TO Butt Shake or Not TO Butt Shake

DarkKnight2k4 · 06-26-06, 03:02 PM

Ok, I recently purchased two Theater seats that came with "butt-shakers". Questions is ... do I use them ? My theater is allready set. Have been pre-wired for all speakers. Running a Pioneer 1015 and a Velodyne DLS-4000R.

Question is, is there anyway to wire these "butt-shakers" without the unsightly wires ?

Is it even worth it ?

Any direction is appreciated.

Thanks.

Macfan424 · 06-26-06, 04:05 PM

It was worth it to me. In fact after adding them, I became convinced that they were a better investment than spending a comparable amount more on a subwoofer upgrade (once you have a good $500+ sub, that is). I know not everyone agrees, but some do.

Admittedly, my situation is not typical as I have a concrete floor, so the Buttkicker is the only way I get any tactile bass sensation other than through the air. Mine is mounted on my sofa.

Buttkicker offers a wireless solution. I've heard that it can be a bit temperamental, but I've had no experience with it, so its hearsay. You could check their website for more information. If your units are Buttkicker (brand), you'll find they have first rate customer service, and will help you with any questions if you email or call them.

Jack Gilvey · 06-26-06, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Ok, I recently purchased two Theater seats that came with "butt-shakers". Questions is ... do I use them ?

Absolutely! If they're "Buttkickers", they'll deliver infrasonics that Vel won't even dream of.

cneely8 · 06-26-06, 08:22 PM

>TO Butt Shake or Not TO Butt Shake

I think once someone reaches a certain weight threshhold, the butt-shaking is no longer voluntary...

Or did I misread the question????

Spezzy · 06-26-06, 09:43 PM

Depends on if the girl likes to..

Never had any experience with them (Buttkickers.. )

, but I say why not try it and then if you like it, just slip the wiring under the floor or thrugh the wall.

L4d · 06-26-06, 10:12 PM

"Depends on if the girl likes to..

Never had any experience with them..."
I could make a rather crude comment about this joke but instead I'de like to hi-jack this thread for a moment.
Does anyone know why a subwoofer hooked up to a buttkicker wireless link using ground isolating cables (from radio shack) would create a constant low rumble?

Thanks for your time and allowing me to jump in!

Soundood · 06-26-06, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L4d

Does anyone know why a subwoofer hooked up to a buttkicker wireless link using ground isolating cables (from radio shack) would create a constant low rumble?

Possible ground loop. Try disconnecting your cable TV cable and see if it goes away. The ground loop may be introduced into the system at any point but 9 times out of 10 it is a cable TV ground differential. The other possibility is a bad wireless link. To eliminate that, try doing a temporary hard wire, bypassing the wireless link.

And...yes, definitely hook up the shakers.

DarkKnight2k4 · 06-27-06, 09:11 AM

Has anyone had any experience with the wireless RF link for the Buttkicker ?

Does splitting the Subwoofer line out diminish what hits my main subwoofer at all ?

thebland · 06-27-06, 09:59 AM

I installed 4 Bass shakers just to see what they are like... have to tell you, I am a big fan even with my mega output subs..

Macfan424 · 06-27-06, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkKnight2k4

...Does splitting the Subwoofer line out diminish what hits my main subwoofer at all ?

No.

I'm running 2 subs and a BK off mine.

Cruzin · 06-27-06, 11:37 AM

I dont have butt shakers,but I do run Aura pro shakers in my HT.Even with both my subs running,the shakers are well worth hooking up.

The look on peoples faces the first time they feel the shakers is priceless.For everything else,theres...o never mind

HT_New_Guy · 06-27-06, 03:27 PM

LOL. I love the end of that last thread...

Yamahalic · 06-27-06, 09:30 PM

The wireless ButtKicker setup only allows the receiver to send a signal to the buttKicker amp wireless. You must still wire between the shaker under the chair and the ButtKicker Amp. Additionally, the wireless sender does not get that high a marks when compared to direct wiring between the receiver and the ButtKicker amp.

If you are going to have to wire up a ButtKicker system buy and use the 1000 amp Buttkicker amp. Simply Y wire off your subwoofer output connecting one arm to the Buttkicker amp the second to that sweet sub that you have. I would then use 12 or 14 guage speaker wire to connect the ButtKicker output to each of your shaker units. When I installed my ButtKicker unit, I purchased the LFE kit, it was simple to install but the speaker wire running around the room is truly a pain-in-the-butt to deal with and the kit only gives you 25 feet of 14 guage speaker wire to work with.

L4d · 06-27-06, 10:12 PM

I just wanted to update you guys on my lil situation regarding the BK-Link. I have isolated the grounding issue with the cable tv. Now...I get an odd wurring noise, like a mini space ship is flying through my sub.

I'm quite dissapointed with this product...I found that the noise goes away when I apply some pressure to that knob on the back of the sender unit and turning it only changes the pitch of the noise! WHAT? I can't stand there and hold this damn thing down...
And a side note. Is it true that your cable company will come out and fix the grounding issue for free?

Thanks for your input!

MRL · 06-28-06, 09:07 AM

I love my buttshakers and can't see doing movies without them. It would be nice to have a remote control though. I have the main amp with the controls on it at and just behind my theater chair so I can reach it. It really cant be seen as there is a wall pretty close behind. Anyway I have been using the wireless unit with good results for 6 months now. There has been several times I have heard a hum but that was it. I think I will eventually hard wire things in.. Its just this works so good for now I am lazy as it will be an all day adventure to wire these things up. Anyway love the buttkickers... My wife is not as impressed but its growing on her. Company is absolutly hilarious to see the expression on their face. I run it as low as it will go and just enough to feel a bit not overly used.

Jack Gilvey · 06-28-06, 09:23 AM

Regarding the wireless link, I'd read similar accounts of noise/thumping so I opted not to go with it even though it was only another $25 on the last AVS powerbuy. I'm running a 25' interconnect from my main rack to the BK amp, which is behind the "shaken" couch. I have two of the kits, one amp powers a pair of LFE transducers in parallel and the other powers my subs.

Soundood · 06-29-06, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L4d

I just wanted to update you guys on my lil situation regarding the BK-Link. I have isolated the grounding issue with the cable tv. Now...I get an odd wurring noise, like a mini space ship is flying through my sub.

I'm quite dissapointed with this product...I found that the noise goes away when I apply some pressure to that knob on the back of the sender unit and turning it only changes the pitch of the noise! WHAT? I can't stand there and hold this damn thing down...
And a side note. Is it true that your cable company will come out and fix the grounding issue for free?

Thanks for your input!

Call your dealer and see about getting the unit exchanged. Sounds like a transformer is humming.

As for the cable company fixing it for free...BWA HA HA HA HA! That is a good one!
Doubtful. You need a cable ground lifter...but be careful as I am starting to find that some of them will cause issues with the return signal if you have a high def cable box and you will lose programming on your DVR (ask me how I know this) . I would probably look at something like a Rolls HE-18 Buzz Off Box which will eliminate hum at the subwoofer output level (RCA) (though I would check to see if it responds deep enough). There is also a cool little product called an Ebtech HumX that plugs into your line and into your amp and eliminates the hum. It is DARNED effective.

Soundood · 06-29-06, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L4d

I just wanted to update you guys on my lil situation regarding the BK-Link. I have isolated the grounding issue with the cable tv. Now...I get an odd wurring noise, like a mini space ship is flying through my sub.

I'm quite dissapointed with this product...I found that the noise goes away when I apply some pressure to that knob on the back of the sender unit and turning it only changes the pitch of the noise! WHAT? I can't stand there and hold this damn thing down...
And a side note. Is it true that your cable company will come out and fix the grounding issue for free?

Thanks for your input!

Call your dealer and see about getting the unit exchanged. Sounds like a transformer is humming.

As for the cable company fixing it for free...BWA HA HA HA HA! That is a good one!
Doubtful. You need a cable ground lifter...but be careful as I am starting to find that some of them will cause issues with the return signal if you have a high def cable box and you will lose programming on your DVR (ask me how I know this) . I would probably look at something like a Rolls HE-18 Buzz Off Box which will eliminate hum at the subwoofer output level (RCA) (though I would check to see if it responds deep enough). There is also a cool little product called an Ebtech HumX that plugs into your line and into your amp and eliminates the hum. It is DARNED effective.

MRL · 06-29-06, 04:51 PM

The folks at Buttshaker are very nice to work with. I had a small install issue I needed answered. I tried email but it was a monday and they had not got to them yet but got the help I needed on the phone. My advice would be to phone them. Again very nice.

DarkKnight2k4 · 06-30-06, 01:21 PM

Well my chairs will be here monday, once I check out the equipment, I will see how we will proceed. Will keep you guys in the loop for advise...

So is the concensus not to investigate the wireless option ?

Ktulu_1 · 06-30-06, 01:26 PM

Shake that junk! I have a single Buttkicker that shakes our living room floor and we love it. It's certainly not a necessary piece but it's cool.

chillinintheoc · 07-03-06, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ktulu_1

Shake that junk! I have a single Buttkicker that shakes our living room floor and we love it. It's certainly not a necessary piece but it's cool.

I would like to buy some of these Buttkickers....could you tell me a good place to pick some up and I would need to get the amp as well.
Thanks

Macfan424 · 07-03-06, 02:16 PM

Get the LFE kit which includes everything you need, including the amp. There was a great Power Buy here a while back, but it's long gone. The best price, including shipping, I found recently was on Amazon.

L4d · 07-03-06, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the suggestion Soundood. I'm going to try the rolls box and see if that fixes the noise.

Ktulu_1 · 07-05-06, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillinintheoc

I would like to buy some of these Buttkickers....could you tell me a good place to pick some up and I would need to get the amp as well.
Thanks

Got mine on a power buy around Christmas. It was too good to pass up. As others have stated, get the LFE kit. Shop around.

Cwwrig · 03-22-07, 03:44 PM

I'm the lone voice out there. I have four buttkickers hooked up, plus I use the wireless signal from the receiver to the amp. I have not had any problems.

I love the buttkickers, but it took me a little while to really appreciate them. There is one scene in King Kong where he falls asleep, and with the buttkickers it feels like you can feel the wind off of his snoring because of the precise shakes the buttkicker gives you.

If you're looking for a good place to buy them try getting them off of Roman the guy who sells Berkline seats on here. He gave me a good deal on them during a power buy. Having said that I did buy 4 seats off of him. But he is top notch.

06-26-06, 03:02 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
DarkKnight2k4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 465	TO Butt Shake or Not TO Butt Shake Ok, I recently purchased two Theater seats that came with "butt-shakers". Questions is ... do I use them ? My theater is allready set. Have been pre-wired for all speakers. Running a Pioneer 1015 and a Velodyne DLS-4000R. Question is, is there anyway to wire these "butt-shakers" without the unsightly wires ? Is it even worth it ? Any direction is appreciated. Thanks.

06-26-06, 09:43 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Spezzy 16 Y/O DJ-Audiophile Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 1,359	Depends on if the girl likes to.. Never had any experience with them (Buttkickers.. ), but I say why not try it and then if you like it, just slip the wiring under the floor or thrugh the wall. Last edited by Spezzy; 06-27-06 at 12:21 AM..

06-26-06, 10:12 PM	#6 \| Link
L4d Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Here Posts: 83 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	"Depends on if the girl likes to.. Never had any experience with them..." I could make a rather crude comment about this joke but instead I'de like to hi-jack this thread for a moment. Does anyone know why a subwoofer hooked up to a buttkicker wireless link using ground isolating cables (from radio shack) would create a constant low rumble? Thanks for your time and allowing me to jump in! __________________ L4d

06-27-06, 09:59 AM	#9 \| Link
thebland Nostradamus of HT AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 19,590 Classified Rating: 100% (3)	I installed 4 Bass shakers just to see what they are like... have to tell you, I am a big fan even with my mega output subs.. __________________ Jeff

06-27-06, 11:37 AM	#11 \| Link
Cruzin Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sherman Oaks,Ca Posts: 502	I dont have butt shakers,but I do run Aura pro shakers in my HT.Even with both my subs running,the shakers are well worth hooking up. The look on peoples faces the first time they feel the shakers is priceless.For everything else,theres...o never mind __________________ Cruzin "Like a fresh spring breeze,Magnepan" for music Dali's for dynamic HT

06-26-06, 04:05 PM	#2 \| Link
Macfan424 AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,613	It was worth it to me. In fact after adding them, I became convinced that they were a better investment than spending a comparable amount more on a subwoofer upgrade (once you have a good $500+ sub, that is). I know not everyone agrees, but some do. Admittedly, my situation is not typical as I have a concrete floor, so the Buttkicker is the only way I get any tactile bass sensation other than through the air. Mine is mounted on my sofa. Buttkicker offers a wireless solution. I've heard that it can be a bit temperamental, but I've had no experience with it, so its hearsay. You could check their website for more information. If your units are Buttkicker (brand), you'll find they have first rate customer service, and will help you with any questions if you email or call them.

06-26-06, 08:22 PM	#4 \| Link
cneely8 AVS Special Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,180	>TO Butt Shake or Not TO Butt Shake I think once someone reaches a certain weight threshhold, the butt-shaking is no longer voluntary... Or did I misread the question????

06-27-06, 09:11 AM	#8 \| Link
DarkKnight2k4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 465	Has anyone had any experience with the wireless RF link for the Buttkicker ? Does splitting the Subwoofer line out diminish what hits my main subwoofer at all ?

06-27-06, 03:27 PM	#12 \| Link
HT_New_Guy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 227	LOL. I love the end of that last thread...

06-27-06, 09:30 PM	#13 \| Link
Yamahalic Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22	It is truly wireless!?!?! The wireless ButtKicker setup only allows the receiver to send a signal to the buttKicker amp wireless. You must still wire between the shaker under the chair and the ButtKicker Amp. Additionally, the wireless sender does not get that high a marks when compared to direct wiring between the receiver and the ButtKicker amp. If you are going to have to wire up a ButtKicker system buy and use the 1000 amp Buttkicker amp. Simply Y wire off your subwoofer output connecting one arm to the Buttkicker amp the second to that sweet sub that you have. I would then use 12 or 14 guage speaker wire to connect the ButtKicker output to each of your shaker units. When I installed my ButtKicker unit, I purchased the LFE kit, it was simple to install but the speaker wire running around the room is truly a pain-in-the-butt to deal with and the kit only gives you 25 feet of 14 guage speaker wire to work with.

06-27-06, 10:12 PM	#14 \| Link
L4d Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Here Posts: 83 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Weird noises! I just wanted to update you guys on my lil situation regarding the BK-Link. I have isolated the grounding issue with the cable tv. Now...I get an odd wurring noise, like a mini space ship is flying through my sub. I'm quite dissapointed with this product...I found that the noise goes away when I apply some pressure to that knob on the back of the sender unit and turning it only changes the pitch of the noise! WHAT? I can't stand there and hold this damn thing down... And a side note. Is it true that your cable company will come out and fix the grounding issue for free? Thanks for your input! __________________ L4d

06-28-06, 09:07 AM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
MRL AVS Special Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: PDX, USA Posts: 1,148	I love my buttshakers and can't see doing movies without them. It would be nice to have a remote control though. I have the main amp with the controls on it at and just behind my theater chair so I can reach it. It really cant be seen as there is a wall pretty close behind. Anyway I have been using the wireless unit with good results for 6 months now. There has been several times I have heard a hum but that was it. I think I will eventually hard wire things in.. Its just this works so good for now I am lazy as it will be an all day adventure to wire these things up. Anyway love the buttkickers... My wife is not as impressed but its growing on her. Company is absolutly hilarious to see the expression on their face. I run it as low as it will go and just enough to feel a bit not overly used.

06-28-06, 09:23 AM	#16 \| Link
Jack Gilvey AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Jersey,USA Posts: 6,152	Regarding the wireless link, I'd read similar accounts of noise/thumping so I opted not to go with it even though it was only another $25 on the last AVS powerbuy. I'm running a 25' interconnect from my main rack to the BK amp, which is behind the "shaken" couch. I have two of the kits, one amp powers a pair of LFE transducers in parallel and the other powers my subs. __________________ Jack Gilvey SVS Customer Service

06-29-06, 04:51 PM	#19 \| Link
MRL AVS Special Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: PDX, USA Posts: 1,148	The folks at Buttshaker are very nice to work with. I had a small install issue I needed answered. I tried email but it was a monday and they had not got to them yet but got the help I needed on the phone. My advice would be to phone them. Again very nice.

06-30-06, 01:21 PM	#20 \| Link
DarkKnight2k4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 465	Well my chairs will be here monday, once I check out the equipment, I will see how we will proceed. Will keep you guys in the loop for advise... So is the concensus not to investigate the wireless option ?

06-30-06, 01:26 PM	#21 \| Link
Ktulu_1 AVS Special Member AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 1,617	Shake that junk! I have a single Buttkicker that shakes our living room floor and we love it. It's certainly not a necessary piece but it's cool. __________________ Jeff Gamertag - Ktulu1 "Assiduus usus uni rei deditus et ingenium et artem saepe vincit" - Cicero

07-03-06, 02:16 PM	#23 \| Link
Macfan424 AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,613	Get the LFE kit which includes everything you need, including the amp. There was a great Power Buy here a while back, but it's long gone. The best price, including shipping, I found recently was on Amazon.

07-03-06, 06:10 PM	#24 \| Link
L4d Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Here Posts: 83 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Thanks for the suggestion Soundood. I'm going to try the rolls box and see if that fixes the noise. __________________ L4d

03-22-07, 03:44 PM	#26 \| Link
Cwwrig New Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8	I'm the lone voice out there. I have four buttkickers hooked up, plus I use the wireless signal from the receiver to the amp. I have not had any problems. I love the buttkickers, but it took me a little while to really appreciate them. There is one scene in King Kong where he falls asleep, and with the buttkickers it feels like you can feel the wind off of his snoring because of the precise shakes the buttkicker gives you. If you're looking for a good place to buy them try getting them off of Roman the guy who sells Berkline seats on here. He gave me a good deal on them during a power buy. Having said that I did buy 4 seats off of him. But he is top notch.