[gkinberg]

I see many more favorable mentions of Salamander cabinets and stands that I do for Sanus Systems cabinets and stands.

I am partial to the Sanus WFAV44 vs the Salamander twin 30. They have similar dimensions but I like the look and the structural integrity statements in specifications. However, I have yet to read of someone posting favorable comments regarding Sanus gear let alone the WFAV44. Can someone assuage my concerns and state that they have positive experience with a Sanus A/V cabinet or is it an inferior product.

Thanks for any help, Garth

[Audiophiliac]

I am partial to Salamander as that is what I have. I love the flexibility you have with the Synergy system. You can add on to it, put wheels on it, add shelves, adjust them infinitely, add doors, add drawers, extended rear panels for deep components, add a flat panel mount, etc...etc....I like the looks of it as well.

But I have done a couple of those Sanus Woodbrook cabinets and they are solid. If you can live within the limits of the Sanus and like its look better than the Salamander, go for it. If you have deep components (more than 17.5" or so), or lots of stuff that runs really hot, the Sanus can get toasty inside even with their "convection cooling system". They are pretty classy looking and heavy.

Either way, you should be happy. But I think the Salamander is a better value.

[Phil A]

Salamander as noted is very flexible and I like the looks.  I have twin 40s with bridges for years and have gone through many components and rearrangement.  I also have a couple of the 40 inch media cabinets (expensive but they match) and a 20 inch end table with drawers.  Pictures of my room in are in the gallery.  If I had the time more time, I'd either design something and have it made or build it.  For what many of the more expensive audio cabinets cost, there's lots of choices.  In the basement I have an old Target rack filled with heavy metal.  I actually priced granite shelves for it once but the shelves are fixed and granite would be thicker.  I had two of the Target racks before my Synergy stuff and I gave one to my brother. 

[JP78]

Where I work we retail both Salamander and Sanus. I've seen several of the racks and there's no question the Salamander is the better build quality; these things are rock solid. Of course, on average they're 2-3 times more expensive so they better be!

[electricbear]

Like JP78 I'm a retailer for both. I agree whole heartidly with his statement. Salamander is better built but for a lot less $$$ Sanus makes a lot of sense

[gkinberg]

Thanks guys for your comments. Have you seen the WFAV44 in person and if so, is it attractive. As I mentioned, it is one of the few cabinets that has my required dimensions and I like the look of it. However, ads can make baby vomit look great In addition, I have a nearly 300 lb tube TV that I will temporarily put on top of the cabinet until I upgrade to a plasma. The Sanus top shelf is rated at 250 lbs while the salamander is rated at 200.

Two of you mention that sanus is cheaper but the wfav44 is around $900. Is this a reasonable price or can I get it cheaper at a certain site?  Thanks for your help - Garth

[Audiophiliac]

I agree that a lot of Sanus stuff is not equal to the Salamander Synergy stuff, but the Woodbrook cabinets are actually very nice and solidly built. The cabinet mentioned is $949 MSRP. Salamander Twin30 is $649....of course that is without side panels and doors so not really an apples to apples comparison.

I am sure you would be fine with your CRT TV on top of either one BTW.