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Review 1 of 43
Price Paid:
$980.00
from Tweeter, Etc. Summary:
This system is highly configurable and has a variety of finishes and
accessories. The online configuration tool is quite handy. I bought
the S20 triple with perforated side panels, perforated doors, black
posts, black main panels, standard feet ant back panels. List was
~$1200, I bought during a 20% off sale.
Packaging was quite good, my unit was unblemished. Assembly is pretty
straightforward. It's essentially high-priced Ikea style construction
needing a minimum number of tools and consisting of several common parts
to make a variety of configurations. Custom, it really is not.
Directions are mostly clear. Basic versions of tools are provided
(including a small bubble level, and handy spacing ruler). One huge
caveat - since support brackets ride in channels of the posts, you must
plan accordingly. Otherwise you will have to disassemble what you just
put together. Also, adding additional shelves, door, drawers, etc.,
will require the same disassembly/reassembly. It's like a stack of
Legos - you have to pull off the top ones to add or replace one further
down.
The unit holds a great deal and is very stable. And it looks nice. Now
for the not-so-nice.
Be forewarned, if you order in black, the surface is not stained veneer
like the other surfaces. It is a lightly textured black paint. Who
knows the quality of the panel underneath. The black doors are not
solid wood (even like a cheap kitchen cabinet door). It is molded saw
dust and glue. The middle panel is snapped into place with a cheap
rubber gasket, not mitered in like a cabinet door. The doors do not
adjust horizontally enough to close the significant gap between door and
post. No shims are provided.
The unit's depth should be extended. Most decent receivers these days
are deep and cables extend several inches beyond where the standard back
panels would be attached. At $129 per panel, the extended version is a
waste of money for some stamped sheet metal. At $129 for a pair of
doors made of glue and sawdust, I feel ripped off. Adding a drawer is
$129 (and a bunch of reassembly headaches).
In fact, the value of this furniture is in its configuration
possibilities and strength, not the in the fit and finish category. The
black version should be discounted because of the lower quality of
materials and finishes being used. I unfortunately did not see a black
version in the stores. Fine furniture it is not. Functional, it is.
Expandable it is, too. When I replace my 230# Sony XBR tube for a flat
panel TV, I know I can buy a tower bracket from which to hang my TV if I
need.
For the price I paid, it's a little disappointing. At half the price,
the value would be more appropriate.
Strengths:
Functional, strong, expandable. Weaknesses:
Poor fit and finish (black), sub-standard materials (black doors),
expanding requires substantial disassembly. Value. Similar Products Used:
Metro Shelf
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