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Product: Buttkicker BK-Kit-4 Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
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I purchased the ButtKicker BKA300 based on prior reviews here. This is my first time owning one of these systems. The intended purpose of was for more immersive movie-watching and playing on a PS3. The kit was setup with a HDTV using the line out on the TV using a Y-adapter to split between it and a 2.1 (two satellites one sub) speaker set. The rumble unit was setup under one of the four rear legs of a three-person sofa.
Watching live concert music on the Palladia channel really gives the feeling of being there. I started noticing that on regular TV programming one can hear muffled sound on most dialog as if the sofa was the speaker. This is a bit distracting, and an annoyance that could be addressed by sound proofing the furniture a bit.
The blu-ray version of The Dark Knight has some loud low frequency passages that causes a loud metallic thump. At first I though it was bouncing against the furniture or floor, so I took a couple of mouse pads as a quick fix test and put them in between the floor and another between the rumble platform and the sofa, but it did not fix the problem. I then watched Pirates of the Caribbean, again on blu-ray, fortunately not much of an issue here.
Gaming on the PS3 was another issue. Playing Call of Duty 4 with the rumble kit really brings gaming to a whole new level. Unfortunately, once I went online, grabbed a sniper rifle and aimed at someone, every heart beat the game produces started causing the metallic thump. I had someone else play while I tried troubleshooting the problem and noticed it was coming from inside the rumble module as if it was bottoming out. A few days later a family member was playing Resistance 2 and the module was not working. It had stopped working within an hour of playing, and was very hot to the touch. Once it cooled it worked again so it appears that it disables to prevent damage. I tried multiple settings for several days, lowering the “volume” on the amplifier, selecting different modes (music,movie,game,) but was not able to fix the problem.
Ultimately, I decided to return the unit. Really disappointing, I recently learned from reviews of the bigger brother (400 watts min, 1100 watts max) unit also bottoms out; this one is 50 watts. I may still give it a cautious try.
I’ve been enjoying my ButtKicker for five months now. The build quality impressed me and the instructions for installation are easy to follow. I’ve used it with Blu-ray discs/DVDs, an Xbox, and a Wii. To say that it adds another dimension to one’s home theater is an understatement. As a gamer, I was blown away. The vibrations are proportionate to what is happening in the game. For example, while playing a WWII shooter, grenades resonate more strongly than bullets, etc. Also, being able to in essence, feel the proximity of an enemy adds an amazing degree of realism. Surprisingly, games on the Wii in Pro Logic II were just as impressive as Xbox games in digital 5.1. Using the ButtKicker with movies feels like being at an IMAX. I was concerned I might be disturbing neighbors when I watched The Dark Knight for the first time using the ButtKicker as it was so intense. My neighbors in the apartments below me and those next door said they heard nothing. I haven’t spent a great deal of time using the ButtKicker with music but as was the case with movies and games, it delivers. That said, there are a couple things to consider before purchasing. As stated on their website, the BKA300 can’t be expanded. So know going in that this will work with only one couch or chair. Also, while there is a remote, there are no level displays on the unit’s receiver or remote itself. This was initially frustrating as I like different levels of intensity depending on the audio source. However, any smart remote can be used to control the ButtKicker which overcomes this issue. As an audiophile trapped in the budgetary constraints of being a full-time graduate student, the ButtKicker was the perfect purchase. It provides me the bone rattling experience of a dedicated home theater system before practicality allows me to have one. Any home theater enthusiast that lives in an apartment, dorm, or who uses their living room as their theater room should take a serious look at this product.
I ordered the Buttkicker with no knowledge of what it would feel like, or if I would even like it. After installing it (very easy installation btw) I was impressed. Putting this thing under my couch made it feel like I was sitting on a very large, very powerful subwoofer. All the claims made about these things are true. The impact of these devices on a home theater system is stunning. If you’re thinking about getting one, stop thinking and get it. You won’t be disappointed.
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