Speakers? What is this the 70s??? Speakers are wireless and most people use a Sound Bar instead of speakers.

What exactly are you going to house in this cabinet? Because most smart TV don't require any additional equipment.

Please note how low your TV should be mounted on the wall.

If you really need bookcases and are not just trying to fill up the wall, consider something like you see below.

You don't have to install a gas fireplace. You can purchase an electric one or the new LED Water Vapor one that is very realistic.

Consider recessing the TV into the wall for a better appearance.

Thanks.

Those images show a significant amount of 'white space' above - and don't look bad at all. The last image shows a speaker similar to ours..

The cabinet/console will house a vintage stereo receiver and on top of the cabinet a vintage turntable. (LPs might also be stored in the cabinet/console.) These devices will operate independently of the modern smart TV. Yes, that's a bit of an old school vibe.

We've typically centered our TVs at 48-60 inches depending on variables (like viewing from barstool ht, etc.). But given a choice - we'd likely go lower. But we've got plenty of room to go up/down on TV position - that's not a constraint here.

There are lower consoles (but again the choices in wider consoles is pretty limited) and if going with built-in cabinet could be built to 30" (or lower) vs 36".

thanks again

I agree! These are old school acoustic suspension speakers that are wonderful for a lot of different music. For music I prefer just these 2 speakers - no sub.

Have a sub that is great for movies w/ F/X but really we don't watch the big spectacles so much. May keep it in opposite corner of LR (not shown) and will at least wire for it just in case.

thanks,

Art on the wall on either side of the TV will balance it out. It looks great to me and keep the speakers. Best sound for music. Surround sound is for movies and TV.

Obviously BeverlyFLADeziner doesn't hang out with any Audiophiles, specially those into 2-channel systems!

My dad still has a set of speakers he bought in Germany & brought back during Vietnam. Still going strong.

We have wired speakers as well - they are connected to a sonos amp, so we do have "current" tech, but I totally get keeping your system as is.

Anyway, not sure if IKEA is in your wheelhouse, but you can make your own console with them - and make it as long as you want (BESTA). I'm considering doing that for under our 85" TV to anchor the space a bit. TV looks lonely on the wall otherwise.

LOL --- a well-balanced sub doesn't only enhance movie soundtracks, but at least it has you thinking. My dad had a pair of Quad speakers that he just sold -- I loved them so much I wrote about them. :) https://www.soundandvision.com/content/ode-hifi-end-era

We have klipsch audio for our movie room, we have towers flanking the tv and a large subwoofer along w other speakers (im no professiona lol) The sound, if youre into that, is ridiculous. We also have surround sound speakers built into the ceiling although im not sure if they are used during movies. In our greatroom, we also have surround sound built discreetily into the ceiling, and they have great sound. I guess it depends on if you want speakers showing, which i did not, but the media room is my husbands domain. For a sleek, customizable and very functional media console, id suggest BESTA from ikea. Google besta media consoles and you will get the idea. You can mount them on the wall which makes them look more contemporary and the illusion of not taking up a lot of floor space.

I know nothing about electronics, but know the difference in sound. Keep the wired.

On another topic, I was sad to read that Sam Lay passed at at 86. I loved him on the cover of a Paul Butterfield album wearing his gold lame boots. He had "his mojo workin", for sure.

Not sure of your design style, but have you checked Room & Board and West Elm. They both have some longer media cabinets.

I have also seen where people place 2 of the same media cabinets next to each other to achieve a larger piece. Works best when the cabinet has a simple design and straight lines on the sides.

These are some great options!

(And it's good to know others appreciate the sound from a pair of good speakers)

Room and Board and WestElm both have some wider consoles in the mid 80s inch and up that I like.

I'd forgotten about Besta - looking at that as well. (and we have an Ikea nearby)

I'm also going to have our general contractor get an estimate for doing a built in cabinet along that wall as a comparison option.

Thoughts on a long shelf across the top - maybe broken into 3rds with vertical piece? Maybe at 9 ft (2 ft below the 11 ft ceiling) say 9-12 inches deep painted in trim color?:

Thanks,

@LH CO/FL - read your article - interesting Quad speakers that I only vaguely recall seeing in stores - pretty amazing stuff back in the day - thanks for sharing

@HU-528228756 thanks. My (93-year-old) dad loved those speakers and was so sad to let them go. But as you read, they inspired my career as an audio engineer.