Berkline 45004 review

[xswl0931]

I ordered my Berline's from Home Theater Authority and Serge has been a pleasure to work with. This was not part of the current power buy, but I still got a great price. Serge consistently kept me notified of updates. There was a problem with Berkline incorrectly putting in manual recline when I ordered power recline, and he took care of it with a new order. I wanted 4 chairs with a love seat in the center. Serge even helped me pick out the right configuration so that the total price was lower than my original configuration.

I wanted the 45004's for the higher backs and needed a slimmer chair due to the limited width of my room. I also upgraded to grade 3 black full leather and power recline. I've had them for several weeks now and watched several movies so here's my quick review.

Overall, I'm quite happy with the chairs. The leather and cushioning feel good. Chairs look great. I can definitely sit in the chair for extended periods of time and still be comfortable (note I'm 5'10" ~180 lbs). However, I do have a few minor complaints about the chairs:

1. as others reported, the leather does make noises during recline. this can be minimized by not having individual chairs touch each other (about a 1" gap between chairs), a minor annoyance I can live with
2. power recline controls reversed on two of the chairs. not a huge deal as there's only two buttons so you can easily figure it out, but pretty stupid noticeable mistake by Berkline in my opinion. the control itself is stapled to the chair, so there's a bit of work if you want to rotate it around
3. worse thing is the location of the control, it's to the right side of the bottom cushion. you have to stick your hand pretty far down to get to it. why didn't they put it into the side of the armrest? this is another reason to lave some space between the chairs to allow for hands to get to the control.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the chairs, they definitely make my home theater feel like a home theater. If I had to do it again, I would probably not get power recline, although I haven't had experience with manual so who knows.

A couple of pics.





The theater room is still a work in progress, so ignore the wires, unmounted surrounds, lack of curtains, etc...

I also got the Entertainer chairs from Costco as overflow seating. They are pretty nice chairs and provide extra storage for my consoles. Pretty happy with those too.

[Todzilla]

Very nice! I was considering this exact same setup for my theater. If you don't mind answering, What is the width of the berklines?

[rsh]

Todzill,

The 45004 recliners in configuration shown on picture - IOIOOIOI take 115". Straight row of 4 accross with the armrest in between (straight) - 120.25", curved - 125.5"

Hope this helps

[Harden]

I saw those ottoman/seats at Costco. Trouble is - how can anyone (even kids) sit in them for 2 whole hours?

[xswl0931]

I don't think they are that bad, but I haven't tried sitting in them for any extended amount of time either.

[fst96se]

I sat in them for the entire Fiesta Bowl. Wasn't bad at all! I was extremely glad I had them, as I have four coaster showtimes, and four of those costco chairs, and there were eight of us! They aren't as comfortable as the showtimes, but they get the job done.

[calv1n]

xswl0931,

I have a review and some pictures of these chairs on my thread as well (I purchased 8 with lighted cup holders).

Congratz on the new chairs your HT room looks nice

Cheers
Calvin

[kriscad]

Originally Posted by xswl0931

I don't think they are that bad, but I haven't tried sitting in them for any extended amount of time either.

I think thats the #1 thing people need to do is sit in them for a long period of time... with what I know now, I would have Big Couch with Fabric not leather.

[xswl0931]

Originally Posted by calv1n

xswl0931,

I have a review and some pictures of these chairs on my thread as well (I purchased 8 with lighted cup holders).

Congratz on the new chairs your HT room looks nice

Cheers
Calvin

Thanks. I'll have to spend some time reading your long thread and stealing some ideas

[cymline]

Originally Posted by kriscad

I think thats the #1 thing people need to do is sit in them for a long period of time... with what I know now, I would have Big Couch with Fabric not leather.

I noticed the chairs in your HT pics. 2 seats and a love seat. Why would you now go with a couch with fabric? As I am in the market for some seats I would be intereseted in your thoughts. On the other hand, I have a couch already at home with the same shape as the loveseat/chair set up you have (straight in the middle, curved ends) obviously sans inside arms and recline. It is fabric and I could just move it into my HT as we are buying a new couch. Hence my interest in your comments.

[johnathan]

Good to see and hear more about the 45004's !
I have 4 on order from Roman at UHT myself. I plan a front row with an existing 100" cloth covered couch. And a 14" riser with a row of 4 45004's in black group 3 leather/vinyl combo with electric recline and mini buttkickers !

I have sat in manual recliners and there is no comparison if you want infinite adjustment possibility's ! If you like factory recline options [ I don't] manual are still very nice ! Roman has been straight forward and very prompt in email response !

I will start a thread when I start moving my theater from the living where it is presently to my Den for a more dedicated room ! I have full pick over colors and set up as opposed to the shared living room !

You have a very nice looking room ! Johnathan

[johnathan]

Still living up to my signature! "Thread Cooler"

[fst96se]

Haha!

[77engineer]

I have 5 of the Berkline chairs and I was able to quiet the leather down by spreading some baby powder over the areas where the leather touches. I know it may be tough to hide it on black leather but it may be something to try.

Adam

[blafarm]

Anyone know where to demo the 45004's in Las Vegas?