Furniture - Credenza/console for equipment

[mod]

I'm shopping for a TV credenza or console and was wondering if any of you have any recommendations on good places to buy or order from.

I want a piece of furniture (typically 20 to 24 inches high and about 65 or so long) that will house a receiver, dvd, vcr, cable box and a center channel. So there would be three sections so the center channel would be in the middle. I want doors (solid, grills, fabric or?) since I'll use RF. Some have proper venting and quick release rear panels. The TV will be wall mounted above the credenza. I've found pricing from $400 to $2000.

Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[jostenmeat]

I am here to throw you a curveball. Please do not find it offensive that I am no helping your cause as far as the specificity of your query. Would you be completely against an audio rack anywhere else but directly front and center? Even front and corner is better, IMO.

Get an identical speaker as your mains as your center channel. If you follow these instructions, you will have achieved a holy grail of sorts as far as front sound stage is concerned. As well as optimal off-axis listening for multiple viewers. No lobing as is with 99% of all center speakers made.

And the best part? It won't cost anymore. If anything, I'd say you have money in the pocket.

And I'm only talking about audio. Not having the lights up front allows for better video immersion.

Other audio bonuses will include better stereo imaging, or m-ch imaging without a huge credenza between them. Less reflection issues. All tweeters on the same plane, perfect pans, and perfectly matched.

Please scroll to the bottom of this thread to see my rant.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46987

The only system pics of any audioholic, off the top of my head, who did such a thing is with jvgillow's setup. If there is someone else, I can't think of that person.

I would love to do such a thing, but I can't afford an AT screen setup. Would require a new PJ that is a light cannon if I did as well.

If I threw up a flat panel on the wall, I absolutely guarantee you I would.

 

[Adam]

mod, have you checked out StudioTech? I looked into their stuff a bit about a year ago. I never bought from them...but I haven't bought a new console, yet. So, I'm not recommending them, but rather just suggesting that you check them out. Their stuff looks pretty good, and AH did a review of their U-22T unit that meets your description.

 

[itschris]

Brother, I'm here to help having just gone through total analysis paralysis when buying my console. Let me direct you to All Modern Furniture http://www.allmodernfurniture.com/TV-Stands-C22797.html

I got my BDI Avion from them and I have to tell you they were the most customer oriented place I've dealt with in a long long time. My cabinet came to me damaged, I called to let them know and they called me back the next day with several options from rush shipping a replacement to giving me a deep deep discount on the slightly damaged one I received amongst others. They are top notch.

The BDI cabinets are dream for a/v. They have sliding rear vented doors, a nice recess for all the wires. All the shelves are vented and have all sorts of routing options. I've cranked my Elite 94 and Sunfire Amp for up to four hours nonstop and did not once ever think it got too hot in there. Another think about BDI, they built very very well. They're very high quality pieces of furniture.

I've seen other more shi-shi consoles out there, but I'd stick with solid manf. that understand a/v requirements. Hope this helps.

 

[itschris]

Here's a pic of my cabinet. I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

View attachment 6251

 

[ParadigmDawg]

This is the one I have and the only thing I could find to fit my center channel.

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

 

[itschris]

This is the one I have and the only thing I could find to fit my center channel.[/IMG]

Nice setup. I had similar troubles. The BDI cabinet barefit my center. I had to take the top drawer out and fit just perfect.

 

[billy p]

Fyi

Check out costco online they have some real nice home entertainment centres. I bought mine from there. Couldn't provide a link.
PS: I love the no hassel customer service if your not happy.

 

[armaraas]

This one fit everything I was looking for:
http://www.thesimpletvstandstore.com/p-1146-elite-industries-el-906-el906-6575-wenge-credenza-tv-stand-and-audio-rack-combination-unit.aspx

The space for the center speaker only holds a speaker a little over 7" high so that might be a drawback for some, but I wanted something that could hold 6 components easily and the speakers. I'm not condoning that website in anyway, just FYI. I actually paid quite a bit less for mine. My stand was quite damaged from the company that sold it to me, but the manufacturer was easy to work with and sent me 2 replacement drawers and other parts for free. Couldn't have asked for more.

 

[BMXTRIX]

www.racksandstands.com is one of the best in options which cover everything, but to really get exactly what you may want, no holds barred, www.salamanderdesigns.com can let you cut loose and includes an online designer feature if you are interested.

I use Salamander for many of my installs and they do work well and provide exactly what a lot of people want - the doors, the ventilation, the style, and the versatility to give you what you need and want. Yet, Racks & Stands may have some pre-fab item which costs half as much available as well.

 

[Adam]

I was trying to remember Salamander but couldn't. Thanks!

 

[EJ1]

I have a Salamander and I love it! Very versatile and build quality is amazing. Their packaging/shipping could be better but they take care of you.

 

[mod]

Thanks for all of the great leads. Some I was familiar with, some were new. The killer in this whole thing is the same issue some of you have had; the center channel dimensions. My center is 20 1/2" wide and some cabinets only allow 20". I know the BDI's, Salamanders, and some others allow enough space, but that extra half inch could cost me $1,000 or more over what other cabinets (like one at Costco) would cost. That's tough to take.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The Plateau that I have has a center space is 33.0” and almost 22" high if you leave the glass shelf out. ~880 bucks, shipped for free.

The 65'' model has a center of 23" wide and cost ~780 bucks.

 

[billy p]

Thanks for all of the great leads. Some I was familiar with, some were new. The killer in this whole thing is the same issue some of you have had; the center channel dimensions. My center is 20 1/2" wide and some cabinets only allow 20". I know the BDI's, Salamanders, and some others allow enough space, but that extra half inch could cost me $1,000 or more over what other cabinets (like one at Costco) would cost. That's tough to take.

If you're going to mount the display above the credenza why do you need to place your centre channel inside the unit when all that room above would suffice. That would be a good way IMO to save a few bucks.

 

[mod]

I want the center channel in the credenza so it blends into the room more. My main speakers are Klipsch in-wall and my rear surrounds are in-ceiling. I thought about using an in-wall center, but didn't want to change the wall studs to fit and center the speaker.