New Home Theater groups from Berkline (after attending Market in High Point, NC)

rsh · 10-09-07, 02:09 PM

Folks,

Here is my report from the Market in High Point, NC where I spent some time in the Berkline show room. Please understand that I am only sharing my opinion here…

First, some of the current groups 073, 194, 45009 and 45010 are being discontinued. You can still order them until end of this year, but after that they are going to be dropped.

Here is a little review of new groups I was able to see and try at the market.

Domestic groups (I was able to take some pictures)

45015

This group has C-MAX bucket cushion with about 43” high back. While I am not a big fan of rounded armrests, this chair felt quite comfortable, and I liked it. These are about the same width as the 090s in straight configuration, but the curved configuration they are quite wider. I am not sure why the Berkline decided to make such wide wedges, but they did.

45016

This group also has C-MAX bucket cushion with about 42” high back. The back was quite comfortable, and the seat was soft and cushy. It has a puffy look, and if you are after a firmer seating this may not be the best chair. But if you like soft seating with very cushy feel to it, this is a great recliner. It was extremely comfortable. As a bonus, it comes with two level storage compartments in the armrests. The articulated back provides a nice head support.

45018

I did not like this one at all. The armrests were too high; the back did not feel comfortable and did not provide me with a great head support. Similarly to the 45013 these come with the blue rope light under the chair. The light can be controlled by the switch installed on the armrest of one of the chairs.

The Berkline is still working on the switch for the lighted cup holder. They told me it would be in production by next spring. Each cup holder will have its own on/off button that will control the light.

Non-domestic groups:

13134

This one did not do anything for me at all. It is basically the 13084 with the slightly modified shape of the back. I did not like the 13084, and I did not like the 13134 either. It felt awkward and not comfortable at all.

13174

This is basically the 090. It did not seat as quite well as the 090, but it was OK for me. It is still a good chair with very attractive pricing. It was much better than 13134 IMHO. I guess the reason this group was just OK for me was the fact that these were manual recliners, and I personally not a big fan of Leggett and Platt mechanism. The power recline version would have been much, much better.

13175

This would be my pick out of all new groups this time. The similar back to the 078s was extremely comfortable. These chairs are great alternative to small 088s or 086s. It has similar (just slightly wider) footprint, but with the 42” high back. The only thing I did not like – it was a comfort rest and not a chaise design. Nevertheless it sat very well. It had great head support especially in the reclining position, and it felt right. The power recline was perfect and the controls were on the sides of the armrests, and that is what I personally prefer.

What I did like on non-domestic groups:
1. They use quite nice mid grade leather similar to 7077 (group 3 leather). I was actually surprised how well it felt.
2. They have power recline option, which is A MUST, and work as well as on their domestic groups (they use same components).
3. These chairs will be quite affordable.

What I did not like on non-domestic groups:

1. They use Leggett and Platt mechanism, and it is hard to change the positions on the manual recliners. Thank God they have a power recline option!!!
2. Most of the recliners (except for the 13175) were nothing special. I either did not like them (13084, 13134) or they were just OK (13174).
3. None of the non-domestic groups have C-MAX cushion (not a deal breaker).

Samaritano · 10-09-07, 03:58 PM

What was the width of a 3 chair straight configuration of the 13175? They look really nice.

rsh · 10-09-07, 04:03 PM

Samaritano,

I do not have the schematics yet, and the ones that where on the floor were curved.

I measued them and they were 98". By my calculation, the straight row of three should be around 93-95", but do not hold me to these numbers...

Samaritano · 10-09-07, 08:06 PM

Thanks Roman... My seat riser is 95" wide. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

rsh · 10-09-07, 08:08 PM

Edgar,

You will be fine with this riser size.

Hughmc · 10-10-07, 04:49 AM

Roman, you are going to be hearing from me in the next few days. I was leaning towards the 86/or 88 in a 4 chair config to minimize width to 115 inches or even 120 if possible. I have spoken to you on the phone several times before, but keep referencing your site and AVS to get the best possible chairs for my setup, hence the time delay. I have about 156 inches in width to work with and would like to have 20 inches each side to walk around. I like the straight config, but would prefer the curved if possible. Although the curved take up a 5 inches more width on the curved config of the 86/88, they actually take up the same or less space as you move toward the front of the two outside chairs since they curve in, don't they? Meaning, while they have a bigger footprint on each rear corner, they have equal to or less width than the straight at the front outside corners since they angle in? I like the 13175 as well and like your recommendation. What is the difference between comfort rest and chaise design?

rsh · 10-10-07, 08:55 AM

Hughmc,

The chaise has continues surface between the seating area and the footrest. The comfort rest have two separate plates for the footrest and leg support.

Tweakophyte · 10-11-07, 08:34 AM

Hi-

Thanks for the pics and the post.
What is the C-Max seating? Is it on the 090s?

Thanks,

rsh · 10-11-07, 08:52 AM

The C-MAX cushion has a combination of high-density foam layer surrounded by a very soft layer of foam and fiber wrap. It gives a firmer feel and at the same time stays soft and comfortable.

The 090 and other based on the 090s seats do not have it.

The groups that do have the C-MAX cushion are:

083, 45001, 45002, 45004, 45010, 45012, 45013, 45014

As I mentioned the difference is very subtle, and I would take a comfort and design of some groups over C-MAX cushion any day.

Tweakophyte · 10-20-07, 10:58 AM

Hi-

One more... when would the 13175 be available?

Thanks,

rsh · 10-20-07, 11:00 AM

soon

Tweakophyte · 10-20-07, 11:18 AM

...and the buttons are not buried!

rsh · 10-20-07, 12:51 PM

Nope, they are on the sides of the armrests, similarly to the way they are done on the 090s.

FYI: There are no loveseat options on the 13174 or 13175 groups, only 3 or 4 straight across or curved configurations.

Quote:

One more... when would the 13175 be available?

Correction to my previous post - relatively soon...

elmalloc · 10-20-07, 01:13 PM

sexy!

Tweakophyte · 10-20-07, 02:23 PM

Did the hump in the arm make the armrest too tall on the 13175?

Now I see no love seat config...

rsh · 10-20-07, 02:25 PM

No, I actually found it very comfortable. As I said the 13175 was my favorite from what I tried there this time.

gshipley · 10-21-07, 09:16 AM

I live somewhat close to high point and was wondering if anyone can go visit the showroom or do you have to be a dealer?

rsh · 10-21-07, 09:20 AM

The show room is only open during the Market, and yes you have to be a registered dealer.

Tweakophyte · 10-21-07, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsh

Nope, they are on the sides of the armrests, similarly to the way they are done on the 090s.

FYI: There are no loveseat options on the 13474 or 13475 groups, only 3 or 4 straight across or curved configurations.

Correction to my previous post - relatively soon...

Did you mean to say 13174 and 13175 (i.e. the last two in the pics above)?

Thanks,

rsh · 10-21-07, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Did you mean to say 13174 and 13175 (i.e. the last two in the pics above)?

Yes, sorry for the typo, I have corrected it.

Samaritano · 10-22-07, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsh

Nope, they are on the sides of the armrests, similarly to the way they are done on the 090s.

FYI: There are no loveseat options on the 13174 or 13175 groups, only 3 or 4 straight across or curved configurations.

Correction to my previous post - relatively soon...

Roman.
How long till you get the spec sheet on the 13175?
I need dimensions.

rsh · 10-22-07, 09:28 PM

All I have is dimensions per piece:

13174
two arm recliner IOI 3900 W39 D39 H41
one arm recliner OI 5200 W32 D39 H41
LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W43 D37 H41
RF console recliner OV 5440 W37 D39 H41

13175
two arm recliner IOI 3900 W35 D37 H40
one arm recliner OI 5200 W30 D37 H40
LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W37 D37 H40
RF console recliner OV 5440 W33 D37 H40

You can do the math from here...

Hope it helps.

Samaritano · 10-23-07, 01:20 AM

Thanks Roman. It did helped a lot.

Tweakophyte · 10-23-07, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsh

All I have is dimensions per piece:

13175
two arm recliner IOI 3900 W35 D37 H40
one arm recliner OI 5200 W30 D37 H40
LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W37 D37 H40
RF console recliner OV 5440 W33 D37 H40

You can do the math from here...

Hope it helps.

So... IOIOIOIOI = 35+30+30+30 = 125
and
IOVOVOVOI = 37+33+33+33 = 136

Can you do this?
IOVOIOVOI = 37+30+33+30 = 130

rsh · 10-23-07, 09:12 AM

Tweakophyte,

The first one is correct, the second one is not.

IOVOVOVOI - > 37 + 33 + 33 + 30 = 133", but in reality it would be less than that because of the curvuture. I do not have exact number, but my guess it would be around 129" - 130".

No, the confirugation IOVOIOVOI is not available.

Samaritano · 11-30-07, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsh

All I have is dimensions per piece:

13174
two arm recliner IOI 3900 W39 D39 H41
one arm recliner OI 5200 W32 D39 H41
LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W43 D37 H41
RF console recliner OV 5440 W37 D39 H41

13175
two arm recliner IOI 3900 W35 D37 H40
one arm recliner OI 5200 W30 D37 H40
LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W37 D37 H40
RF console recliner OV 5440 W33 D37 H40

You can do the math from here...

Hope it helps.

Roman. I was going to order the 13175 base on these dimensions that you gave me but now, according to the specs sheet on your website, three seat configuration will come out to 103.5" wide. Which info is correct?

rsh · 11-30-07, 08:26 AM

Edgar,

The specs on my site are from Berkline repository. I have not looked at them after I put it on my website - my bad. I believe they are wrong for the 13175.

If you look carefully - they do not make much of a sense:

According to these specs the straight armrest should be 4.5", and I know for sure it is not. Even if it was, it makes the seat width to be 28.5" which is definitely not the case. These specs are bogus. I will have to talk to Berkline about that.

Refer to the dimensions I provided in this thread.

From what I measured at the Market 3 seat curved configuration was about 97".

Samaritano · 11-30-07, 08:46 PM

Thanks Roman for the update...

Is today the last day of the PowerBuy?

rsh · 11-30-07, 10:14 PM

The last day would be Sunday...

10-09-07, 02:09 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	New Home Theater groups from Berkline (after attending Market in High Point, NC) Folks, Here is my report from the Market in High Point, NC where I spent some time in the Berkline show room. Please understand that I am only sharing my opinion here… First, some of the current groups 073, 194, 45009 and 45010 are being discontinued. You can still order them until end of this year, but after that they are going to be dropped. Here is a little review of new groups I was able to see and try at the market. Domestic groups (I was able to take some pictures) 45015 This group has C-MAX bucket cushion with about 43” high back. While I am not a big fan of rounded armrests, this chair felt quite comfortable, and I liked it. These are about the same width as the 090s in straight configuration, but the curved configuration they are quite wider. I am not sure why the Berkline decided to make such wide wedges, but they did. 45016 This group also has C-MAX bucket cushion with about 42” high back. The back was quite comfortable, and the seat was soft and cushy. It has a puffy look, and if you are after a firmer seating this may not be the best chair. But if you like soft seating with very cushy feel to it, this is a great recliner. It was extremely comfortable. As a bonus, it comes with two level storage compartments in the armrests. The articulated back provides a nice head support. 45018 I did not like this one at all. The armrests were too high; the back did not feel comfortable and did not provide me with a great head support. Similarly to the 45013 these come with the blue rope light under the chair. The light can be controlled by the switch installed on the armrest of one of the chairs. The Berkline is still working on the switch for the lighted cup holder. They told me it would be in production by next spring. Each cup holder will have its own on/off button that will control the light. Non-domestic groups: 13134 This one did not do anything for me at all. It is basically the 13084 with the slightly modified shape of the back. I did not like the 13084, and I did not like the 13134 either. It felt awkward and not comfortable at all. 13174 This is basically the 090. It did not seat as quite well as the 090, but it was OK for me. It is still a good chair with very attractive pricing. It was much better than 13134 IMHO. I guess the reason this group was just OK for me was the fact that these were manual recliners, and I personally not a big fan of Leggett and Platt mechanism. The power recline version would have been much, much better. 13175 This would be my pick out of all new groups this time. The similar back to the 078s was extremely comfortable. These chairs are great alternative to small 088s or 086s. It has similar (just slightly wider) footprint, but with the 42” high back. The only thing I did not like – it was a comfort rest and not a chaise design. Nevertheless it sat very well. It had great head support especially in the reclining position, and it felt right. The power recline was perfect and the controls were on the sides of the armrests, and that is what I personally prefer. *What I did like on non-domestic groups:* 1. They use quite nice mid grade leather similar to 7077 (group 3 leather). I was actually surprised how well it felt. 2. They have power recline option, which is A MUST, and work as well as on their domestic groups (they use same components). 3. These chairs will be quite affordable. *What I did not like on non-domestic groups:* 1. They use Leggett and Platt mechanism, and it is hard to change the positions on the manual recliners. Thank God they have a power recline option!!! 2. Most of the recliners (except for the 13175) were nothing special. I either did not like them (13084, 13134) or they were just OK (13174). 3. None of the non-domestic groups have C-MAX cushion (not a deal breaker). __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment Last edited by rsh; 10-20-07 at 08:30 PM..

10-09-07, 03:58 PM	#2 \| Link
Samaritano Miembro AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 314 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	What was the width of a 3 chair straight configuration of the 13175? They look really nice. __________________ Edgar

10-09-07, 04:03 PM	#3 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	Samaritano, I do not have the schematics yet, and the ones that where on the floor were curved. I measued them and they were 98". By my calculation, the straight row of three should be around 93-95", but do not hold me to these numbers... __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-09-07, 08:06 PM	#4 \| Link
Samaritano Miembro AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 314 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Thanks Roman... My seat riser is 95" wide. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. __________________ Edgar

10-09-07, 08:08 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	Edgar, You will be fine with this riser size. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-10-07, 04:49 AM	#6 \| Link
Hughmc AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,657	Roman, you are going to be hearing from me in the next few days. I was leaning towards the 86/or 88 in a 4 chair config to minimize width to 115 inches or even 120 if possible. I have spoken to you on the phone several times before, but keep referencing your site and AVS to get the best possible chairs for my setup, hence the time delay. I have about 156 inches in width to work with and would like to have 20 inches each side to walk around. I like the straight config, but would prefer the curved if possible. Although the curved take up a 5 inches more width on the curved config of the 86/88, they actually take up the same or less space as you move toward the front of the two outside chairs since they curve in, don't they? Meaning, while they have a bigger footprint on each rear corner, they have equal to or less width than the straight at the front outside corners since they angle in? I like the 13175 as well and like your recommendation. What is the difference between comfort rest and chaise design?

10-10-07, 08:55 AM	#7 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	Hughmc, The chaise has continues surface between the seating area and the footrest. The comfort rest have two separate plates for the footrest and leg support. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-11-07, 08:34 AM	#8 \| Link
Tweakophyte AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Boulder, CO, USA Posts: 3,253	Hi- Thanks for the pics and the post. What is the C-Max seating? Is it on the 090s? Thanks, __________________ Deep Bass? Find out here! Cut Rigid Fiberglass for a Bass Trap: with Video My Comparison of the old and new SVS PC-U

10-11-07, 08:52 AM	#9 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	The C-MAX cushion has a combination of high-density foam layer surrounded by a very soft layer of foam and fiber wrap. It gives a firmer feel and at the same time stays soft and comfortable. The 090 and other based on the 090s seats do not have it. The groups that do have the C-MAX cushion are: 083, 45001, 45002, 45004, 45010, 45012, 45013, 45014 As I mentioned the difference is very subtle, and I would take a comfort and design of some groups over C-MAX cushion any day. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-20-07, 10:58 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Tweakophyte AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Boulder, CO, USA Posts: 3,253	Hi- One more... when would the 13175 be available? Thanks, __________________ Deep Bass? Find out here! Cut Rigid Fiberglass for a Bass Trap: with Video My Comparison of the old and new SVS PC-U

10-20-07, 11:00 AM	#11 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	soon __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-20-07, 11:18 AM	#12 \| Link
Tweakophyte AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Boulder, CO, USA Posts: 3,253	...and the buttons are not buried! __________________ Deep Bass? Find out here! Cut Rigid Fiberglass for a Bass Trap: with Video My Comparison of the old and new SVS PC-U

10-20-07, 01:13 PM	#14 \| Link
elmalloc Eternal Sonata Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Brunswick, OH Posts: 2,829	sexy! __________________ Theater construction.

10-20-07, 02:23 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Tweakophyte AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Boulder, CO, USA Posts: 3,253	Did the hump in the arm make the armrest too tall on the 13175? Now I see no love seat config... __________________ Deep Bass? Find out here! Cut Rigid Fiberglass for a Bass Trap: with Video My Comparison of the old and new SVS PC-U

10-20-07, 02:25 PM	#16 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	No, I actually found it very comfortable. As I said the 13175 was my favorite from what I tried there this time. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-21-07, 09:16 AM	#17 \| Link
gshipley Whiskey Tango Foxtro Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 263	I live somewhat close to high point and was wondering if anyone can go visit the showroom or do you have to be a dealer?

10-21-07, 09:20 AM	#18 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	The show room is only open during the Market, and yes you have to be a registered dealer. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

10-22-07, 09:28 PM	#22 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	All I have is dimensions per piece: 13174 two arm recliner IOI 3900 W39 D39 H41 one arm recliner OI 5200 W32 D39 H41 LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W43 D37 H41 RF console recliner OV 5440 W37 D39 H41 13175 two arm recliner IOI 3900 W35 D37 H40 one arm recliner OI 5200 W30 D37 H40 LF racliner w/RF console IOV 5340 W37 D37 H40 RF console recliner OV 5440 W33 D37 H40 You can do the math from here... Hope it helps. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment Last edited by rsh; 10-23-07 at 08:14 AM..

10-23-07, 01:20 AM	#23 \| Link
Samaritano Miembro AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 314 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Thanks Roman. It did helped a lot. __________________ Edgar

10-23-07, 09:12 AM	#25 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	Tweakophyte, The first one is correct, the second one is not. IOVOVOVOI - > 37 + 33 + 33 + 30 = 133", but in reality it would be less than that because of the curvuture. I do not have exact number, but my guess it would be around 129" - 130". No, the confirugation IOVOIOVOI is not available. __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

11-30-07, 08:26 AM	#27 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	Edgar, The specs on my site are from Berkline repository. I have not looked at them after I put it on my website - my bad. I believe they are wrong for the 13175. If you look carefully - they do not make much of a sense: According to these specs the straight armrest should be 4.5", and I know for sure it is not. Even if it was, it makes the seat width to be 28.5" which is definitely not the case. These specs are bogus. I will have to talk to Berkline about that. Refer to the dimensions I provided in this thread. From what I measured at the Market 3 seat curved configuration was about 97". __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment

11-30-07, 08:46 PM	#28 \| Link
Samaritano Miembro AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 314 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	Thanks Roman for the update... Is today the last day of the PowerBuy? __________________ Edgar

11-30-07, 10:14 PM	#29 \| Link
rsh AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 1,913	The last day would be Sunday... __________________ Roman rtheaters.com Utimate Home Entertainment