Flexible, modular design with nice wood finishes at a relatively affordable price point.

Not the sturdiest or most attractive furniture in the long run. No doors or sides available.

I followed the helpful tip of one of the reviewers below, and I ordered a 3.0 and a 2.0 (in oak -which was not available in the Synergy line- to match other furniture in my living room). In addition, I ordered an extra shelf, in order to make my own custon 6.0 rack to hold all of my components (incl. the junky ones, actually). That worked great, with more than enough room between the shelves; indeed I probably could've gotten away with a 5.0 plus an extra shelf, in retrospect? Anyway, it looks pretty nice and it serves its function, though I never compared its effect on sound with anything else. Indeed, for convenience I eventually installed wheels on the bottom, though spikes might've sounded better. If I could do it all over again, though, I'd probably get the Synergy in cherry, with sides and doors, so I recommend that higher (and more attractive and sturdy) line, if your budget allows.

Similar Products Used:

Oak entertainment center w/doors.

Design, Wood Finish, Quality Appearance

NONE...

I bought the arch type 3 in the hazelnut finish, and it is beautiful. You are given all the necessary tools to assemble it. It is easy to build, but it take some time. It comes with soft rubber washers to absorb any vibrations, a level tool to even out the shelves. Best of all it is so sturdy.

Similar Products Used:

NONE...

Durable, Good Looks, Infinite adjustment of shelves.

Assembly.

Just purchased yesterday and assembled last night. This is the one with Black Shelves. While people complain about the assembly and I've even noted it as a weakness, it really isn't too terrible. I assembled the unit in under 1 hour. It is a good looking unit and very solid for the money. I read a review for the Archetype 5 and followed someone's advise to assemble "upside down" starting with the top shelf and working my way down...great tip! I really like the fact that if you want to add components or change their position on the shelves you can adjust to any height. Another plus is you can add a shelf for around $30.00, if need be.

I purchased the Archetype 3.0 with black shelves and cherry trim. I added the twin unit in cherry, a drawer unit and a monitor stand in cherry. The flexibility of this system allowed me to customize a configuration to meet my needs. The black shelves have a protective plastic on one side and nothing tells you to remove it - could be the blemishes someone mentioned in the A5.0 reviews, we thought it was a flaw until a call to the factory clarified that we were to remove the plastic. I like the affordability compared to the Synergy line and other "furniture" racks. The pieces were easily assembled, except the drawer unit. I thought the drawer could have been better constructed for $100. My local dealer ordered the unit and it was recieved in 5 business days. I'll give it a 4

My Salamander Design dealer recommended I buy an Archetype 3.0, and a 2.0 and stack them as one unit instead buying an Archetype 5.0 as I originally planned. It was good recommendation, that offers more room for expansion. I bought units with the black shelves. It was easy to put together, and looks good too. It should be the last rack I'll need to buy, barring accidents. On the negative side, a couple of the shelves had minor scratches on the back edge. Not that big of a deal. More disturbing is the warning my dealer gave me about Salamander not packing the correct amount of hardware. My rack was missing a nut. When you spend this amount of money, you should at least get enough hardware. Hope someone from Salamander sees this and corrects these problems.
In retrospect, I wish I had the time, tools, and work space to build my own rack like this. Knock one star off for the problems listed above, and for not being a better value for the somewhat higher price.

I purchased this set up with the spikes for about $200. Compared to other rack systems that are not sand fillable, it seems to be the price/value leader. However, after examining the unit I own, I was able to make an incredibly strong stand for a SONY 32" and center channel speakers. I used galvanized 3/4" threaded rods and bolts/washers, Precut MDF board, Neoprene "fender" washers and the little rubber feet left-over from the Archetype. Ten minutes of careful measuring and a drill with forstner bit and I had all the parts I needed. All these parts cost me $30 at the local home depot (including the forstner bit). The setup is not as sleek as the all black Archetype, but both have that "urban" contemporary look, which I do not like. But my home built set up certainly is the price leader.