Thread: How much did YOU spend on your A/V "furniture"?

Currently in the market researching for a new TV, planning to purchase in August once I move into a new apartment. :D One of my remaining purchases is a TV stand for the new display as well as my audio equipment.

The problem I am encountering is trying to budget and decide how much to spend on a TV stand. I see some beautiful stands from the likes of BDI, but at $1,000+ for several stands I can't justify spending about 50% of the MSRP of my TV just on a TV stand. So at this point I am considering a Salamander systems stand for around $750.

I would like anyone and everyone to share their experiences shopping for their A/V "furniture" and their budgeting for it. Did you have a specific budget goal or method to the madness?

My personal experience...
I don't have THAT MUCH A/V equipment, just a receiver, Blu-ray player, power conditioner, and game console. I am planning to add a center channel speaker to my system. The problem is that the center channel is just over 9 inches tall, so finding a rack that would accompany it has been a problem. My receiver also is somewhat heavy (around 50lbs) and likes having its space for proper ventilation.

My roommate had a tempered glass TV stand, and I didn't really care for it. Most of the tempered glass stands I've seen also don't have the weight capacity to hold my equipment. So I had a set of specific requirements in mind for the stand with no idea what to do for the budget aspect of it.

My search for the TV stand soon proved to be frustrating. Some stands would fit one requirement but not the others, and some were just outrageous in pricing. Despite all of the companies out there, it seemed like no one had what I was looking for. I then came across Salamander, and one of their stands has what I am looking for: great construction and weight capacity, individually adjustable shelves for my receiver, and modular capability for me to add a riser in the future when I get a center channel.

The only remaining question for me is whether or not the $750 I was quoted for it is too much given my budget for a TV (around $2,500). I understand this question of "how much is too much" is very subjective depending on the individual situation, but I wanted to share my story and see how you all approached your TV stand/entertainment center purchase.

Thanks for your replies!

Originally Posted by thrand1

Currently in the market researching for a new TV, planning to purchase in August once I move into a new apartment. :D One of my remaining purchases is a TV stand for the new display as well as my audio equipment.

The problem I am encountering is trying to budget and decide how much to spend on a TV stand. I see some beautiful stands from the likes of BDI, but at $1,000+ for several stands I can't justify spending about 50% of the MSRP of my TV just on a TV stand. So at this point I am considering a Salamander systems stand for around $750.

I would like anyone and everyone to share their experiences shopping for their A/V "furniture" and their budgeting for it. Did you have a specific budget goal or method to the madness?

My personal experience...
I don't have THAT MUCH A/V equipment, just a receiver, Blu-ray player, power conditioner, and game console. I am planning to add a center channel speaker to my system. The problem is that the center channel is just over 9 inches tall, so finding a rack that would accompany it has been a problem. My receiver also is somewhat heavy (around 50lbs) and likes having its space for proper ventilation.

My roommate had a tempered glass TV stand, and I didn't really care for it. Most of the tempered glass stands I've seen also don't have the weight capacity to hold my equipment. So I had a set of specific requirements in mind for the stand with no idea what to do for the budget aspect of it.

My search for the TV stand soon proved to be frustrating. Some stands would fit one requirement but not the others, and some were just outrageous in pricing. Despite all of the companies out there, it seemed like no one had what I was looking for. I then came across Salamander, and one of their stands has what I am looking for: great construction and weight capacity, individually adjustable shelves for my receiver, and modular capability for me to add a riser in the future when I get a center channel.

The only remaining question for me is whether or not the $750 I was quoted for it is too much given my budget for a TV (around $2,500). I understand this question of "how much is too much" is very subjective depending on the individual situation, but I wanted to share my story and see how you all approached your TV stand/entertainment center purchase.

Thanks for your replies!

After looking at a lot of cabinets I finally purchased the BDI Avion 8527 in Noir:
http://www.bdiusa.com/theater/avion_8527.shtml
Also bought the TV stand for my Plasma TV. My wife has a thing about visible cables. The tubes are a sweet way to hide the cables.
http://www.bdiusa.com/theater/graphi...ion_8527_3.jpg

Many features attracted me to this cabinet. Adjustable ventilated shelves. Solid construction. Hidden wheels.
But two things made the sale. The one thing I had to make sure of was that my Monitor Center speaker fit in the cloth faced center drawer of the cabinet. So I took my speaker to the furniture store. It fit with 1/8th of an inch to spare. The other thing that sold me was the Noir finish matched my Monitor speakers.
The cabinet and TV stand cost around $2,200. I know that is out of your price range. And it was more than I wanted to spend. But I am glad I bought it. I figure it will outlast any component inside the cabinet.

Oh, and madness was my method.:D

Originally Posted by thrand1

Currently in the market researching for a new TV, planning to purchase in August once I move into a new apartment. :D One of my remaining purchases is a TV stand for the new display as well as my audio equipment.

The problem I am encountering is trying to budget and decide how much to spend on a TV stand. I see some beautiful stands from the likes of BDI, but at $1,000+ for several stands I can't justify spending about 50% of the MSRP of my TV just on a TV stand. So at this point I am considering a Salamander systems stand for around $750.

I would like anyone and everyone to share their experiences shopping for their A/V "furniture" and their budgeting for it. Did you have a specific budget goal or method to the madness?

My personal experience...
I don't have THAT MUCH A/V equipment, just a receiver, Blu-ray player, power conditioner, and game console. I am planning to add a center channel speaker to my system. The problem is that the center channel is just over 9 inches tall, so finding a rack that would accompany it has been a problem. My receiver also is somewhat heavy (around 50lbs) and likes having its space for proper ventilation.

My roommate had a tempered glass TV stand, and I didn't really care for it. Most of the tempered glass stands I've seen also don't have the weight capacity to hold my equipment. So I had a set of specific requirements in mind for the stand with no idea what to do for the budget aspect of it.

My search for the TV stand soon proved to be frustrating. Some stands would fit one requirement but not the others, and some were just outrageous in pricing. Despite all of the companies out there, it seemed like no one had what I was looking for. I then came across Salamander, and one of their stands has what I am looking for: great construction and weight capacity, individually adjustable shelves for my receiver, and modular capability for me to add a riser in the future when I get a center channel.

The only remaining question for me is whether or not the $750 I was quoted for it is too much given my budget for a TV (around $2,500). I understand this question of "how much is too much" is very subjective depending on the individual situation, but I wanted to share my story and see how you all approached your TV stand/entertainment center purchase.

Thanks for your replies!

Given the parameters of your budget, I wouldn't spend more than $350 on a stand. The fact that you are moving to an apartment, not a house or condo, don't over invest in a stand. First let me explain, I'm not a "fashionista". I prefer function, over style. I am single so I don't have someone pushing me to buy a stand that looks like a piece of furniture. I have a couple of tv stands, which are all inexpensive ones. My primary one I snagged at best buy on a sale. It is a Bush stand that was a floor model, already assembled. I haggled and paid around $75 for it...and there wasn't a scratch on it. I then went to Home Depot and bought some "industrial" size casters and attached them. I can easily move the stand back and forth, and have easy access to all my components.

I would invest my money in actual equipment, not a stand. Best Buy has a wide variety of stands and you can pick up some deals, like I did, if you look around at the various stores.

Something to keep in mind. The new Panasonic plasmas moved the power sensor to a location where most people would put a center channel. You might want to check out the V10 manual on the V10 thread, the power sensor is almost in the middle of the base. In addition to this location, you already have a "tall" center channel in mind. Another alternative to the center channel problem is buying a center channel like the Polk model. The one I have is designed so you could place it on the floor and it fires upward, or place it in the conventional position.

You can check out this thread with a few options by posters. The stand I posted has a "wall mount" kind of feature that elevates the TV to give clearance for a center channel. Again, I would advise you look around and find a potential bargain on some floor model or discontinued item at Best Buy.

http://www.highdefjunkies.com/showth...xpensive+stand

Originally Posted by sarge1976

I need a new tv stand for my 600M, the center channel I have is too high and way to long to fit into the stand. so now I have to put the center speaker right in front of my tv and it blocks a little of the screen. I did however click on that link Rizzo provided but shit! those stands are expensive, the most I can spend is $500. My center speaker is 22" long, if anyone has an suggestions please let me know,Thanks

22" center speaker? Damn that is a long one. It would fit in my BDI.
So your system list is impressive. Why spend only $500 on a cabinet.

Originally Posted by DigitalDoctor

It's quite easy to build your own suing finished plywood and 2x4's. Paint it semigloss black and voila. It is, after all only a TV stand but you can make it look quite nice.

Only a TV stand. Bite your tongue.

Originally Posted by speedking

Given the parameters of your budget, I wouldn't spend more than $350 on a stand. The fact that you are moving to an apartment, not a house or condo, don't over invest in a stand. First let me explain, I'm not a "fashionista". I prefer function, over style. I am single so I don't have someone pushing me to buy a stand that looks like a piece of furniture. I have a couple of tv stands, which are all inexpensive ones. My primary one I snagged at best buy on a sale. It is a Bush stand that was a floor model, already assembled. I haggled and paid around $75 for it...and there wasn't a scratch on it. I then went to Home Depot and bought some "industrial" size casters and attached them. I can easily move the stand back and forth, and have easy access to all my components.

I would invest my money in actual equipment, not a stand. Best Buy has a wide variety of stands and you can pick up some deals, like I did, if you look around at the various stores.

Something to keep in mind. The new Panasonic plasmas moved the power sensor to a location where most people would put a center channel. You might want to check out the V10 manual on the V10 thread, the power sensor is almost in the middle of the base. In addition to this location, you already have a "tall" center channel in mind. Another alternative to the center channel problem is buying a center channel like the Polk model. The one I have is designed so you could place it on the floor and it fires upward, or place it in the conventional position.

You can check out this thread with a few options by posters. The stand I posted has a "wall mount" kind of feature that elevates the TV to give clearance for a center channel. Again, I would advise you look around and find a potential bargain on some floor model or discontinued item at Best Buy.

http://www.highdefjunkies.com/showth...xpensive+stand

Speedking, I agree with several of your points. I have really tried to keep my expenditure on this to a minimum, so that's why i look for opinions like yours and others.

I have looked around at Best Buy, but I will go back and see if there's anything there. All of the ones at my local store were tempered glass and/or would barely support the weight of my components. So that's why I've been researching and perusing the internet for more help. Maybe I'll head over there again this weekend.

Luckily I don't have anyone except myself influencing this purchase. No fancy doors or custom moldings here, just looking for myself. I am looking around for the best deal as always so my choices are subject to change :D

At 21" long, 9.1" tall, 10.1" deep, and over 30 pounds, this center channel has definitely been the obstacle in this TV stand search. I have two reasons to try and integrate the center channel into the TV stand: (1) Having the center channel on the floor in front of the TV stand wouldn't make sense in my setup and (2) the stand for the center channel from the manufacturer is over $200!

Originally Posted by DigitalDoctor

It's quite easy to build your own suing finished plywood and 2x4's. Paint it semigloss black and voila. It is, after all only a TV stand but you can make it look quite nice.

Due to apartment living and no access to power tools of any sort, this isn't really an option for me Good suggestion though...I've seen several people produce results that rival these manufacturers in quality at a fraction of the price.

Thanks for your stories everyone, keep em coming! :D

Originally Posted by thrand1

Speedking, I agree with several of your points. I have really tried to keep my expenditure on this to a minimum, so that's why i look for opinions like yours and others.

I have looked around at Best Buy, but I will go back and see if there's anything there. All of the ones at my local store were tempered glass and/or would barely support the weight of my components. So that's why I've been researching and perusing the internet for more help. Maybe I'll head over there again this weekend.

Luckily I don't have anyone except myself influencing this purchase. No fancy doors or custom moldings here, just looking for myself. I am looking around for the best deal as always so my choices are subject to change :D

At 21" long, 9.1" tall, 10.1" deep, and over 30 pounds, this center channel has definitely been the obstacle in this TV stand search. I have two reasons to try and integrate the center channel into the TV stand: (1) Having the center channel on the floor in front of the TV stand wouldn't make sense in my setup and (2) the stand for the center channel from the manufacturer is over $200!



Due to apartment living and no access to power tools of any sort, this isn't really an option for me Good suggestion though...I've seen several people produce results that rival these manufacturers in quality at a fraction of the price.

Thanks for your stories everyone, keep em coming! :D

According to your initial post, you haven't purchased this center channel yet. My Polk is 21" long, it's 7 1/2" tall and almost 9" in depth. If this center channel is such a problem, why not get another one?

You may at this suggestion, but you could always approach a local high school "shop" teacher and see if he would be interested in his class having a project of making you a stand. You could provide the specs and material, and you might be shocked at the results.

Originally Posted by DigitalDoctor

The ones I have built look very nice and are a welcome addition to my home theaters. If you spend some time (I do not have a wood shop so I just have the lumber supplier cut the wood to the lengths I require) trim it well and finish it how you want the results are amazing and much less expensive than anything you can purchase. I like and enjoy DIY and I can make the stand to my particular needs concerning shelves, height, width etc.

Just yanking your chain DD.
Actually I am a woodworker and own all the tools necessary to build a nice cabinet. But it is kinda like the computer programmer going home to a computer. I would rather do something else than build a cabinet.
Right now I have a Cabinet install business:
http://www.bnbcabinets.com/

But all I do is install someone else's cabinets.

Originally Posted by brenner

Just yanking your chain DD.
Actually I am a woodworker and own all the tools necessary to build a nice cabinet. But it is kinda like the computer programmer going home to a computer. I would rather do something else than build a cabinet.
Right now I have a Cabinet install business:
http://www.bnbcabinets.com/

But all I do is install someone else's cabinets.

Using your analogy, I guess if you worked in a pizza shop, you'd get sick of pizza, but what happens to a gynecologist? So when his young wife meets him at the door...does he just say, "please...I've seen those all day long, I'm tired of playing with them"....just saying...you never know.

Originally Posted by speedking

Using your analogy, I guess if you worked in a pizza shop, you'd get sick of pizza, but what happens to a gynecologist? So when his young wife meets him at the door...does he just say, "please...I've seen those all day long, I'm tired of playing with them"....just saying...you never know.

I probably would get tired of Pizza. But I doubt I would get tired of pussy. There are always exceptions to the rule.:D

Originally Posted by brenner

I probably would get tired of Pizza. But I doubt I would get tired of pussy. There are always exceptions to the rule.:D

I would never get tired of both. :D

.