Show notes
Buttshaker Bonanza
It's been quite a while since we've talked about turning the low frequency effects from your movies and tv shows into physical movement you can feel in your furniture. We reviewed a system many years ago and loved it, but it was pricey at the time and neither of us ended up installing it. Turns out Amazon has some options that make it affordable enough to put the buttshaker experience in a lot more seats.
Clark Synthesis
"Originally developed for military and commercial training simulators, Clark Synthesis transducers were specifically designed to transfer sounds like gunshots and explosions into a tactile experience that can be felt as well as heard. This technology was enthusiastically received by the video gaming community. Gamers of all ages love the intensified sensory experience of competing in a gaming chair with a Clark Synthesis transducer."
Clark Synthesis TST239 Silver Tactile Transducer Bass Shaker
3.4 out of 5 stars
Price: $157.95
"The TST239 Silver Transducer is an excellent choice for most entry-level audio applications. This product is widely used in the game chair market, providing solid performance at an affordable price. The TST239 Silver can be used in some home theater applications. The TST239 Silver requires an amplifier for operation."
Clark Synthesis TST429 Platinum Transducer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Price: $549.95
"The TST429 Platinum Professional Transducer is the most powerful audio transducer on the market today. Available only from Clark Synthesis, the TST429 provides the ultimate performance and output of full-fidelity, full-frequency sound with a frequency response from 5hz to 17kHz. This premium transducer is designed to meet the demands of audio applications such as high-end home theater furniture, theater risers and platforms, floors (including dance floors), simulators, gaming systems, and ProSound equipment."
ButtKicker by Guitammer
"[Guitammer]'s innovative and award-winning line of patented ButtKicker-brand low frequency audio transducers let users feel low-frequency sound (bass) and are musically accurate, powerful and virtually indestructible. They are used around the world by leading entertainment and theater companies such as: AMC Theatres, Regal Entertainment, Alamo Drafthouse, IMAX, Disney and Lumiere Pavilions in movie theaters and attractions; by world-famous musicians; and in home theaters, by consumers for video games, simulators and car audio and are distributed by Pearl Drums for musicians."
ButtKicker BK-LFE Low Frequency Effects System
4.7 out of 5 stars
Price: $239.99
"The only tactile transducer designed specifically to take advantage of the 0.1 and LFE (low frequency effects) channels, the ButtKicker LFE features extended low-frequency response for powerful bass and special effects. If you are looking to delight and electrify yourself and others with an affordable and easy-to-use solution, now is the time to incorporate the ButtKicker into your sound-system's design and feel what you've been missing.
The ButtKicker LFE Low Frequency Effects System utilizes a patented magnetic suspension and can be used in couches, theater seating, platforms, and any type of structure. Different from other shakers or tactile transducers that use voice coil technology, the ButtKicker is much more powerful, more musical (linear), and offers true infrasonic, or low-frequency response with a resonant frequency of 9 Hz. The ButtKicker LFE utilizes a small, linear motor, which reacts to an audio signal sent by an amplifier."
ButtKicker BK-GR Gamer
3.8 out of 5 stars
Price: $178.85
"The ButtKicker [Gamer] is a small linear motor that reacts to an audio signal sent by an amplifier. The ButtKicker Gamer comes with its own 90-watt amplifier that is convection-cooled with vents so there's no noisy fan. It also includes a wired remote control so you can stash the amp out of sight and still operate its core features. It is similar to a loudspeaker, but instead of a moving a cone and transferring sound waves through the air, the ButtKicker Gamer is attached to your seat and sends a low frequency sound directly into your body."
SoundShaker
"Introducing the SoundShaker, a revolution in home theater entertainment. This exciting piece of hi-tech wizardry will allow you to feel the screen action, without leaving the comfort of your seat! Immerse yourself in your favorite films or video games like never before: you will not only see and hear but live each moment as your chair vibrates to each car chase or explosion. A whole new dimension in cinema thrills awaits."
SoundShaker Wireless Bass Shaker Amplifier for Home Theater Seating Vibration Kit
3.4 out of 5 stars
Price: Amp: $439.00
Single Bass Shaker: $125.00
Sold in sets, e.g.: Amp with one bass shaker: $564.00 ...
"Your Soundshaker system works using a simple three-step process. Receiver sends the wireless audio to the amplifier that is hooked up to your home theater seating. The SoundShaker Amplifier receives the wireless audio signal and transfers it to your soundshaker. The SoundShaker Unit receives the audio signal and vibrates your home theater seat."
HT Guys: This one requires a bit of explanation. The system bills itself as Wireless, which it totally is, but maybe not how you'd expect. They provide a transmitter that somehow sends the audio from your receiver over your WiFi network. They say "WiFi" - so we assume it connects to your existing network, but we don't know for sure. That audio WiFi signal is sent to the amplifier and the amplifier is wired into the shakers. If you have one piece of furniture to vibrate, or a couple that are close to each other, it could work great. If not, it is unclear if you can use multiple amps with one transmitter, or use multiple transmitters in the same room, etc.
Others
AuraSound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker Tactile Transducer
4.5 out of 5 stars
Amazon's Choice for "bass shaker"
Price: $57.85
"The AuraSound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker literally sends sonic vibrations through the material to which it is attached, enabling you to feel the earth-shaking bass from your music, movies, or video game soundtracks."
HT Guys: This system reviews really well and is quite affordable. It requires you run wires to your furniture, so that may be a limiting factor for some. It is also a bit in the DIY category and requires you provide the correct amplification to make the transducers work. But if you can connect the right subwoofer amp to it … and if you can find a way to make that subwoofer amp somehow run wirelessly … you might be able to build your own DIY SoundShaker system for less money.
Dayton Audio TT25-8 PUCK Tactile Transducer Mini Bass Shaker
4.2 out of 5 stars
Price: $19.62
"Dayton Audio's TT25-8 PUCK is a small, 8 ohm tactile transducer or mini bass shaker that is intended to be used in home theater, gaming, and auto sound applications."
HT Guys: This one is small and super affordable. We don't know if that means cheap in quality as well as price, but for under $20, it isn't a huge gamble to try it out. The small size may mean you need more of them to really get any impact in a larger piece of furniture.
Cowson Technology
"No home theater is complete without Crowson Tactile Motion. You will find Crowson 4D Theater Actuators in the finest dedicated home theaters in the world. Available through select seating partners or as retro-fit solutions."
HT Guys: Crowson provided the gear we reviewed many years ago. They make great technology. You can get it through a dealer near you or buy it yourself online through Crowson's website (we couldn't find them on Amazon). Online prices run from $498 for a single actuator to $2498 for a set of four actuators and the dedicated amp to run them.
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