The Buttkicker wireless

[duaplex]

Thanks to BigBoss I found myself looking at The Buttkicker. Has anyone had experience with the wireless version? Is it as good as the the more expensive Buttkicker LFE version?

 

[bigboss]

Once you experience the buttkicker, you'll want to buy it!

Check some reviews of the wireless version:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/t/281908/buttkicker-advance-wireless-kit-review

http://www.amazon.com/ButtKicker-Wireless-Theater-Advance-Amplifier/dp/B001HBH1B2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[bigboss]

Another review:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/buttkicker-wireless-kit

 

[lxd55]

I'm with you on this, seems to be a big price difference between the wireless (£420) to the lfe (£625) version??? There doesn't seem to be a compare option. I might call the shaker centre tomorrow to quizz them. Will let you know

 

[bigboss]

Product Specifications
Kit Dimensions:18.5” L x 9.6” W x 18" HKit Weight:20 lbs / 9 kgsIncluded Documentation :Fully illustrated Quick Start Guide,
Power Amplifier BKA300-4 Owner’s Manual,
ButtKicker® Advance Owner’s Manual,
Chair / Couch Accessory Kit Owner’s ManualWarranty:1 year limited warranty

Power Amplifier BKA300-4
Dimensions:8.25" L x 9.25" W x 3.5"HWeight:4.6lbs. / 2kgsPower Output:300 watts rms @ 4 ohms
150 watts rms @ 2 ohms - 115V or 230VFrequency Response:10-300HzInput Sensitivity:100mVolt

Wireless
Frequency:2.4 GHz ISM band, FHSSUsage:WorldwideRange:Approx. 30' (9m) in normal / home environment

ButtKicker® Advance Transducer
Dimensions:6.125" W x 4.875" L x 4.375" HFrequency Response:5-200 HzWeight:4.5 lbs. / 2 kgs.Nominal Impedance:4 Ohm, inductivePower Handling:75 watt minimum / 400 watt maximum

View Our Products Selection and Configuration Guide »

 

[bigboss]

Product SpecificationsButtKicker® LFE Transducer
Dimensions:5.375" H x 5.375" WFrequency Response:5 - 200 HzWeight:11 lbs / 5 kgsNominal Impedance:4 ohmsPower Handling:400 watts min.

Power Amplifier Specs
Dimensions:12" W x 12" L x 4" HWeight:25 lbs / 11.4 kgsPower Handling:1000 watts @ 4 ohms 1900 watts @ 2 ohms

View Our Products Selection and Configuration Guide »

 

[bigboss]

The main difference is the amplifier: 1000 watts vs 300 watts in the wireless kit.

 

[duaplex]

Yes the power was the major difference and it seems pretty substantial, but I wonder how much of that power you need? I assume you have the LFE version bigboss?

I really don't fancy a wire draped across my floor I read a review where an RF Link was used with the Buttkicker LFE, but i don't see the actual product on the Shaker Center site?

Review in question

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/buttkicker-lfe-kit-12-2004.html

Thank you for the links I shal enjoy reading those

 

[bigboss]

Yes, I've got the LFE version. The wire runs under the carpet in my house. I use less than a third of the power. So the wireless version should be fine. Besides, I think even in the wireless version, you can add more units if you don't think it's powerful enough.

 

[duaplex]

Perhaps that's where the LFE version has the advantage. More transducers will mean a greater demand in wattage?.... I could be wrong of course. Time to call shaker center.

It hurts to see the price difference between here and the states

 

[bigboss]

It hurts to see the price difference between here and the states

Agreed. I bought the issue up on another forum with the makers of Buttkicker:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/subwoofers-tactile-transducers/1070934-wireless-buttkicker.html

 

[duaplex]

http://www.simw.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=buttkicker

Shipping is £35, being an EU country there should be import charge so £490 or so.

Best I could find, I too refuse to pay £625!

 

[bigboss]

Just make sure you get the 240v version, as it's not switchable.

 

[lxd55]

Good feedback guys, bb as always very thorough .

Now have a New Years resolution to get me a butt kicker, don't know when, need to work on the financial secretary .

Btw bb, when I checked your link I felt like I had un-masked batman, initially thought you were Derek, until big boss showed up further down the thread :rofl:

Duaplex, keep posting how you get on.

Cheers

 

[duaplex]

Sorry i meant to say there should be "no" import charges!

I will ask about the version BB thanks for mentioning that

lxd55 - I certainly will, I know what you mean about the financial secretary! I just invested in this TV and now I need another £500, when will it ever end :wall:

 

[bigboss]

Now have a New Years resolution to get me a butt kicker, don't know when, need to work on the financial secretary .

Make sure you ask for the buttkicker & not butt kicker, else you'll get something else!

 

[lxd55]

Can tick off one of my 2013 resolutions, just banked the wireless buttkicker (off a well known auction site -£226 for a 3month old kit). Missed out on a lfe on Saturday. Will post a review once I receive and set up - looking forward to the weekend :dance:

 

[bigboss]

:cheers:

 

[pmarb]

the wireless sucks - bet it'll be back on ebay and you'l be after the wired kit before 6 months

 

[bigboss]

Really? Does the wireless drop out frequently? Amazon reviews are quite good.

Obviously, a wired kit will be more stable, but some setups do not permit that.

 

[lxd55]

Hi pmarb,

i assume you are speaking from experience? Can you provide more details?

I wanted the lfe, once I missed out on that thought I'd take a punt on the wireless version that was going at the same time. Given the price I banked it's low risk and I can see if I like the buttkicker experience. The expansion options seem limited for the wireless so i'm viewing it more as an intro to upgrade to lfe if i think it enhances the home theatre experience etc. I read reviews on other websites which seemed quite favourable. But any feedback appreciated .

kr

lxd55

 

[duaplex]

I was watching both those auctions too

The wireless is a good kit, some interference problems may be experienced but they are easily overcome by repositioning wireless equipment. That certainly seems to be the overall opinion from what I have read.

 

[lxd55]

Hi Duaplex,

Watching or bidding??

When are you going to get one? I've gone for it - think you should to

i think it gets delivered today, but I'm out till the weekend, once I get it set up will confirm the wireless sensitivity.

Cheers

lxd55

 

[duaplex]

Yeah please do I was watching the LFE kit but then I forgot to bid on it

But not to worry, soon I will pick one up and join you!

 

[lxd55]

Guys looks like I have a problem appreciate some advice.

I can't get the kit to work. I've been in touch with the seller who assures me that it was fully working before he shipped it.

I requested a copy of his order from the shaker centre, it was bought from them on 15th April 2013 ie only a month old.

i did enquire at the time why he was selling and he stated it wasn't for him?

So on a +ve it's virtually brand new.

Overview of issue and what I have tried:

I've set my av amp to test tone, just set to sub woofer so I know I'm getting a test tone.

Confirmed since I'm getting the test tone from the sub.

But I don't get anything through to the buttkicker.
Have re-synced the transmitter and receivers, but nothing comes through? Decided to eliminate the wireless, so unplugged the wireless usb from the bk amp and just hard wire direct from the sub woofer output on my av amp to the bk amp, again nothing?? To prove there was a signal I plugged the cable back into my sub and I got the test tone through the sub.

I tried turning the db's up on the av amp, and the intensity setting on the bk amp and it didn't make any difference? Not even a flicker

I've checked the wiring from the bk amp to the buttkicker ie made sure not incorrectly wired.

Seeing as I got no signal wirelessly nor direct wire to bk amp leads me to think might be a problem with the input stage on the bk amp???According to the seller he only used it hard wired to the av, not wirelessly. This has a few alarm bells for me since:A, why buy a wireless kit only to hard wire? (Maybe the wireless is poor?, but why not state this? I mean there are other factors that affect wireless not just the kit??)B, ironically when I originally received the system the mains adaptor for the wireless transmitter was missing since seller forgot to pack it, stating " missed it since it was still plugged in?. I did point this out as a contradiction to his original statement on configuration, I mean why have it plugged in if you are not using it? I didn't get a reply on this.I realise this might be a niche bit of kit- not aware of many owners on the forum, but can anyone offer advice on if they had issues setting it up?next steps?1, feedback from forums if I'm doing something wrong2, shaker centre seem to operate an email only contact service, no phone numbers. I've emailed them all the details last night (late) inc the sales receipt. My assumption is that the warranty gets transferred with the kit if there is a fault?I believe the warranty is rtb, so I'll get hit with shipping fee's - so I'll not be happy with that, but I've still paid significantly less than list for virtually new.3, eBay? This it's only my 2nd purchase off eBay, what are the rules for receiving items that do not work. Seller has already stated, does not accept returns, was working when he shipped etc. where would I stand if I wanted my money back if it is a genuine fault?hopefully it is just a set up issue and I'm doing something wrong, but any feedback truly appreciatedkrlxd55