zupchuck

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

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

lomarica

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $3200.00 from nevada city ca

Summary:
I purchased a complete system, the twin 30's with extension, the light bridge, the feet upgrade and the optional light for your components. Overall I am pleased but there are some issues. the quality is acceptable but for this price real wood should be used. Installation was a pain but manageable. the feet and doors were the most difficult to do. They should have included felt for all metal pieces which touch the wood instead of just one set of felt as it is very easy to scratch the wood. The biggest problem was with the the wood side would not fit in the slot where the light for the equipment rack was. It just did not fit, it needed 2-3mm more room. THis would have been major problem but luckily it is on a side that is not very noticeable and I was thinking about not having the side to allow better access to the components and better ventilation. One other installation issue, you need high ceilings to fit the wood panels in the side slots. The unit looks very good, we left it open on the botton without doors or drawers. I love the looks of the aluminum and cherry. When I get a hd tv I will only have to move one side to get a little extra width for a widescreen tv. this is the best part of the furniture. One problem was the top piece of the extension was mismatched. One piece was finished on both sides, the other piece was not. The stereo shop got it replaced but they told me Salamander only finishes their product on one side now. That is pretty cheapo for what this costs. The biggest short comming is that you have to plan on how many shelves you need as the only way to add shelves is to take it all apart. Also I could not add as many components as I first thought due to spacing limitations so plan it all out before you buy. I cut some the black plastic back panels and custom made a backdrop to hid my wires. It turned out good. music direct gives 15% off list but my stereo shop matched it, so I went local which I am glad I did.

Strengths:
looks modular design

Weaknesses:
costs not real wood some installation quirks cannot add a shelf unless to take it apart

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $650.00 from Tweeter

Summary:
I ordered the 303CB and waited over a month to get it. Finally arrived last week; the wire mesh on the door looks like someone put their foot through it. I'm waiting for a resolution from Tweeter - glad I charged this on Visa so I can dispute it.

Strengths:
Some good looks.

Weaknesses:
Long wait to receive product. Quality control is very poor. Cheap side panels. Overpriced, but I didn't mind due to the looks; now I do mind as to the above stated problems.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Price Paid:  $450.00 from World of Sound

Summary:
The snergy racks are well built, solid, modular, and adjustable. I had previously purchased a Target rack, which I returned the next day. With my top loading 55 lb. CD player (Sony SCD 777ES)on the top rack shelf, the Target rack wobbled. What a piece of junk. No such problem with the Snergy rack. Solid. The Snergy prices may seem expensive when compared to the junk in chain hi-fi stores, but they are a bargain when compared to the voo doo high end stuff.

Strengths:
Flexible shelf adjustment, granite solid, looks great

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Target

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from NYC

Summary:
Just bought a salamander Twin 40 with doors. While putting it together I realized it is not a quality piece of merchandise. Flaws in door and side panel. Really not happy with the piece.

Weaknesses:
finish.... pressed board sides... quality doesn't justify price.