Custon Installation Equipment Reviews

Buying furniture for your AV components and HDTV can seem like a daunting task with all the choices available and like any type of furniture there are all types of styles, designs and sizes. However, it’s much easier to find a cabinet or entertainment center that blends with your decor, while complimenting your electronics. It can be as simple as a small cabinet that holds a TV and a few components or a wall unit that is large enough to conceal electronics and speakers from view. The six models we’ve chosen reflect this diversity, ranging in size, capacity, features and price.

BDI – Eras 8357 $2,145 (shown above)
The chocolate stained walnut finish exudes a distinctly mid-century modern design, and hides AV components behind IR-friendly grey tinted glass doors. A center compartment holds a 7.75” tall speaker plus a media drawer with capacity for 100 DVDs. Removable rear panels provide easy access to equipment and integrated wire management eliminates cable clutter. Rear panels and shelves are vented, keeping electronics cool. Matching coffee and occasional tables are also available. www.bdiusa.com

OmniMount – Verona 55FP $349.95
An all-in-one design, this simple, semi-enclosed, cabinet can be configured several ways. Ideal for corners or against the wall, the 55FP can be used as a flat panel floor stand, or the mount and table can be separated to use individually. It accommodates most 42”-55” flat panels weighing up to 100 lbs, whether the TV is placed on the tempered glass top shelf or attached to the post with the OmniMount Lift and Lock system for easy attachment. A second glass shelf holds up to 50 lbs. The post also serves double duty to route and organize wiring.
www.omnimount.com


Sanus – BFV146 $369
This clean, contemporary cabinet is comfortable in any decor in either a Chestnut or Chocolate wood veneer. The hardwood doors with clear glass and mullions are striking, while allowing IR-remotes to access enclosed AV components. Six-way adjustable hinges allow for easy door alignment. The top of the cabinet easily supports up to 125 lbs, accommodating large flat panel displays. There is plenty of space on the top shelf to hold a center channel speaker or soundbar. The removable back panels include cable management holes, keeping cables organized and hidden.
www.sanus.com

Bello – CW343 $349.99
This striking piece of AV furniture is distinguishable by the dynamic S-shaped sides, crafted of real curved wood in a beautiful Espresso finish. It can accommodate most flat panel TVs up to 55" or 125 lbs., and at least four AV components on the tinted tempered safety glass shelves. Accented by its elegant black chrome posts, this model features a cable management system that hides and manages interconnect cables and power cords. The open architecture provides plenty of ventilation to keep components cool.
www.bello.com


Salamander Designs – Chameleon Corsica Intro $1799
The laid back and easygoing style of the Chameleon Corsica Intro features premium quality components including solid wood doors with soft-closing dampers, infinitely adjustable shelves, ventilation louvers in the bottoms of cabinet segments, and removable rear panels for fast, easy access to component jacks. Available in a stunning cherry finish, the extra-thick end panels are complemented by a seamlessly integrated black glass top. The Chameleon Collection includes nine decorator styles, each in nineteen configurations, all built on an aluminum chassis to ensure reliability and durability. The single cabinet can be used as a matching subwoofer enclosure ($999).
www.salamanderdesigns.com

Diamond Case - Isabella E87C $5,999
This complete entertainment center features an integrated back wall capable of supporting up to a 60"TV. The columns on each side store media, remotes, extra cables and more. Any choice of wood, smoked glass, or grill cloth panels are used for the lower five doors. Grill cloth allows for concealing L/C/R speakers, whereas smoked glass allows components to receive infrared signals from a remote control. The equipment sections feature both adjustable shelves and drawers. The back panels are removable for access to equipment connections and an internal cable management system ensures a clean, clutter-free, installation.  Made in the USA, it is fully assembled out of maple and finished to match the customers decor.
www.diamondcase.com