[SAMURAI36]

I was hoping that there was a thread dedicated to this somewhere, but after doing a search, I didn't come up with much, save a few statements here and there.


So, I have some Q's about these little gizmo's:


#1) Are they worth the $$$ for them (although they really aren't that x-pensive)?


#2) I've been eye-balling the AURA bass shakers.....They seem to be reasonably priced....Is there a better brand for my money?


#3) Every installation guide I read, states that you must connect the shakers via an amp.....This seems strange, given that most shakers (especially the ones I'm looking at) only require 25-50W of power.....Can't your AV receiver handle that small load?


#4) I've also noticed that every connection I've seen requires a sub-woofer connection.......I don't use a sub, so is there a way to connect the shakers without it?


#5) For those who own and use bass shakers,what is your x-perience with them? Any pro's and/or con's? Any word(s) of advice that you could offer? How many pairs of shakers would you recommend?


The more info, the better

 

[colinsm]

Try this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=330436


And look at Clarks and buttkickers too

 

[hometheaterguy]

#1) Are they worth the $$$ for them (although they really aren't that x-pensive)?


YES they are worth it and NO they are not expensive.


#2) I've been eye-balling the AURA bass shakers.....They seem to be reasonably priced....Is there a better brand for my money?


I feel Aura is the best bang for the buck. There are other brands out there making tactile transducers as Colin indicated, but they are much more expensive.


#3) Every installation guide I read, states that you must connect the shakers via an amp.....This seems strange, given that most shakers (especially the ones I'm looking at) only require 25-50W of power.....Can't your AV receiver handle that small load?


You can use a receiver or amp with bass shakers.


#4) I've also noticed that every connection I've seen requires a sub-woofer connection.......I don't use a sub, so is there a way to connect the shakers without it?


Yes, use the left audio out on your DVD player, or an AUX out on your receiver. It is best to use a PFMOD 100Hz crossover if you use this connection.


#5) For those who own and use bass shakers,what is your x-perience with them? Any pro's and/or con's? Any word(s) of advice that you could offer? How many pairs of shakers would you recommend?


I use the pro models because the heat sinks on them help dissipate heat better and they handle twice the power. I use them under the seat and at the lower rib area at the leather sofa back. You can wire as many as you want. www.partsexpress.com has them for cheap.

 

[DMF]

Quote:

Originally posted by hometheaterguy #4) I've also noticed that every connection I've seen requires a sub-woofer connection.......I don't use a sub, so is there a way to connect the shakers without it? Yes, use the left audio out on your DVD player, or an AUX out on your receiver. It is best to use a PFMOD 100Hz crossover if you use this connection.

He said he doesn't use a sub, not that his receiver doesn't have an LFE output. Could he set the fronts to Large (they probably are already), set the Sub 'On', and use LFE for the shakers?

 

[hometheaterguy]

DMF is right, you could follow his words. I feel shakers are to make you feel bass and as used in conjunction with a subwoofer best. If you set all sat's to small, have a sub and a pair of shakers is what I found to be best, but you would get more bass with the mains set to large if you do not plan on a conventional sub.

 

[SAMURAI36]

Thanx guys, for all the great info.....


HTG:

Quote:

www.partsexpress.com has them for cheap.

I was checking that out......But is THIS the pro model, or are THESE ?

Quote:

You can use a receiver or amp with bass shakers.

So in using the receiver without the amp (which I would prefer), which speaker connects do I connect the shakers to?


I have 5.0 (no sub, as it's not needed), so the surround back speaker port is unused.......Could I connect them there? And if so, then I would change the crossover range for that speaker?


DMF:
Quote:

He said he doesn't use a sub, not that his receiver doesn't have an LFE output. Could he set the fronts to Large (they probably are already), set the Sub 'On', and use LFE for the shakers?

But doesn't this require the use of an amp as well? I have the ONKYO 601; it does have a sub-out, but where would the connection go?


Thanx again, guys.


EDIT: After reading the thread suggested, let me say that the receiver that I have, is the only one that I have, and preferrably the only that I want to use.


Can I still pull the shakers off, with just my main (and only) receiver? Or do I need all the other stuff as well?

 

[hometheaterguy]

No, your first link are the regular (non-pro model). It appears Parts Express is not selling the pros anymore, but you can call them. The regulars are rated @25W and do not have the large heat sinks like in the pic in the Aura site. The pros handle 50W. You would be OK with just the non-pro model. Here's how you add bass shakers to your home theater system: Find the variable low-level RCA output for the subwoofer (LFE) channel on the rear panel of your AV receiver and disconnect the cable going to your powered subwoofer. (I would not use the surrounds if you can) As far as wiring goes connect a RCA Y-cable to the subwoofer output on your receiver. Connect the cable from your subwoofer to one end of the Y-cable. Connect a cable to the remaining unused end of the Y-cable to an input on the amplifier being used to power the shakers. Connect the shakers to the output of the your receiver. Set the relative level of the shakers by adjusting the volume control on your receiver. If you need info on that PFMOD crossover I can Give it to you. BTW, it is always best using a separate receiver for the shakers. Here is a diagram:

http://www.aurasound.com/bassshaker/...installdia.gif

 

[DMF]

There's a sticky post at the top of the Speakers forum about how to wire shakers. Check it out.

 

[DMF]

Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if the Onkyo 601 has pre-outs and amp-ins. There's no way to feed the bass signal through the unused channel. You will need an external amp (maybe an old stereo receiver?).

 

[CraigBerg]

I am in the process of putting together my HT and considering using Buttkickers to supplement the single sub that I will have in this room. This room is open to the rest of this floor, so I expect the low end to be a little under powered with only a single sub. The reason I am considering using Buttkickers instead of adding a second sub to make the system more house friendly when the kids are asleep.


For those that are currently using bass shakers, does this sound like a realistic approach?


I know that Buttkickers are more expensive than other brands. Are there any real differences between brands?


Thanks for the input.

 

[hometheaterguy]

I have always preached the use of conventional subs coupled with the use of tactile transducers. This 1 million dollar Disney theater uses a combination of the two: www.uhte.com A conventional subwoofer delivers bass differently and even has a broader frequency bandwidth. Buttkickers are the ultimate transducers, but they like Aura Shakers are more to feel bass not hear it.

 

[CraigBerg]

I listened/felt the Buttkicker LFE this Friday and it seemed pretty believable when balanced properly. The one thing I'm trying to figure out is how I'm going to mount it (these).

My main seating position is on a two piece couch. I'm trying to figure the best way to get vibration transference between the two without getting a second unit. One recomendation I was given was to mount it under the rafters of the floor. I was curious if any one else has had any luck with this approach, or if the vibration is dampened so much it just gets drowned out. I guess my only other option is to go with two units, one on each section of couch.

I'm open for any ideas.


Thanks,

Craig

 

[DrSpike69]

Shoot the guys at ButtKicker (Guitammer) and email. It is one of the recommended ways to mount them. Between the joists that is.

 

[CraigBerg]

Actually, I demo'd the units at Guithammer. They were the ones who recommended mounting them on the joists beneath the floor. But I know that many applications for these are on risers. My application is in a family room, so they would need to be mounted to the main floor joists.

I know there are often times big differences between what seems like a good idea and what actually works. That is why I posted the question of what is actually the best method to mount these.

 

[CraigBerg]

So does anyone else have shaker mounting ideas? What does work, what doesn't work? I'm trying to get as many ideas as I can, up front, before I get my drill out and start chopping up my couch.


Right now, I'm thinking of starting by mounting one on the floor rafters first, then if that doesn't get a good enough effect, then I'll need to buy a second unit and come up with a way to control cabling through the floor, buy a second unit and mount one to the couch and one to the chaise which sit next to another.


Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

 

[hometheaterguy]

Mount them behind lower ribs or back and under you. Install on solid surface (the wood).

http://www.partsexpress.com/tech/basshkrapp.jpg