bit-tech Shopping: Tech Craft SWP60 Credenza Wood TV Stand

• Enclosed Shelves
• Glass Door

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Lots of Storage space, Nice dark color, 60 inches in width and low in height

Weaknesses: Shelving areas could be wider. Directions are not very helpful

Summary: I mounted my TV on the wall and wanted a 60" wider console/stand with low in height and this turned out to be a great piece. My unit came with 2 damaged side panels, a damaged top board, and few missing screws. I am currently waiting for the replacement parts.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Looks more expensive than it is, good fit & finish, hides the center channel nicely.

Weaknesses: Some center channels may not fit in center section, receivers/DVD players can be tricky to get in once doors are attached.

Summary: I found this model (SWP60) online, and took a trip down to Circuit City to see it in person. There weren?t any dimensions online as far as the shelf width, and I wanted to find out if my center channel would fit. The center section measures 18.75?, which may be too narrow for some speakers, and could be a major factor in purchasing this model. This is one of the few reasonably priced cabinets that hides the center channel though, giving it a much better overall look. The side sections measure 18? each, which hold my receiver and DVD player perfectly. A word to the wise though, it?s much easier to put the receiver and DVD player in before attaching the doors. It can be done after the doors are attached, but the hinges can get in the way. I consider this a minor inconvenience though, as I shouldn?t have to worry about it after the initial installation. The build quality is fine, probably in line with a Sauder product. Nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done and seems plenty sturdy. The panel fit is nice and tight, with minimal panel gaps in the cabinet doors (though the Circuit City floor model wasn?t assembled very well, making it look much worse than it is). Overall I highly recommend this model, as it is well built, the perfect width, depth, and height for a 52? TV, and the price is several hundred dollars less than the competition. The other models I was looking at were in the $900-$1,000 range, and the quality of this one seems right on par with those.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Very sturdy construction. Nice dark wood color. Four component shelves, room for subwoofer.

Weaknesses: Shelving areas could be taller. Item is very heavy to move and the direction are not very helpful - mostly pictures with very little written description.

Summary: I shopped around and bought this item from Technology Connection for less than $300. It is a fantastic TV stand that is big enough to accommodate my Sony KDL-52XBR5 and four component pieces. It looks great, is very sturdy and is more affordable than similar items.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Good looks. Secure packaging. Easy assembly

Weaknesses: Carefully measure components to make sure they fit

Summary: This stand looks fantastic and is extremely functional. It took me approx 2 hours to assemble by myself (would have take half the time if I had a helper). You cannot tell that it is a "Ready to Assemble" piece by looking at it. I would highly recommend this to anyone purchasing a 50-65" as lon as it meets the weight limits of the stand. I am using it with a Samsung HLT-6187S DLP tv and it is great. The center door has a fabric screen so you can put your center channel speaker behind. The only minor problem I have with it is the width of the two side compartments - My receiver only just squeezes in and it is necessary to make all the cable connections before sliding the receiver in. Not a big deal as long as I'm not replacing components that often, but would be nice if the openings were and inch wider.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Sturdy & Stylish unit

Weaknesses: Assembly pictures, not written instructions somewhat vague.

Summary: This is a good valued sturdy unit made from pressed wood verniers & solid woods. Instructions are a joke but unit can be assmbled by one man in an hour. My unit came with a damaged side panel and I am currently waiting for a replacement part.