Known primarily for its TV and projector mounts, OmniMount has quietly been assembling a diverse lineup of A/V stands. The new Morello Series, part of the company's Moda furniture collection, has a contemporary aesthetic that blends black-glass shelves with cherry-wood support frames. All of the models in the Morello Series are open designs, with no doors or dedicated speaker compartments and an open backside; they feature cable management and adjustable, rubberized feet to protect your floor. The line includes three models: the Morello 40, Morello 50, and Morello 50FP.
Additional Resources
• Read more AV mount reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find an LED HDTV or plasma HDTV that could be mounted with the Morello Series.
The Morello 40 ($399.95) is a three-shelf TV stand that's designed to hold up to a 42-inch flat-panel TV. The top shelf can support up to 125 pounds, while the two component shelves can support up to 50 pounds. This TV stand measures 40 inches wide by 26 high by 16.3 deep.
The Morello 50 ($399.95) is a two-shelf model in a low-boy form, meaning it's wider but shorter than the Morello 40. It measures 50 inches wide by 17.3 high by 15.5 deep. The Morello 50 can accommodate up to a 55-inch flat panel or 50-inch rear-projection TV. The top shelf supports up to 125 pounds, while the single component shelf can support up to 80 pounds.
Finally, the Morello 50FP ($449.95) integrates a flat-panel TV mount into the Morello 50's low-boy cabinet. The mount is designed to hold a flat panel from 32 to 50 inches, up to 125 pounds, with a universal adapter for greater compatibility with a variety of TVs. The mount swivels 30 degrees in either direction for improved viewing angles. If you don't want an integrated mount/cabinet solution, you can assemble the Morello 50FP as a separate equipment rack and on-wall TV mount, in which case the mount has a 1.5-inch profile. The mount features OmniMount's patented Lift n' Lock system to make it easier to secure your TV in place. The Morello 50FP measures 50 inches wide by 46 high (with TV mount) by 15.5 deep.
Read about the high points and low points of the Morello Series on Page 2.
High Points
• The Morello Series has an attractive, contemporary design.
• The open backside makes it easy to access your equipments' connection panels.
• Each model includes a cable-management solution to minimize the
visibility of wires, which is especially important in an open design.
The Morello 40 and 50 use clips around back, while the 50FP adds a
cable-management post for the TV-mounting system.
• The Morello 50FP lets you integrate a TV mount into the stand or separate the two pieces for increased flexibility.
• If wall-mounting the TV, the mount has a modest profile and uses OmniMount's Lift n' Lock system for easier installation.
• OmniMount's A/V stands are reasonably priced.
Low Points
• The Morello Series' open design means it's not a good choice for
someone who needs or wants to hide the A/V equipment. The design also
lacks a dedicated center-channel speaker compartment.
• Shelving height is not adjustable.
• The series does not include a matching vertical equipment rack for those people who need to accommodate more gear.
Conclusion
The Morello Series has a subtle elegance; the cherry-wood frame helps
distinguish these models from basic black equipment racks. These TV
stands are better suited to someone who has a modest entertainment
system with only a few components. The ability to integrate the TV
mount directly into the Morello 50FP is great for someone who can't or
doesn't want to affix their flat-panel TV to the wall.
Additional Resources
• Read more AV mount reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find an LED HDTV or plasma HDTV that could be mounted with the Morello Series.
