52" TV stand recommendations.

[topspeed]

Hey guys,

I finally decided to join the HD club and ordered a new JVC 52" DILA set today. Now, what the heck do I put it on?!? Here's the scenario, the wall niche where the set will go is 52.5" wide. That's not a biggie from the research I've done. Here's the challenging part: my center channel is 12" tall and weighs 30lbs. I'd love to put it under the set in the stand but so far haven't found anything that will fit a 12" tall cc. I also would prefer to stay away from overly techie designs (lots of chrome or metal and glass) as our decor runs towards cherry and mahogany wood. Price point is $1k. Any ideas?

[Breezer88888]

I had the same issue as you. My Infinity center is almost 2 feet wide, about a foot tallk, and over 30 lbs.

If you have an Ikea near you, don't shun this suggestion just yet, take a look at this. I bought their Magiker TV unit and assembled it without one of the inside vertical supports. I lose shelving on one side, but I gain a large area for my center channel. I put my satellite receiver which weighs nothing on top of my center. And the best part is that the unit costs $139. Let me know what you think.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=11726

[topspeed]

That's not bad breezer. Does it come in any other finishes? I couldn't tell from the link.

[Breezer88888]

Hi Topspeed,
I have come to accept that those of us with large beautiful sounding center channels must make some compromises. Unfortunately it looks like that particular Ikea entertainment unit is only available in that light maple finish. I know you're trying to match darker wood tones in your room, but maybe its worth applying a coat of paint on it before you assemble it? You know how these units come in a box with about 20 planks of pressed board inside? If you have space to lay it all out until the paint dries, it could work out nicely. Anyway, whatever you decide to do, put a post here so I know what I could have gone with. Even though I'm very happy with it, I'm always curious.
Good luck,
Breezer

[Woochifer]

This is Salamander Designs' Synergy modular system. They have a riser setup so that you can tuck a center speaker underneath. The tallest one available is 12", so it might still be a tad bit tight for your center speaker. If it's possible to wall-mount your TV (congrats BTW, let us all know how it works for you, because I'm still waiting for my turn on the HDTV bandwagon), you could also go for a plasma stand, which might give you sufficient space underneath the TV.

http://www.salamanderdesigns.com

http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/syn/imgs/gal_334cbmatb.jpg

http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/syn/imgs/gal_237wb_01.jpg

[topspeed]

I pretty well gave up on fitting my center under the tv...maybe. I ordered this stand (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5306466&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03116&id=1051806242056)last night after resigning myself to the fact that I'll need to have a custom shelf built to hold my cc.
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/5306/5306466_ra.jpg


However, now I found this Sanus table (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=product&id=1056281191558)that I think would work real well, but it doesn't say how much distance is between the bottom and top shelfs. What do you think?
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/5678/5678947_ra.jpg


The salamander stuff is really cool, but that it going to be a seriously tight fit squeezing my cc into the Synergy model. I really appreciate the link tho, Wooch.

While at BB looking for a stand last night, I became thoroughly convinced that LCoS is the ticket for me. They had LCD's and DLP's from Mits, Sony, Toshiba, LG And Samsung all in a row and I still think the JVC has the best picture. I read Hitachi is releasing their 1080p LCoS in November and while I prefer Hitachi, I'm unwilling to wait or pay the price (est. $6k). Now I have to upgrade my stb to an HD-DVR and my dvd player to a progressive scan and I'll be set. Hoo-boy, combined with my vacation to Vancouver (where's RGA's Soundhounds again?), this is looking to be an expensive month!

Thanks again!