Salamander Synergy 402 A/V Component Cabinet (Cherry/Black)

I'm downsizing -- not in the number of my AV components, but moving everything from a large console unit that's 6' wide. After shopping a lot and reading reviews, I ordered the Synergy 402. The unit came well packed. Although one of the nylon shipping straps had cut through the box, nothing was damaged.This is an a very heavy and well-built unit. What a nice surprise to see a high quality product that's made in the USA -- but not cheap!Assembly was very easy. Four substantial and beefy extruded aluminum posts screw into the included leveling feet through the thick piece of base wood. (I didn't use the feet, but instead had ordered the optional wheels). Everything else assembles around the four aluminum posts. The side panels drop in securely without having to use any fasteners. The door mounts easily and very securely. You can choose left or right opening at the time of installation. The front of the door is a heavy metal screen/mesh material. IR for the remotes will get through it, but the AV components are mostly camouflaged. The mesh helps with component cooling too. I ordered the extended optional back which gives more room for extra deep components, like my Denon AV4308CI. Once you get everything hooked up, the back goes on quickly and easily, and cables are all nicely hidden (There are cutouts and an open bottom for running cables to external components.)The unit comes with a ruler, wrench, allen keys, and a small bubble level to help with aligning the 4 shelves which are easily height adjustable with cams that lock securely.My only gripe is the extended back panel which came in a separate order from World Wide Stereo (the main rack was fulfilled by Amazon) was advertised by the seller as "new". However, it came in a very beat up box with a RETURNED / TRADE-IN MERCHANDISE TICKET label dated 1-26-11. But that's the sellers fault and I'm not marking down the product for that. [SEE NEW COMMENT BELOW]FOLLOW-UP COMMENTS REGARDING World Wide Stereo.Lisa from World Wide Stereo contacted me regarding having been sent a returned (not new) item. She was extremely apologetic, and offered to replace the back panel with a new one free of charge. By that time, I had already assembled the unit. So instead, she offered me a partial refund and has since credited my account. We all make mistakes -- it's how we deal with them that makes the difference and World Wide Stereo has my confidence for future business.

The cabinet is pretty nice and fits all my components as planned.I do have to agree with virtually every other reviewer here: The packaging is terrible. The box arrived punctured, the various pieces are not sufficiently protected. Almost every piece had some minor scratches and the door insert (metal) was dented significantly. I'm not sending it back due to the hassle involved, and because the next one might be in even worse condition, but cheap packaging like this is pretty disappointing for such an expensive prooduct.

Good value for the price. The wood color is slightly different shades on the sides vs the top and bottom pieces. Assembly is difficult because the directions are confusing. I am usually proficient at assembling furniture, but this one was a pain for sure. For example, The shelf clips are universal but the directions will have you looking for a left and right side. This is just one example. All in all it took 4 hours to assemble. You will also need 2 people to help as not a 1 person job. Good luck!

This Salamanader unit is an awesome addition to your home theater collection. The unit was easy to setup, very flexible for shelf sizes, came with its own little leveler, and is solidly constructed. This is a must have if you like well built furniture that looks good! You can put 2 of these side by side and reverse the doors so they look to be one unit. The shelves were very customizable so getting big and small equioment heights fitted was simple. Highly recommend this product!

Very expensive, don't see why anybody should pay $800 for this product.The shelves and door have a plastic coating (or a film) which gives it a shine. The problem is that the coated surface gets damaged easily in assembly. The door was difficult to attach to the cabinet body. The hinges did not fit easily in the door's grooves. I had to use painters tape to make the hinges thick so that they stayed in the door's groove.I will not buy expensive Salamander products in the future.

Good delivery and relatively easy assembly - very sturdy and handsome. Fits well even in a living room. Wood is better than anticipated - functions well as a rack.

For the price, I expected the packaging to be better and the box came and it was have crushed and puncture. YIKES!!! (also pieces was loose in the box)Luckily only the styrofoams were heavily damaged. The wood and material is great. But when I put the door on, it is not 100% level/even as there are gaps on some corner. I have try to adjust it for hours and no luck.Just make sure you understand that it may have some gaps with the doors..