable with MDF, if mfr gave me some load-capacity data on the furniture.

I agree for the most part with this, however, having had a great deal of experience with making wood furniture, the only time I have seen dramatic warping of wooden furniture has been in large pieces (tables mostly) that are made of very soft woods like pine. With a solid wood TV stand or entertainment center, you would most likely not realize any of the warping, swelling, shrinking, etc. associated with larger pieces, especially if hardwoods (cherry, oak, mahogany, etc.) are used.
The reason why I am looking at something that is MDF (the U-22T) is because it is less expensive and fits exactly what I wanted. All things being equal, I would much rather have solid wood than veneered MDF.

JThiessen
02-05-07, 11:34 AM
Unless the piece is custom built, I doubt you're going to be able to find a solid wood entertainment credenza. All the ones I've seen are MDF w/veneers.

I didnt get a Credenza, but we did get a solid Cherry wall unit from Scan Design. Very beautiful, with plenty of space. Very high WAF on this unit. It looks very similar to the Royal 86" Entertainment unit sold by Dania (but Dania's is particle board) . When I get the chance I'll take some pics. I do think there would be very few 50" sets that would fit in this, so mostly you'd be limited to a 42-46 in it.

pinktri
02-06-07, 08:48 AM
just purchased this unit from Crate and Barrel. Very well constructed (no nails or screws) and love the looks. Solid walnut too.

Harmony Media Console (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1151&f=12493&viewall=1)

sadalja
02-06-07, 08:22 PM
Awesome site guys. I have been following this thread for the last few days. I have a 66" inch wall on which i have mounted my 40" Sony XBR and Polk Surroundbar. I have been looking for a stand with doors to hold all my electronics in (and keep my toddler out).

I was initially looking for a stand ~40-45" inches wide, so that i can keep my subwoofer on one side - didn't want to overwhelm the whole wall. Now i am thinking of getting a 60" stand and using the centre shelf to house my subwoofer. Any comments on this would be really welcome - is the vibration going to be too much? Any other things that i should be concerned about putting the subwoofer in the centre shelf?

Thanks,
Sunil

trublu
02-06-07, 10:42 PM
Has anyone seen the stand in this picture before? I'd like to know who makes/sells it. I really like how it has a space for the subwoofer.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4413/ssplasmaintrore0.jpg

itigap
02-07-07, 08:53 AM
Has anyone seen the stand in this picture before? I'd like to know who makes/sells it. I really like how it has a space for the subwoofer.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4413/ssplasmaintrore0.jpg
As an audiophile, I would not recommend placing a subwoofer in a "space" like that. It does not allow the bass waves to develop being closed off like that. Another ingnorant interior decorator. :eek:

Cheers, :)

Gary

trublu
02-07-07, 08:56 AM
As an audiophile, I would not recommend placing a subwoofer in a "space" like that. It does not allow the bass waves to develop being closed off like that. Another ingnorant interior decorator. :eek:

Cheers, :)

Garylooks like it would be fine to me if the stand is not right against the wall.

tdogroeder
02-07-07, 09:04 AM
Has anyone seen the stand in this picture before? I'd like to know who makes/sells it. I really like how it has a space for the subwoofer.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4413/ssplasmaintrore0.jpg

What kind of speakers are those?

dan_m
02-07-07, 08:14 PM
What kind of speakers are those?

KEF maybe?

archie0404
02-08-07, 07:48 AM
Awesome site guys. I have been following this thread for the last few days. I have a 66" inch wall on which i have mounted my 40" Sony XBR and Polk Surroundbar. I have been looking for a stand with doors to hold all my electronics in (and keep my toddler out).

I was initially looking for a stand ~40-45" inches wide, so that i can keep my subwoofer on one side - didn't want to overwhelm the whole wall. Now i am thinking of getting a 60" stand and using the centre shelf to house my subwoofer. Any comments on this would be really welcome - is the vibration going to be too much? Any other things that i should be concerned about putting the subwoofer in the centre shelf?

Thanks,
Sunil

Sunil,
I'm not the expert but I wouldn't want my sub in with my equipment because of the vibration. Even the cabinets I'm looking at (like the Studio Tech U-22T) mention they use rubber tipped isolation pins for the shelves. so they want to isolate any vibration. I seem to recall when I was shopping for a sub (a number of years ago) that there are models that are floor-firing (also referred to as down-firing) subs. In other words the speaker is on the bottom of the sub and facing the floor. That might help to keep your toddler from damaging a sub. Also since the sub is fairly non-directional, you might consider putting it somewhere in the room where he can't get to it. I noticed you have a polk audio surroundbar. Polk has some suggestions regarding subwoofer placement:
http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=20

good luck.
archie

theyar
02-08-07, 10:02 PM
Speakers, above, look closest to the Infinity Cascades... although what is above may be a rendered imaginary speaker only... (infinitysystems.com).

tdogroeder
02-09-07, 12:25 PM
Speakers, above, look closest to the Infinity Cascades... although what is above may be a rendered imaginary speaker only... (infinitysystems.com).

Does not look like Ifinity Cascades from what I see on Infinities website. The tower speakers have a differnt base to them and the shape of the LCR speakers are differnt also. Cascades have some rounding on the ends and those in the picture are square. It's not a big deal that I know, was more curiosity than anything.

fixxer
02-09-07, 08:54 PM
Guys,
I'm looking for a corner stand for my new 50" Panny (60U). Hopefully silver to match the TV. I need shelves for my direcTv receiver, my audio receiver, dvd player, center speaker and why not, my wii ;-)

Any suggestions? I can't find anything and this thread is way too big to check every post!

Thanks.

ericwarren
02-09-07, 10:31 PM
how about this one???

http://www.bdiusa.com/avfurniture/avion_corner.shtml

Guys,
I'm looking for a corner stand for my new 50" Panny (60U). Hopefully silver to match the TV. I need shelves for my direcTv receiver, my audio receiver, dvd player, center speaker and why not, my wii ;-)

Any suggestions? I can't find anything and this thread is way too big to check every post!

Thanks.

badasscat
02-11-07, 06:14 PM
I absolutely love the Markor. It looks great and houses a lot of stuff neatly.

I just bought the Markor myself (there are two Markor TV stands - I think I got the same one you have, with the nine total shelves). I literally just finished building it and haven't even bought my new 42" LCD yet, but I already couldn't be happier with it. I can't even believe it's a piece of IKEA furniture; it's real furniture. It looks like something you'd buy at Pottery Barn. Real wood, pre-stained - not something IKEA normally does. Even the hardware (hinges, doorknobs) looks high end. It matches my living room decor perfectly. (Not that my decor is all high end, but it is all natural materials and somewhat traditional.)

For $229, it's pretty amazing. The IKEA web site actually shows this unit being out of stock at my local store, so I was searching far and wide for something comparable - real wood, that cheap, with that many shelves. There's nothing even really close. You're gonna spend $1,000 for something exactly like this anywhere else. Or you've gotta give up some storage, or the real wood, or both. I'm glad I decided to hit my store today just to make sure - they had a whole pallet full of 'em.

I'm gonna post some pics once I get my TV and set everything up - hopefully later in the week.

NatasNJ
02-11-07, 09:30 PM
badasscat: What is height/Width of center shelf section? Thanks.

badasscat
02-11-07, 10:01 PM
badasscat: What is height/Width of center shelf section? Thanks.

18.5" wide, about 22.5" of usable height. It's obviously made for standard-sized components, so my receiver, DVD player and cable box will be going in there (possibly also my center speaker). The side shelves are more general-purpose or for displaying random stuff, as they're 14.75" wide. I'm planning to use them for my various game consoles.

The shelves are also totally optional and can be positioned at different heights, if you have something like a PS3 or Xbox 360 that you want to be vertical, or if you just have a bunch of stuff you want to stack in there without the shelves themselves taking up space.

neuron
02-12-07, 10:52 AM
I am lurking around for a while now. Thanks for all the knowledge shared in this forum, I'm able to make some educated decision to go for HDTV.

I'm currently shopping for a 60-65" plat panel (Plasma or LCD) as well as the stand/entertainment center. I have a good old 5.1 system and 42" Westy 1080p, and happy about what I have so far. And planning a new home for the 60+ upgrade.
I came cross this one:

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=6214{2}14{12}45{13}52{9}33{8}31 {3}16

There are a lot of other choice in this site, but I haven't see anyone mention this vendor. Just wondering if anyone here know reputable is this vendor, and/or how good their merchandise is? The price looks good though.

I'll really appreciate any comment.
Thanks

justinb181
02-12-07, 12:35 PM
Starting out on my quest to find a nice piece of furniture to put my new LCD/Plasma on at least 50". I think i like the ones with the plasma floaters above the credenza, but it seems there are not a lot to choose from. I've seen the BDI, the one at walmart and sams club, are there any sites that have a good seletion of these? Is it possible to mount a plasma floater to the back of a console/credenza of my choice?

noiseman2
02-12-07, 04:37 PM
For those interested in contemporary flat panel stands beyond the standard, check out
http://www.mobelform.com/

stills
02-12-07, 07:50 PM
Neuron,

I've been lurking a while too. Anyway, do you think the furniture from your link will allow a 50" plasma to be mounted or is this intended mainly for TVs on a stand? Thanks for the link.

neuron
02-12-07, 08:32 PM
Neuron,

I've been lurking a while too. Anyway, do you think the furniture from your link will allow a 50" plasma to be mounted or is this intended mainly for TVs on a stand? Thanks for the link.

According the dimension posted on that site, it is
* Width: 62"
* Depth: 15"
* Height: 37.5"
IMO, it should be sufficient for most of the 50" (Panny's TH-50PX600U is 49.9"W x 34.3"H x 15.8"D w/ pedestal ). But I am not sure about the 60" because the relatively shorter Height (37.5").

And this particular one has back panel which I prefer over just bare stand.

richardyc
02-12-07, 10:50 PM
no love for the Jesper? http://www.jesperoffice.com/Photos.php

I just got the large stand, its only $299, the glass doors are extra $159, pretty cheap, I think the whole 4pc entertainment unit with all the doors is ~$2k. I hope they are better than IKEA?

badasscat
02-13-07, 12:38 AM
no love for the Jesper? http://www.jesperoffice.com/Photos.php

I just got the large stand, its only $299, the glass doors are extra $159, pretty cheap, I think the whole 4pc entertainment unit with all the doors is ~$2k. I hope they are better than IKEA?

I am sure it will be great, and I like the look of it a lot.

The reason I went with the IKEA Markor is that it has three levels of shelves. The Jespers, like most others, have two. That's just not gonna cut it for the stuff I've gotta put in there. Of course, that doesn't matter if you can fit a whole entertainment center, but I can't - I need to fit my TV in between two doorways that are 54" apart (exactly the width of the Markor).

We all have our own perfect piece of furniture for our needs. The large units on the bottom of the page you linked I think look great, style-wise; just wish I had the space for one!

neuron
02-13-07, 11:39 AM
no love for the Jesper? http://www.jesperoffice.com/Photos.php

I just got the large stand, its only $299, the glass doors are extra $159, pretty cheap, I think the whole 4pc entertainment unit with all the doors is ~$2k. I hope they are better than IKEA?

That one for plasma w/ the back panel look really nice. Any online store selling those? Or local store in Southern CA?
Do you have choice to switch to different book shelf, or different doors?

I google it a bit and find the following site, but don't know how good they are. (And I don't think they have SoCal store either).

http://www.danishinspirations.com/contemporary_furniture_049.htm

Thanks

richardyc
02-13-07, 01:37 PM
That one for plasma w/ the back panel look really nice. Any online store selling those? Or local store in Southern CA?
Do you have choice to switch to different book shelf, or different doors?

I google it a bit and find the following site, but don't know how good they are. (And I don't think they have SoCal store either).

http://www.danishinspirations.com/contemporary_furniture_049.htm

Thanks


you can goto:

http://www.jesperoffice.com/storelocator.php

thats where I got my stand, danish inspirations has a store in MA, the rest are in TX.

neuron
02-13-07, 04:12 PM
you can goto:

http://www.jesperoffice.com/storelocator.php

thats where I got my stand, danish inspirations has a store in MA, the rest are in TX.

Thanks, I used that and found "plummers furniture" nearby. So I swing by during lunch hour and saw it in person. Apparently, it is much shorter than I expected. It is only 58" height, and the tv stand is only 15" H, but it is the only one from Jesper that can accommodates 60". Bummer. It would be perfect if they make this stand a bit higher, say 20-25" and all will be good. I really like the style and quality though.

himey
02-14-07, 01:26 AM
I happened to be flipping through the channels yesterday morning and GMA (in HD) had a couple of LCD/Plasma stands and a few different mounts. Did anyone see this by chance. On one, he was bragging about it being all solid maple and "only" $900. The other was sweet because it flipped around. One side held books and it turned around to hold the LCD. Neat but very expensive (custom). Sorry I don't recall any of the brands.

It may have been the Today show...

archie0404
02-14-07, 04:03 AM
I am lurking around for a while now. Thanks for all the knowledge shared in this forum, I'm able to make some educated decision to go for HDTV.

I'm currently shopping for a 60-65" plat panel (Plasma or LCD) as well as the stand/entertainment center. I have a good old 5.1 system and 42" Westy 1080p, and happy about what I have so far. And planning a new home for the 60+ upgrade.
I came cross this one:

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=6214{2}14{12}45{13}52{9}33{8}31 {3}16

There are a lot of other choice in this site, but I haven't see anyone mention this vendor. Just wondering if anyone here know reputable is this vendor, and/or how good their merchandise is? The price looks good though.

I'll really appreciate any comment.
Thanks

If you are looking at a 60" flat panel, you should check out the depth of the stand for the models of plasma or LCD's that you are interested in. My 60" Pioneer has a stand that is 18.5" deep. The Panny 58" TH-58PX600U's stand has a depth of 16.6".
The Eagle unit that you refer to looks really nice especially for the price but its not very deep only 15" which is a little short.

Regarding the store,
Whenever I find a web site that I'm not familiar with (and haven't heard others talk about their experience with the site) i at least go to the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, to check out if there were any complaints and if they were resolved, how long the company has been in business.
Also check:
http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/guide.html
also you can go to:
http://www.resellerratings.com
and click on the tab marked "Store Ratings" to check on ratings of various stores.
then find the field marked "Enter store name" and click search.

At these two site you can see how other customers's thoughts about specific stores. Of course you need to read the details (no merely look at the overall ratings) because some customers rate the store poorly due to problems with the product which is not the store's fault.

neuron
02-14-07, 07:30 PM
Hi archie0404,

Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I did some check out from BBB and it shows total of 12 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, and 12 complaints closed in 36 months, 2 were closed in the last year. Is that good or bad? According to BBB, it started the business since 1981, but incorporated in 2003. There are only 6 employees.

The rating in www.resellerratings.com is 6.0 vs 8.1 for rack&stand. And all of them are about products other than AV furniture.

Even I cannot tell how good this shop is, I got a feeling that they are not a solid one. Anyone who had past experience ordering AV furniture from this guy care to comment?

Their merchandise sure look nice (and price too), just don't feel safe to order from them at this moment.

Oh, btw, the depth. Looks like back panel mounting will be the only option for this Eagle model.

Again, thanks for your advice.

HD MM
02-15-07, 03:25 PM
Finally got around to taking a few pictures of my setup with the Crate & Barrel Kingston Corner Media Stand......

Setup.....
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/mmcgrogan/Picture009.jpg

Equipment.....
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/mmcgrogan/Picture004.jpg

Kingston Corner Media Stand.....
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/mmcgrogan/Picture002.jpg

Front Profile.....
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/mmcgrogan/Picture010.jpg

45 Degree Profile.....
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/mmcgrogan/Picture006.jpg

wolfonthehill
02-16-07, 08:18 AM
Ordered my Ethan Allen HT600 video base & video panel Sunday after seeing it in person at the local store. Supposed to be here in 6 weeks, and my experience with Ethan Allen is that they deliver my stuff early (already ordered a bed recently, and it delivered in 2 weeks instead of the quoted 4).

I'd recommend that anyone interested actually see these units in person before ordering them. Some are very nice (I obviously like mine a lot), and some simply don't look as good, and they cost the same.

Xenon2006
02-16-07, 01:34 PM
Some nice setups you guys have. I have a question. I recently got a Yamaha YSP-1100 and I am looking for a console for below my plasma that will accommodate it. The plasma is wall mounted. I could wall mount the Yamaha but I prefer to place it in a console. I am trying to find a console with a top shelf wide enough for the YSP-1100. I found this picture online but this unit is too long for my space and I don't know where this unit came from. Has anyone come across anything like this though?

Thanks

Jeff_DML
02-17-07, 01:02 PM
Here is my setup, went kind of budget and reused the two towers from my previous entertainment center and moved the main part into our bedroom. With the two towers there was not a lot of room in the middle. All of the pieces that would fit didnt have a spot for my center channel speaker. I eventually found this piece at ikea and bought it. Sadly the shelf was too narrow for the speaker so I had to modify it and drop it down, worked out great. Think the piece cost ~$80 plus I bought legs instead of the included wheels for another ~10. I am getting a replacement tv on monday so I havent cleaned up the wires yet. TV size is 46" Edit: wife added the baskets:)

http://i15.tinypic.com/3y28bv9.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/4gt9ll2.jpg

seymouru
02-17-07, 05:21 PM
Looking for a pole stand with casters to mount the Pioneer HD5016 (free with the Pioneer FHD1) in my bedroom.

I've found one by Premier (http://www.moretvstands.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=PM1018&PiID=4564&PiID=4566&refid=DT83%2DPM1018%5F4564%5F4566#ProdDetails) and one by Draper (http://www.mountsandmore.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=DR1048&refid=XT2%2DDR1048) (for a lot more $$).

Any advice from pole stand owners?

TIA

dan_m
02-18-07, 12:06 PM
Here is my setup, went kind of budget and reused the two towers from my previous entertainment center and moved the main part into our bedroom. With the two towers there was not a lot of room in the middle. All of the pieces that would fit didnt have a spot for my center channel speaker. I eventually found this piece at ikea and bought it. Sadly the shelf was too narrow for the speaker so I had to modify it and drop it down, worked out great. Think the piece cost ~$80 plus I bought legs instead of the included wheels for another ~10. I am getting a replacement tv on monday so I havent cleaned up the wires yet. TV size is 46" Edit: wife added the baskets:)


Haha...I was going to say "Nice baskets". But hey, if the wife is happy....

botkiller
02-18-07, 04:52 PM
Here is my setup, went kind of budget and reused the two towers from my previous entertainment center and moved the main part into our bedroom. With the two towers there was not a lot of room in the middle. All of the pieces that would fit didnt have a spot for my center channel speaker. I eventually found this piece at ikea and bought it. Sadly the shelf was too narrow for the speaker so I had to modify it and drop it down, worked out great. Think the piece cost ~$80 plus I bought legs instead of the included wheels for another ~10. I am getting a replacement tv on monday so I havent cleaned up the wires yet. TV size is 46" Edit: wife added the baskets:)



I am looking at that same stand, but I am wondering whether my center speaker would fit on the top shelf. Do you know how much available height was there before you dropped it down?

Also, does the stand seem sturdy enough to hold everything?

crepitus
02-19-07, 10:23 AM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.

Jason Priestley
02-19-07, 11:44 AM
crepitus

I have the same issue. The sound will be off if you put it behind the plasma (tried). You have 2 options:

1) Mount the plasma to the wall. (i could not do this as i rent)
2) Find a stand that has plasma mounting

So far the only ones that i have found are from salamander designs and BDI. I picked BDI and will get one in a few weeks. I think some on these boards have the BDI if you search through the thread.

Jeff_DML
02-19-07, 12:32 PM
I am looking at that same stand, but I am wondering whether my center speaker would fit on the top shelf. Do you know how much available height was there before you dropped it down?

Also, does the stand seem sturdy enough to hold everything?

sorry dont remeber the exact height, my speaker is 8" high which didnt fit. I think I it was off by about a 1".

It seems sturdy enough, I did notice a very slight bit of bowing when I looked at it a few days ago, but not enough to worry about.

Movie Fan
02-19-07, 12:50 PM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.

How about mounting your center speaker above the plasma. This could be either a small shelf or articulating speaker bracket on the wall or fab a bracket to attach it to the top of the PDP.

tdnone
02-19-07, 01:11 PM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.

There are floor stands for plasma offered by Sanus and Omnimount. They have adjustable shelves below for the spearkers and components.

crepitus
02-19-07, 01:42 PM
How about mounting your center speaker above the plasma. This could be either a small shelf or articulating speaker bracket on the wall or fab a bracket to attach it to the top of the PDP.
do you know of any brackets to mount centers above the plasma?

Movie Fan
02-19-07, 02:41 PM
do you know of any brackets to mount centers above the plasma?

I havn't looked as I have not needed to do this but I do have my front left and right speakers mounted to the wall with satellite speaker brackets. They screw into a special inset nut on the speakers and allow the speaker to be swivelled in all directions. This sort of thing can be found at most electronic retailers. I would expect that you could use two standard brackets on the center channel to accomplish what you need. This would allow you to tilt the speaker (which a shelf would not). Good luck on your search.

PS. Try google: center speaker mount

the first hit I got was http://www.htmarket.com/home-theater-furniture-speaker-mounts.html. It looks like this would work http://www.htmarket.com/multimount.html and here is what I used for my satellites http://www.htmarket.com/spb03.html (I got 4 mounts for less than that at Walmart about 2 years ago)

And here is another site I have heard good things about http://www.racksandstands.com/Speaker-Mounts-C5498.html

Be sure to pay attention to the weight limits if/when you buy.

XboxEboy
02-20-07, 01:56 PM
Starting out on my quest to find a nice piece of furniture to put my new LCD/Plasma on at least 50". I think i like the ones with the plasma floaters above the credenza, but it seems there are not a lot to choose from. I've seen the BDI, the one at walmart and sams club, are there any sites that have a good seletion of these? Is it possible to mount a plasma floater to the back of a console/credenza of my choice?


Like this from Best Buy?
http://groups.msn.com/MySetup/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1

svsneo
02-20-07, 03:36 PM
Oops, sorry, missed he said he has seen the Walmart one. How bout this one from BB.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7632252&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03116&id=1130986703986

bobbyk1133
02-20-07, 06:10 PM
Anyone have a 50 inch plasma on a stand mount? If so, what is the weight capacity and how secure is it?

I have a 3 shelf glass stand with a 135lb weight capacity (lower than most i've seen). Since 50 inch plasma's weigh 100lbs, I'm a little concerned about the security of it. Don't know if I should have it on the stand itself or put it on the mount it came with. I have read horror stories of glasstop stands......but they look much better than wood IMO.

http://www.whalenfurniture.com/products/avc552-8vs.html

Tigershark
02-20-07, 07:58 PM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.


I have a TH-50PX6U with a center speaker that is 6.8"H x 17.1"W x 7.9"D. It nicely fits between the legs on the Plasma stand without blocking the screen.


http://www.dakine.net/ht/ht-P01-small.jpg

theyar
02-20-07, 08:49 PM
I use a Planet3 stand in gloss black from Fry's. $349. Works well.

Holydoc
02-21-07, 01:03 AM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.

It can also depend on how much you wish to spend. My stand handles my center which is larger than yours, 7-11/16" H x 24" W x 14-1/2" D. Of course it has a lot of extras as well including cooling fans. But you will pay for it. The stand is from Diamondcase.

Closed view:
http://members.cox.net/holydoc/stereo/Plasma/Front%20View%20Closed%20Plasma.jpg

With doors open:
http://members.cox.net/holydoc/stereo/Front%20View%20Open%20Plasma.jpg

bswiz
02-21-07, 02:07 PM
With doors open:
http://members.cox.net/holydoc/stereo/Front%20View%20Open%20Plasma.jpg

Nice setup. One thing I often worry about is heat from my 5 channel amp. You appear to have one (Outlaw?) on the right side. Do you use it with the doors closed and do you have any concerns about temperature?

Also, it appears your center speaker is tilted up slightly. How did you manage that - are there just shims of some sort under the front that are not visible?

Lastly, is that a 42 or 50PX600U? I've had my eye on the 42. Would love to wall-mount, but have some concerns about how close it would hug the wall with the "bulge" on the back bottom.

tdogroeder
02-21-07, 06:23 PM
Lastly, is that a 42 or 50PX600U? I've had my eye on the 42. Would love to wall-mount, but have some concerns about how close it would hug the wall with the "bulge" on the back bottom.

That looks like a 42 to me.

Holydoc
02-21-07, 06:48 PM
Nice setup. One thing I often worry about is heat from my 5 channel amp. You appear to have one (Outlaw?) on the right side. Do you use it with the doors closed and do you have any concerns about temperature?

Also, it appears your center speaker is tilted up slightly. How did you manage that - are there just shims of some sort under the front that are not visible?

Lastly, is that a 42 or 50PX600U? I've had my eye on the 42. Would love to wall-mount, but have some concerns about how close it would hug the wall with the "bulge" on the back bottom.

The AMP is an Outlaw 770 200wattx7Channel. It has 4 inches of clearance from the top of the shelf and the furniture has three exhaust fans, one in each section that you see. The AMP stays cool even when played for long periods of time at near or above reference levels.

Center speaker is a CSi5 by Polk. It can sit flat, supported by a kick-stand, tilted down with the kick-stand, or turned over on its beveled side to point upwards. What you are seeing is it sitting on its beveled side so that the speakers can point towards the listening stage. BTW... center door is covered with a grill cloth panel. Other doors are glass.

TV is a Panasonic 50PX600U made in June 2006, assembled in Mexico, and shipped to me June 10, 2006. Absolutely love it.

Holydoc
02-21-07, 06:53 PM
That looks like a 42 to me.

Beeeeeep! Thanks for playing. Nope, it is a 50".

I think the TV looks smaller due to the size of the furniture it is sitting on. If you want to know more about the stand, here is the website.

http://www.diamondcase.com/TT/TT_HTML_Files/TT400.HTML

BTW, it seems to be one of the first things people notice when they come over for football or movies. I am always getting compliments on it. Which is good since I had to sell a kidney to get it. :eek:

tdogroeder
02-21-07, 07:59 PM
Beeeeeep! Thanks for playing. Nope, it is a 50".

I think the TV looks smaller due to the size of the furniture it is sitting on. If you want to know more about the stand, here is the website.

http://www.diamondcase.com/TT/TT_HTML_Files/TT400.HTML

BTW, it seems to be one of the first things people notice when they come over for football or movies. I am always getting compliments on it. Which is good since I had to sell a kidney to get it. :eek:

Very nice stand, what did you pay for it?

Holydoc
02-21-07, 08:21 PM
Very nice stand, what did you pay for it?

Because the seller of this stand customizes it according to your needs (i.e., door coverings, shelves, drawers, stain color, LEDs, lighting, remotes, IR or RF extenders, fans, porous steel shelves, etc.) you really need to contact the link I left:

http://www.diamondcase.com/TT/TT_HTML_Files/TT400.HTML

They replied to me almost immediately with all my questions and you can tell them exactly how you want it. They will give you a quote.

burdell1
02-21-07, 11:17 PM
Has anyone seen any clear mounts for the center channel speaker to go on top of flat panels? Something that would make the center channel look kinda like it is floating above the flat panl.....

HD MM
02-22-07, 09:33 AM
Has anyone seen any clear mounts for the center channel speaker to go on top of flat panels? Something that would make the center channel look kinda like it is floating above the flat panl.....

I made a box myself that lifts my Plasma above my speaker which sits solidly on top of my stand. It makes the panel look like it's floating above the speaker. The stand is kind of an upside down L shape. All of the weight is towards the bottom, however the top of the box comes out over the speaker to allow me to align the panel directly above the speaker to eliminate the difference in depth, allowing the speaker to be flush with the screen. The top part of the lift is the same size as the footprint to my Plasma, so you can't tell it is there.

Previously the panel sat behind the speaker, eliminating the bottom 4" of the bezel and the black frame around the screen. The depth between the speaker and the panel also bothered me. Not to mention it didn't look right tucked behind the speaker. There is not too many options in placing a speaker that is nearly 3-1/2' long. I love the way it turned out and have received many compliments.

See my previous pictures (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9785788&&#post9785788)

archie0404
02-23-07, 04:33 AM
just picked up a th-50px60u. the problem i am having is where to put my center speaker. it wont fit in most tv stand shelves. any recomendations? its 22 3/4 x 7 what do you guys do with your center speaker? i see some put them behind the plasma. is this ok? i want a stand with storage and shelves to put components and speakers.

Depending upon how much you want to pay, you can take a look at Salamander Designs. Their Synergy System products are modular. You can customize a unit or select one of their popular models like the 237 which has a total of 6 shelves (2 rows, left/center/right) and a riser. The riser allows you to place a speaker that could be as wide as the entire unit. Your Plasma would sit above the riser. Their web site is: www.salamanderdesigns.com. You can also check out their products at local stores like Magnolia.

Another "option" with these units is to use the TV mount with the unit (instead of a riser). For example you could go with model 237 and a flat panel mount. this mount allows you to mount the plasma above the unit. The flat panel mount is fixed to the unit itself rather than your wall. You could then place the wide center speaker on top of the unit.

Since my speaker isn't as wide, I simply use the center shelf. I went with StudioTech's U-22T.

diaclonex
02-24-07, 04:14 AM
Wow. Just finished looking at all 56 pages here. Many good suggestions. Thanks all. I have it narrowed down to 4 or so for my new Samsung s5053.

diaclonex
02-24-07, 05:29 AM
Ah, Just about decided. Going with the High Fedelity HF-33 from Studio Tech.
$500 not tax and free shipping!
And it fits all my requirements for height and depth.

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/2968/thumbnailsq8.th.jpg (http://img365.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thumbnailsq8.jpg)

burdell1
02-24-07, 07:16 PM
The TV stand I want to get says that it will hold TVs that are (max.) 42 inches or (max) 240 lbs. Does that mean that a TV that is 52" inches but well under the 240 lbs weight limit (it is around 100 lbs.) would work?

diaclonex
02-25-07, 05:59 AM
The TV stand I want to get says that it will hold TVs that are (max.) 42 inches or (max) 240 lbs. Does that mean that a TV that is 52" inches but well under the 240 lbs weight limit (it is around 100 lbs.) would work?

I believe so. The clause that states that it "will hold tv's that are (max.) 42 inches" most likely refers to the width of the stand itself, depending on how you measure it. Check the specs on the 52" tv you are looking to find a home for, and then look for the actual width measurement of whichever stand you are looking at.

Do not forget to make sure that the depth of the actual attatched plasma stand does not exceed the depth measurement of the cabinet/stand you are shopping.

burdell1
02-25-07, 10:11 AM
The stand for the 52" is well under the 42" requirements, but i wasn't sure if they meant that or screen size.....also, what is the ideal height to have the TV when watching it? i have heard different things from different people....

diaclonex
02-25-07, 01:15 PM
also, what is the ideal height to have the TV when watching it? i have heard different things from different people....

Whatever is best for you. Alot say that the middle of the screen should be eye leve, but wherever you want it. Its your tv!

jcculli
02-26-07, 08:49 PM
I just placed an order for this media stand:

http://www.performancefurniture.com/cc/style_tv_bxtt.html

It was one of the few stands that had the best of both worlds for me - fantastic looks and ideal dimensions for my components. It's deep enough to house my Harman Kardon receiver, and has a large enough opening for my center channel.

Jason

starrin
02-27-07, 09:58 AM
Have a problem squeezing an intended 42" LCD into the corner where (the wife says) it must live. Must house 4 components + the center speaker above that, all under the LCD. (Hanging the LCD on the wall won't work; Hanging it on an extension of the back might work. Currently intend it sit on the top shelf above the center speaker)
Anyhow, I have based it on the unit being 22" deep. Intend top use 3/4" plywood) I established the basic size for a component hole to be 8" high and 18" wide. Is this a reasonable slot to accomodate most components?
There seems to be no standard, and many manufacturers seem to ignore this aspect altogether when building furniture.
Stand would then be 2 holes wide and 3 holes high, with the top slot set up so that it center the hole in the middle to accomodate the speaker. The LCD would go above it on the top shelf. Would use the space on either side to store CD/DVD.
I can have a cabinet maker build it for about $450, I would finish it (ebony stain)

OR - IS someone aware of a better manufactured design available?

TIA
Roy

Capecodhack
02-27-07, 06:12 PM
My wife finally agreed to let us get a new HDTV (seems like a common thread on this site) with the condition, that we not get some of that awful furniture that everyone displays on. We're not able to hang our 46" LCD so I came up with a design for a corner cabinet with raised panel doors, shelves for my equipment, and some built in bookshelves behind it. It took me longer to complete it than planned due to some medical issues we were dealing with but it's finally finished and I have to admit that it came out pretty good and blends in with the rest of the woodwork in our familyroom.

mmbond
02-27-07, 07:53 PM
My wife finally agreed to let us get a new HDTV (seems like a common thread on this site) with the condition, that we not get some of that awful furniture that everyone displays on. We're not able to hang our 46" LCD so I came up with a design for a corner cabinet with raised panel doors, shelves for my equipment, and some built in bookshelves behind it. It took me longer to complete it than planned due to some medical issues we were dealing with but it's finally finished and I have to admit that it came out pretty good and blends in with the rest of the woodwork in our familyroom.

pics please...

jimmy26
02-28-07, 10:01 PM
If anyone has the Tech Craft SWP60 could you please measure the space for the center channel. I can't find the dimensions anywhere.

gigaguy
03-01-07, 04:26 PM
anyone know where you can get black metal mesh screens kind of like the Studio Tech or Salamander consoles have on their doors?

LL3HD
03-01-07, 04:39 PM
anyone know where you can get black metal mesh screens kind of like the Studio Tech or Salamander consoles have on their doors?There are similar types of mesh grills sold at home centers (Home Depot, Lowes). They carry a variety of styles and are used for home heating radiator covers and I guess for other purposes too. They have them in unfinished silver and bronze finish. They can be painted and cut to size. There probably are places that sell the actual fancier “real” grills but this is the cheap route. :cool:

tt18cabrio
03-02-07, 07:51 AM
In the same mode of going with a less expensive choice........
After searching these 57 plus pages of Plasma furniture I think the Theater Tech TT-400 Plasma Credenza is the nicest choice for my future 50" Plasma and my BIG Paradigm CC.
However, it would be the most expensive piece of furniture in our home and even more than the TV. Has anyone found an alternative at maybe half the price? I know it would be MDF and not "real" wood. I'm looking to have the CC (either horizontal or vertical) in that center section. 24" w x 8"h tia

binister
03-02-07, 02:11 PM
Here is my new Hooker entertainment base for my Pioneer Elite 1140HD Plasma.
I bought it at a furniture store here in town for about $550.00 delivered and assembled.
The empty lower right side will house my incoming PS3 as of Saturday.
Here is my gear;
Pioneeer 1140 HD ELite
Sony DA5ES
Sony SACD 222ES
Pioneer 578 DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Player
HR20 HD-DVR
Mirage FRX-7
SVS25-31PCi

Can anyone instruct me on how to add the full pic to display without the link?

What is the model of this Hooker piece? I can't find it on their website.

Link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=70172)

Maxs_dad
03-02-07, 04:00 PM
How does that Kingston corner media cabinet handle component heat? I just picked mine up and intend to put it together this weeknd. Will normally have the doors closed to keep my daughter out of there. . .

applejelly
03-02-07, 04:52 PM
In the same mode of going with a less expensive choice........
After searching these 57 plus pages of Plasma furniture I think the Theater Tech TT-400 Plasma Credenza is the nicest choice for my future 50" Plasma and my BIG Paradigm CC.
However, it would be the most expensive piece of furniture in our home and even more than the TV. Has anyone found an alternative at maybe half the price? I know it would be MDF and not "real" wood. I'm looking to have the CC (either horizontal or vertical) in that center section. 24" w x 8"h tia

There is always Diamondcase's Munari Line - The System M1
I am most interested in this unit for my large PSB CC which is also 24"x8" (wxh)

applejelly
03-02-07, 06:54 PM
Also, I know this is predominantly a video board, but does anyone have experience with having a CC inside an enterntainment center? I am afraid even with a grill cloth front that the sound will become boxy and less natural. That is why I am also considering a shorter unit and putting the CC on top (out in the open) and then using a wall mounted swing arm to float the plasma over the CC. I say a shorter unit since I don't want my screen mounted too high.

archie0404
03-03-07, 05:47 AM
In the same mode of going with a less expensive choice........
After searching these 57 plus pages of Plasma furniture I think the Theater Tech TT-400 Plasma Credenza is the nicest choice for my future 50" Plasma and my BIG Paradigm CC.
However, it would be the most expensive piece of furniture in our home and even more than the TV. Has anyone found an alternative at maybe half the price? I know it would be MDF and not "real" wood. I'm looking to have the CC (either horizontal or vertical) in that center section. 24" w x 8"h tia

Here are two possible alternative approaches:
www.salamanderdesigns.com take a look at their model 334. This is basically their 237 with a 'riser' which would allow you to place your center speaker below your plasma and leave you 6 shelves for equipment. You can also customize so the risers can come in different heights. The 334 lists for $1714 which is less than the TT-400.

another possibility is to consider the Studio Tech U-22T (www.studiotech.com) and include their U-PMP assessory along with the appropriate wall-bracket. the U-PMP along with a wall-bracket would allow you to mount your plasma above the stand but bolted to the stand rather than the wall. I ordered the U-22T because I like the rosewood color. U-22T is priced at $1099 (not including U-PMP and wall-bracket, but these are reasonable priced.) For me my center can fit the center shelf though I considered the flat panel mount in order to get more rack space.

Salamanderdesigns also has a similar assessory for their unit so you could go with a 237 along with their flat panel mount. This runs $1844.

tt18cabrio
03-03-07, 06:46 AM
Thank you all for suggestions similar to the TT-400. doug

cec732
03-03-07, 10:07 PM
I have a Pioneer 5070HD (50 inch Plasma) that I want to mount to the wall. I want a nice articulating wall mount that can be tilted horizontally and vertically and can be pulled away from the wall. I want something high quality with a black finish that when retracted is less than 4 inches thick. What brand mounts are you folks using for your flat panels?? So far I have found Sanus, Premier and Chief brand mounts that fill my needs, but I am not sure what brands are best.

Scott574
03-07-07, 04:29 PM
I'm looking for a very low cabinet to sit under my wall-mounted plasma and not having much luck. The main problem is that I have an in-wall center channel speaker under the plasma.

The BDI Avion 8529 is almost what I need, but still too high. Can this unit be used without the legs to reduce the height. I know that it would block the lower shelfs cooling slots, but I could live with that. Can anyone tell me how high the cabinet is without the legs?


Scott

gopherblue
03-09-07, 11:00 AM
just purchased this unit from Crate and Barrel. Very well constructed (no nails or screws) and love the looks. Solid walnut too.

Harmony Media Console (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1151&f=12493&viewall=1)


Pinktri,

I agree--I love the Harmony console.

I have been looking at this one (and the 54" version). I'm leaning towards the 54" version because it has more room for electronics.

Truth is it is a tough call: the 70" would allow me to also have the L/R speakers on the console, and has a center cubby to hide the centerchannel speaker. But doing that means it only has two spots for electronics. The 54" model wouild require the center channel speaker to sit on top, but has four large component bays. I could also put the centerchannel speaker on top of the 70" model, but even then I'm not sure that three bays for electronic is enough (I have 6-7 components: an HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, a STB/DVR, an Xbox360, a large receiver, a sub amp and a CD player). I could easily fit 7 components in the four bays on the 54" model, but not in the three bays on the 70" model.

I really wish the 70" came with an option for having six cubbies rather than the drawers, with doors like the 54"...I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

pinktri
03-09-07, 11:47 PM
well I can't speak for the 54 inch version but the 70 is awesome. I have a receiver, motorola STB, DVD player and xbox 360 and I have room to spare. I just stacked them right on top of eachother and have no issues. The middle console is where I keep my center channel. Whichever way you go you'll love it. The craftmanship is awesome. I especially love the dovetail joints and the removable rear covers. it's a beauty and everyone who sees it loves it! like i said it's a no lose situation for you! good luck!

zentech
03-11-07, 04:00 PM
I am lurking around for a while now. Thanks for all the knowledge shared in this forum, I'm able to make some educated decision to go for HDTV.

I'm currently shopping for a 60-65" plat panel (Plasma or LCD) as well as the stand/entertainment center. I have a good old 5.1 system and 42" Westy 1080p, and happy about what I have so far. And planning a new home for the 60+ upgrade.
I came cross this one:

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=6214{2}14{12}45{13}52{9}33{8}31 {3}16

There are a lot of other choice in this site, but I haven't see anyone mention this vendor. Just wondering if anyone here know reputable is this vendor, and/or how good their merchandise is? The price looks good though.

I'll really appreciate any comment.
Thanks


neuron

hope you're still lurking...i don't always get around to the threads so this is almost a month after your initial reply.

i had a good experience with summitsource. used them to buy a console stand, 79" eagle: (TV is vizio 50" plasma). $954 delivered to southern california (your profile indicates you are in so cal also):

photos

Movie Fan
03-15-07, 01:16 AM
neuron

hope you're still lurking...i don't always get around to the threads so this is almost a month after your initial reply.

i had a good experience with summitsource. used them to buy a console stand, 79" eagle: (TV is vizio 50" plasma). $954 delivered to southern california (your profile indicates you are in so cal also):

photos


Did the CD/DVD trays come with the unit or did you buy those separately? I am trying to locate something like this for my cabinet.

tbooth
03-15-07, 11:32 AM
I have a Studiotech U-22T on the way and I was wondering if anyone else is using this unit with the U-PMP. I can't seem to tell if this mount connects to the U-22T somehow or if it is just a wall mount?

zentech
03-16-07, 12:45 AM
Did the CD/DVD trays come with the unit or did you buy those separately? I am trying to locate something like this for my cabinet.


cd/dvd trays come with the unit, but only one per shelf (2 each side, 4 total)....I took 'em out and put these in to double my shelf space...get the tray + slider, pulls out fully

http://www.mmdesign.com/dvd-storage-trays.htm

Movie Fan
03-18-07, 09:41 PM
cd/dvd trays come with the unit, but only one per shelf (2 each side, 4 total)....I took 'em out and put these in to double my shelf space...get the tray + slider, pulls out fully

http://www.mmdesign.com/dvd-storage-trays.htm

I was worried you were going to say that. I was hoping for a source for trays that would hold my standard DVD cases.

zentech
03-18-07, 11:04 PM
I was worried you were going to say that. I was hoping for a source for trays that would hold my standard DVD cases.

the trays that come preassembled with the unit holds standard dvd's. just wasn't enough room for what i wanted to do...

kevspyder
03-22-07, 09:24 PM
I've been looking around for a while, and a few months back there was a thread where people were building entertainment centers for their DLP.

I've got a ton of electronics all over the place and figured I'd try my hand at building on to fit all of em. Thanks for your help.

Shizelbs
03-22-07, 10:42 PM
My wife and I purchased http://www.winnersonly.com/view_item.php?c=58&id=1019 from the Costco Home Store for our 61" #6187 Samsung DLP, and it fits PERFECTLY. Also, it looks great, wonderful quality, great staining and we thought a very good value also.

Again, it fits perfect!

http://www.winnersonly.com/view_item.php?c=58&id=1019

AKFlyfish
03-24-07, 12:00 PM
I'm looking for a very low cabinet to sit under my wall-mounted plasma and not having much luck. The main problem is that I have an in-wall center channel speaker under the plasma.

The BDI Avion 8529 is almost what I need, but still too high. Can this unit be used without the legs to reduce the height. I know that it would block the lower shelfs cooling slots, but I could live with that. Can anyone tell me how high the cabinet is without the legs?


Scott

I have the BDI Avion Noir and it is 18" w/out the legs. Be real hard to move w/out those legs. I have 6 components in there and a real big Paradigm center. A very nice piece of furniture. Got a good price for it since I bought a Pioneer Pro 1540 and a Sony Blu-Ray player.
Good Luck.

Jim

Jason Priestley
03-24-07, 05:19 PM
holy crap, if you take out the top shelf the center speaker fits? I just got a bdi avion (espresso) and i have a paradigm CC-470...i'm gonna try it right now....how did you take off the shelf? Is there any easy way to take the shelf out or did you need to take out the screws and leaf the brackets in there?

AKFlyfish
03-24-07, 10:18 PM
holy crap, if you take out the top shelf the center speaker fits? I just got a bdi avion (espresso) and i have a paradigm CC-470...i'm gonna try it right now....how did you take off the shelf? Is there any easy way to take the shelf out or did you need to take out the screws and leaf the brackets in there?

Yes, it fits! My Paradigm CC is almost 9 " tall, that is one of the reasons I bought this cabinet. You do have to take off the brackets. I also had to take off the rubber feet on the center channel. I had everything installed so I did not pay close attention, but they took out the shelf in minutes. I am storing the drawer in my basement. Enjoy!

Jim

Jason Priestley
03-25-07, 12:39 AM
you had to take off the rubber feet for it to fit? Really? hmmm....I'm thinking of doing it still...we'll see.

Stocky
03-25-07, 09:10 AM
How about something like this, buy it or build it yourself.

I built my own BDI Avion unit. Based on my own needs. So I went with two drawers in the center. It just seemed more practical.

About 6 months later I replaced my speakers. I decided to get rid of the crap speakers I had and get something nice to compliment my new plasma .I bought Onix Rockets ( 850 sigs and the RS200 ) the RS200 is also referred to as "Bigfoot" ,so I removed both drawers to accept the size of the "bigfoot" center as it's referred to.

here's a before shot and an after shot.

anyone who is handy with tools, can build this unit. I'd be happy to give anyone the measurements. Someone on the forum was kind enough to give them to me based on thier store bought unit.

I have not run into any problems with it's placement. I might make a wedge to angle it up a slight bit, but I like the clean look and would rather not mess with the whole angle thingy.

before ;
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1087948/IVGKP-cabinet0010_1_1.JPG



After:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1087948/IMG_3053_1_1_1.JPG

AKFlyfish
03-26-07, 10:26 AM
you had to take off the rubber feet for it to fit? Really? hmmm....I'm thinking of doing it still...we'll see.

My center is probably bigger than yours. I have the 570. You may be able to leave your feet on. Either way, I don't think it makes any difference. Nice looking set up.

Jim

bestman
03-28-07, 10:56 PM
Guys,

Go to "Room and Board" and check out the "linear" series option - its wide and comes in walnut, maple or cherry - all solid wood with perforated black metal if you wish. Very high WAF.

Bestman

timho
03-30-07, 12:35 AM
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5151029

Looks like a cheap solution for me... just got an Olevia 747i...

Tim

dssturbo1
03-30-07, 02:45 AM
yes, it has been posted earlier in the thread if you had looked.

Adult Beverage
03-30-07, 03:52 PM
Yes, you really should have looked at all 58 pages, 1,715 posts, and clicked on all the links contained therein to see if it had been previously posted.

timho
03-30-07, 06:54 PM
Can you guys show me where this TV stand was mentioned in this thread? I searched and got no result...


Thanks,
Tim

fireballz
03-31-07, 06:52 PM
For any Canadians, I found a pretty nice looking stand from thebrick.com (link here) (http://www.thebrick.com/Application/Cart/BuyRoom.asp?TraderID=34DC92B9-3DBD-438F-AA0B-BD0F699D5896&Code=BEC603&ProductID=638BCE6F-97B9-4DAF-A030-C43A963F5305&Code=7FB4F377-C4DB-4C8F-B2EE-115AB173E62A&SellOrderId=7FB4F377-C4DB-4C8F-B2EE-115AB173E62A&CategoryID=F32F7017-10AA-4BA6-80A9-F45F29BACF17&SiteCode=EN&CategoryTracking=C02DE1DA%2DF12C%2D481D%2DA560%2DD4D4428B04E 6%2C4E358FD9%2DA6D3%2D4847%2D8F1D%2D11CE4C3EDB10%2C0784A8BC% 2D9574%2D4741%2D9227%2D802DA3A71029%2CF0A90754%2D0EDB%2D4CFB %2D8C6E%2D01F586BF259F%2CF32F7017%2D10AA%2D4BA6%2D80A9%2DF45 F29BACF17)

Open Look:
http://www.thebrick.com/Assets/ProductImages/78AAF1A8-E197-4813-8ADC-292E935A0F0B.jpg


Closed Look:
http://www.thebrick.com/Assets/ProductImages/7CA9BC69-182B-4C9A-958E-2009AB86CE19.jpg



Judging from these pics, it looks like the center two doors slide to the sides, which is veryyy nice so you don't have to have open doors swinging around if you want to view your components inside. Also it says that it is made from solid birch and birch veneer...pretty good quality? Oh and this is all for $999 CDN! :)

Jason Priestley
04-01-07, 10:46 PM
I posted earlier on here that I had bought an Ethan Allen Horizons Credenza. A year later I still love the piece but found that there was not enough ventillation for my xbox 360 and ps3 which were getting extremely hot. The rest of the components seemed fine. Additionally I wanted a way to mount my plasma but not to the wall.

So I got a BDI 8529 with the plasma mount. Check it out:

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/502/Living_room51.jpg

The major deciding factors for this unit were:
-ventillation under each shelf and the rear has sliding panels for additional ventillation and access
-wheels underneath the legs. Its not that easy to move with my carpetting and with the weight of my components and TV but at least its possible with one person and a lot of strenght
-plasma mount

Oh by the way, the ethan allen piece went into the bedroom and i put a 32" sharp aquos on it. I'm hoping eventually to demote the 50" plasma to the bedroom and maybe get a 1080P plasma or lcd for the living room at 55"

bidzer
04-02-07, 05:13 PM
I've narrowed down my search for a new plasma stand. These are the two.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&type=product&id=1156203389505&CMP=ILC-ShpngAsst_Furniture

http://www.nextag.com/Tech-Craft-Tech-Craft-520314448/prices-html?nxtg=37f80a24050f-D41559D1B26CCCAF

Does any have any experience with either one? Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

zentech
04-03-07, 06:49 PM
I've narrowed down my search for a new plasma stand. These are the two.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&type=product&id=1156203389505&CMP=ILC-ShpngAsst_Furniture

http://www.nextag.com/Tech-Craft-Tech-Craft-520314448/prices-html?nxtg=37f80a24050f-D41559D1B26CCCAF

Does any have any experience with either one? Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

have you considered the z-line series (circuit city, $429?)
adjustable height
swivel
holds up to 50"
http://i10.tinypic.com/351zku8.jpg

kennyf1130
04-05-07, 03:43 PM
I've narrowed down my search for a new plasma stand. These are the two.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&type=product&id=1156203389505&CMP=ILC-ShpngAsst_Furniture

http://www.nextag.com/Tech-Craft-Tech-Craft-520314448/prices-html?nxtg=37f80a24050f-D41559D1B26CCCAF

Does any have any experience with either one? Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

I've seen the Bell'O stand at Best Buy and it looks pretty sleek. I'm thinking of getting that stand also for my 32' LCD. It's cheaper than the Circuit City one that was also recommended (Z-line) but the CC seems to be bigger, so it might depend on what size TV you have.

waltzonice
04-06-07, 02:44 PM
I just placed an order for this media stand:

http://www.performancefurniture.com/cc/style_tv_bxtt.html

It was one of the few stands that had the best of both worlds for me - fantastic looks and ideal dimensions for my components. It's deep enough to house my Harman Kardon receiver, and has a large enough opening for my center channel.

Jason
I love this one. If you've received this already, please post a picture with your TV! I may consider getting this one too.

McPhreak
04-07-07, 01:14 AM
just got this from racks&stands (also available at costco):
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/5898/zfurniture192573949625hj7.jpg
putting it together, mount will be going on soon:
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/6463/dsc0036td1.jpg
planning to hide wireless router, cable modem and voip router behing backpanel:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9580/dsc0028zh1.jpg

This piece of furniture is now on sale at Costco! Just ordered one.

Link (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11187729&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=)

tdogroeder
04-11-07, 11:00 PM
Here are pics of my new stand:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p226/tdogroeder/CIMG1433.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p226/tdogroeder/CIMG1436.jpg

csgamer
04-13-07, 02:27 AM
have you considered the z-line series (circuit city, $429?)
adjustable height
swivel
holds up to 50"


That stand looks nice. The specs on it says up to 50 inch.

Do you think it will hold a 52-inch lcd, have room for a center speaker on top shelf, and be at a comfortable eye level?

If so, I think i will get this. What size is the tv in the pic?

zentech
04-14-07, 11:15 AM
That stand looks nice. The specs on it says up to 50 inch.

Do you think it will hold a 52-inch lcd, have room for a center speaker on top shelf, and be at a comfortable eye level?

If so, I think i will get this. What size is the tv in the pic?

i think you 'may' be able to work a 52", but i'd contact z-line to make sure. most of the time the furniture companies make their specs based on testing, and perhaps a 52" didn't make the grade...however, the max weight capacity is 240 lbs, so you are probably OK.

the tv in the pic is a viz vp42. 9 1/2" from bottom of tv to topmost shelf. depending on how high you set the tv, you may have room for a center channel. be careful of clearances though. eye level height can be adjusted, so it really depends on what you're sitting on while viewing, distance from tv, etc.

i have a 50" in the living room - went and measured back area, that would fit this stand easily. z-line sells a 36" crossbar for wider televisions (standard that comes with stand is 32")

if you have a circuit city nearby, go give it a look - i had the cc guys deliver and assemble (my name, zentech means i like to keep things simple, no a/v technophile here :) )

good luck. i'll post more pics later if you want.

jknight
04-16-07, 11:35 PM
Hi all. I read this whole thread a few months ago, looking for a plasma entertainment center than both I and my wife would agree upon, and we couldn't find anything. So my wife talked me into building one. I am not carpenter, but am fairly handy, so I built this. And I am quite happy with how it came out. The subwoofer goes under the TV. It was not terribly hard, and I though this might show another option you might have. It cost about $800, with nearly half being the doors at the bottom that I ordered to match our kitchen cabinets.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/jknight/EntertainmentCentersmaller.jpg

tdogroeder
04-17-07, 07:12 AM
Hi all. I read this whole thread a few months ago, looking for a plasma entertainment center than both I and my wife would agree upon, and we couldn't find anything. So my wife talked me into building one. I am not carpenter, but am fairly handy, so I built this. And I am quite happy with how it came out. The subwoofer goes under the TV. It was not terribly hard, and I though this might show another option you might have. It cost about $800, with nearly half being the doors at the bottom that I ordered to match our kitchen cabinets.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/jknight/EntertainmentCentersmaller.jpg

You did an awesome job Man!

silvergs4
04-17-07, 09:14 AM
I agree - that looks fantastic!!!!

jknight
04-17-07, 03:28 PM
Thanks.

And I really think it was not too terribly difficult to make. I am a computer programmer by profession, not a construction guy. So I would think lots of others could make something for themselves as well. The nice thing about doing it in white, or other painted color, as opposed to wood, is that you can caulk areas that do not fit tightly. Like our walls are not square with the ground, so there were gaps in the back. So I just put in some caulk and it looked fine.

GatorMike
04-19-07, 03:21 PM
I built a custom cabinet very similar to the studiotech U22 T because that's the one I wanted but couldn't afford it. The only thing I have left to do is add doors, but that has been a stumbling block. I really want the perforated or mesh metal in them, anybody know where I could get some and the easiest way to do this?

I guess I'm hoping someone has done this already and can give me some advice. Thanks!

jknight
04-19-07, 03:57 PM
Can you use metal grill material like http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=262-878 and then build a door frame around it? Or buy a door frame?

mondo3
04-19-07, 11:10 PM
I had the McNichols company cut some perforated stainless steel to my measurements. well packaged and quickly shipped, somewhat expensive (although i guess that depends upon the thickness, size, etc). Here's a photo (I plan on staining the frame black).

GatorMike
04-20-07, 10:52 AM
I'll check into both Parts Express and McNichols, thanks for the info guys!

bilmar
04-21-07, 07:34 AM
Has anyone found a way to hide the metal mounting frame on the back of the screen?

I am getting ready to buy but my living room is L shaped and when you walk in you are looking right at the edge of the set so it will be seen.

My ideal solution would be thin rigid black plastic U channel with a tapered end that I could snap over the metal and cut to fit with scissors - but I have not found it.

Any Ideas?

Bill

kennyf1130
04-23-07, 10:34 AM
I've narrowed down my search for a new plasma stand. These are the two.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&type=product&id=1156203389505&CMP=ILC-ShpngAsst_Furniture

http://www.nextag.com/Tech-Craft-Tech-Craft-520314448/prices-html?nxtg=37f80a24050f-D41559D1B26CCCAF

Does any have any experience with either one? Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

If you're still interested in this TV stand from best buy, it is on sale for 269.99 right now. But I don't think there's a swivel feature to it.

Also, Walmart sells a stand for 229 that is similar to one that has been posted before, but it's all black instead of the wood finish.

bfdtv
04-23-07, 02:08 PM
I've narrowed down my search for a new plasma stand. These are the two.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8012722&type=product&id=1156203389505&CMP=ILC-ShpngAsst_Furniture

http://www.nextag.com/Tech-Craft-Tech-Craft-520314448/prices-html?nxtg=37f80a24050f-D41559D1B26CCCAFHas anyone seen a stand like this -- with a shelf and built-in plasma mount -- that will work with a 58-60" plasma? Most of these stands specify "up to 50"" or a "max of 125 lbs."

slksc
04-24-07, 07:32 AM
Here's a cabinet I got from Racks and Stands, made by Furnitech, for my 58-inch Panny. Medium priced (not cheap, but not outrageous either), and its got a reasonably sized space for a center channel:

http://childers.smugmug.com/photos/146402761-M.jpg


http://www.racksandstands.com/Furnitech-FT60CC-XX-FNT1003.html

gigaguy
04-24-07, 12:04 PM
I wanted a low console, 3 segments, with drawers. I liked the pricey BDI ($1500) and Studio Tech ($1000) consoles but I wanted to spend less. Doors have reinforced mesh panels (not just fabric), I did cut larger back openings. I may remove the top drawer and place a center speaker there. (will have to build a shelf).
I like the look of it. It's 60" w, 26 h, 24 d. looks richer and sleeker than this pic. Has an optional back panel to mount a flat panel and side towers available too. Best Buy. $350. Not the quality materials of BDI but looks pretty good for $1100 less.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/ronline/bbfurn.jpg

BBS G35
04-24-07, 01:26 PM
I wanted a low console, 3 segments, with drawers. I liked the pricey BDI ($1500) and Studio Tech ($1000) consoles but I wanted to spend less. Doors have reinforced mesh panels (not just fabric), I did cut larger back openings. I may remove the top drawer and place a center speaker there. (will have to build a shelf).
I like the look of it. It's 60" w, 26 h, 24 d. looks richer and sleeker than this pic. Has an optional back panel to mount a flat panel and side towers available too. Best Buy. $350. Not the quality materials of BDI but looks pretty good for $1100 less.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/ronline/bbfurn.jpg

I would so take that if it had 3 mesh doors instead of the drawers!

With a Xbox 360, PS3, HD-DVD Player, DBS Box, AV-Receiver, and Wii, im going to need those shelves.

Anyone got any ideas? Preferebly below $600

I also want mesh, not glass, or doors that need to be open..

tdogroeder
04-24-07, 09:18 PM
I would so take that if it had 3 mesh doors instead of the drawers!

With a Xbox 360, PS3, HD-DVD Player, DBS Box, AV-Receiver, and Wii, im going to need those shelves.

Anyone got any ideas? Preferebly below $600

I also want mesh, not glass, or doors that need to be open..

What about these: http://www.standsandmounts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3902
http://www.standsandmounts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4815

How wide do you want the stand to be?

tdogroeder
04-24-07, 09:28 PM
I would so take that if it had 3 mesh doors instead of the drawers!

With a Xbox 360, PS3, HD-DVD Player, DBS Box, AV-Receiver, and Wii, im going to need those shelves.

Anyone got any ideas? Preferebly below $600

I also want mesh, not glass, or doors that need to be open..

If you can't find the one you want for the price you want, you could buy one with wood doors and replace them with mesh.

tdogroeder
04-24-07, 09:36 PM
BBS G35,

Here is another one for you http://www.racksandstands.com/Prepac-BPS-6000-PRP1167.html#additional

tdogroeder
04-24-07, 09:49 PM
BBS G35,

This is the only one I could find that has mesh doors, but it is $1100.
http://www.racksandstands.com/StudioTech-U-22-T-CH-B-SO0122.html

BBS G35
04-25-07, 11:12 AM
If you can't find the one you want for the price you want, you could buy one with wood doors and replace them with mesh.

Yeah, im considering that. Or maybe just getting one with glass and tinting the windows limo black myself. The lasers from the remotes would still work right?

BBS G35
04-25-07, 11:18 AM
This one might look pretty decent with tinted windows. Not bad for 400ish i think.

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/TC/TC0197_a.jpg

gigaguy
04-25-07, 11:32 AM
I considered that one, it's at Circuit City, but I didn't like the look of it in person.
I one I got at Best Buy above looks even better than in the picture. I really wanted drawers too.

NemoZorro
04-25-07, 11:51 AM
I need a small unit, not to put the plasma on, but to sit beside it. The plasma sits on a dresser very nicely. I would like a piece of furniture, preferably in the southwestern style, that would hold 2 DVD players and a power conditioner. A door on the front would be nice, but it isn't necessary. It can't be much higher than 40", and can only be about 25" or so inches wide. I'm thinking just an audio cabinet with 3 shelves, but I haven't found anything that works yet. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.