VTI AR Series 3-Shelf 42" TV Stand - AR503

I wanted something I could move by myself to hold my 32" TV and four components, and I am able to do so with this unit. It was easy to assemble and is deep enough to hold my 17" X 18" X 8" CD player on the lower shelf. (However, one of the posts in back blocks the connectors on the player, so I have to angle it rather than having it even with the front of the shelf.) The biggest negatives so far are that it shows fingerprints really badly (I have the black shelves) and that it arrived with an absolutely sickening and poisonous smell on two of the shelves. I opened up the package and aired out the shelves in my garage for two weeks before assembling the unit, but it's still a bit stinky. I'm guessing those shelves were wrapped and packaged before the finish had a chance to fully cure. There are also some spots of sticky residue from tape and behind the front logo decal that fell off; I'm not sure what would be safe to use to remove it, since no care instructions were included. If I had it to do over, I think I would buy the same type unit from the same manufacturer, but in a larger size.

Solid, attractive TV stand came very well packed. [...] My only issue was that the assembly required a wrench and phillips screwdriver with a long shaft. My own screwdriver was too short so I had to postpone assembly with the pieces all over the place until I could buy one. I bought a wrench, too, but the wrench head was too thick so I ended up tightening the nut on the wheels with my fingers. I would have appreciated assembly tools being included with the stand, or at least information in the instructions as to the specifications of the screwdriver and wrench need for assembly.

Very nice looking in my bedroom

I used this with a 42 in plasma in the basement rec room. It easily held all of the other devices, cable box, dvd player, old vcr, receiver, xbox and playstation 2. Rolls perfectly so we can view from couch area, and exercise area, and also move back from pool table. The perfect solution, My only complaint is that it looks better than what we have in the living room!!!

You need a 9/16" wrench and a long shaft phillips head screwdriver to assemble. It would have been nice if a combo tool were included like I have seen with other knock down furniture purchases. Otherwise it looks great, is easy to move and holds a 42" TV and 3 or more components easily.

My tape player was in the closet and I had to purchase another stand to hold the cable box and the dvd player. Now our very heavy 39" tv plus all the extras are all together plus a computer we added for my husband who has vision problems with our small computer screen, and we still have a lower shelf if we need to add more (we purchased the extra shelf). I love it.

I purchased both the TV and 6-shelf Audio Pier, and am very pleased with the careful packaging, quick shipment, and construction quality of both. Very easy to assemble. The stands would benefit by the addition of rubber washers to guard against overtightening poles and blistering the finish. Also, the casters could be sturdier. Still, I am very happy with this purchase. Your construction ratings are right on the mark, although I would have given both the TV and Audio Stands a 4. My other choice would have been the Louvan combination, at the same price, but lacking casters and having 1 less shelf.

Product shipped directly from manufacturer very quickly. Ordered on Sunday, in my home in 5 days, delivered on Saturday. Shipment was damage free. Product is packaged for ground shipment. Every shelf is wrapped in bubble shipping material with cardboard separating everything. The casters, posts, and assembly hardware were boxed separately within the shipping carton. The posts were wrapped in plastic sleeves to prevent them from rubbing together in shipment. The casters and hardware in their own bags. No problems assembling the stand. The pre-drilled holes in the shelves aligned almost perfectly. The shelf surfaces are smooth. The casters roll easily on a hard surface. Three of the six casters have locks to prevent rolling. On wall to wall carpeting the locks aren't necessary, but they are a nice addition. The AR503 looks good with my audio/video system on it. The shelf is wide enough to have my 40" Sony HDTV and center speaker on it. Great product!! Thanks

The stand arrived in perfect condition on the day promised. Looks nice - better than expected. Only thing I don't like is the manufacturer's logo - VTI - glued on the edge of the top shelf, front and center. It makes an otherwise fine piece of TV furniture look cheap. Plus, the logo is crooked. I'm tempted to take it off (it is moving around a little bit), but that might make things worse. We'll get used to it. Otherwise pleased with service and the quality.

Likes: easy to assemble, good quality for the money, sturdy material with a nice finish Dislikes: difficult to move on carpet if stand is supporting a lot of weight