Designed to add a physical dimension to video games and movies, the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit includes everything you need to set it up under a sofa or armchair. A leader in haptic technologies, here the Canadian manufacturer offers a 300-watt power amplifier, a bass shaker, a wireless transmitter, plus all the necessary accessories and cables. Ideal for home theater, video games and, why not, music, is it proving effective in bringing 4D cinema into the home?
Presentation
A key player in the field of dynamic vibrations, the ButtKicker brand has forged a solid reputation among gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike. With a very simple operating principle, these shakers act like a subwoofer, but without producing sound. The idea is to extend the bass into the sofa.
The use of a haptic transducer brings a sensational new dimension to all entertainment. Whether it’s for films, video games or music, this solution offers greater immersion. Whether it’s a spell being cast, a car collision or the roar of an engine, the ButtKicker shaker lets you physically feel every sound event as soon as the infrabass is called upon.
Designed to simplify installation, the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit contains everything you need to set up this home theater bass shaker, starting with the ButtKicker BKA300-P power amplifier. Capable of delivering 300 watts RMS into 4 ohms, it can receive the LFE signal from a wired or wireless hi-fi amplifier or AV receiver, thanks to the included transmitter. This amplifier is designed to power the 400-watt haptic transducer (shaker) that generates vibrations.
The latter reproduces the signal from 5 to 200Hz, guaranteeing intense vibrations at the lowest frequencies. The shaker acts like a subwoofer, without emitting sound. More to the point, just like a subwoofer whose vibrations you can feel, this haptic transducer transmits them without producing a sound wave. It can be placed under the foot of a sofa or armchair, using a base that is also supplied. Five rubber isolator feet level the furniture and limit the propagation of vibrations in the floor. The shaker’s integrated mount also allows it to be attached directly to the frame of the furniture, so you can enjoy the full power of the vibrations.
Design and accessories
The ButtKicker BKA300-P power amplifier features a line input, designed to receive the LFE signal from your hi-fi amp or AV receiver. A line output can be used to feed a subwoofer or to chain ButtKicker BKA300-P amplifiers. It is also equipped with an antenna for wireless audio signal reception. A switch allows you to choose between the line input and a wireless source. The SPEAKER OUTPUT outputs are used to power the ButtKicker Advance haptic transducer.
The front panel features a display indicating vibration intensity and three LEDs informing the user of the selected equalization mode (film, music or video games). Useful indications, but they can cause light pollution in the dark. A power button turns it on, and the + and – buttons let you adjust the vibration intensity. Finally, an infrared receiver enables use of the remote control, also supplied in the kit.
The ButtKicker Advance haptic transducer, responsible for transforming the audio signal into physical vibrations, is built from robust, tried-and-tested materials. It features the compactness and durability for which the manufacturer is renowned. With a maximum power rating of 400 watts, it is capable of generating very intense vibrations. It’s perfect for a large three or four-seater sofa, for example.
Among the accessories supplied in this pack, the compact, lightweight wireless transmitter features an RCA connector to receive the audio signal from your AV receiver or hi-fi amplifier. Using the 2.4 GHz WiFi frequency, this technology reduces latency to 15 ms. Discerning users will prefer a wired connection, eliminating this slight time lag. Note that this frequency is the same as some WiFi signals, which can cause interference. In this case, you may need to change the network channel on your router.
When it comes to cables, the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit provides everything you need. Included are a Y RCA adapter (for connecting a subwoofer in addition to the shaker), an RCA to RCA cable and a braided speaker connection cable. The box contains everything you need to install this home theater shaker under your sofa. The instructions, which are also included, give a quick overview of how to connect the components.
Specifications
ButtKicker BKA300-P power amplifier
Output power: 300 watts RMS @ 4 ohms
Frequency response: 10 – 300Hz
Equalization presets:
– Movies: no filter
– Music: +6 dB
– Games: -6 dB
ButtKicker Advance haptic transducer
Frequency response: 5 – 200Hz
Power: 75 watts min. / 400 watts max.
Wireless transmitter
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, ISM band, FHSS
Latency: 15 ms
Range: 9m (free field), 6m (with obstacles)
Listening conditions
For this test, the ButtKicker Advance bass shaker was first positioned under one leg of a two-part sofa (50kg + 80kg for the user), using the plate intended for this purpose. The ButtKicker BKA300-P amplifier was placed on the ground, close to the transducer. In this configuration, we could feel some unwanted micro-vibrations. Replacing the cable supplied by the manufacturer with a NorStone CL250 cable solved this problem. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to pinpoint the source of this interference, perhaps an antenna effect on the original cable.
In this configuration, vibrations are transmitted through the foot into the sofa, providing new bass sensations. Tested with different types of music, the films Godzilla vs Kong and Top Gun: Maverick, as well as the game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, the ButtKicker Advance shaker proved highly effective. However, in this configuration, despite a fairly heavy sofa weighing 70kg, it was difficult to enjoy the full power of the shaker, which literally made the furniture take off as soon as the intensity was too high. This is the simplest installation method, but you’ll need to moderate the volume depending on the film and the intensity of its low-frequency soundtrack.
To go a step further, we then attached the ButtKicker Advance bass shaker to the wooden frame in the sofa. This method of installation requires more tools and know-how, but is still the best solution whenever possible to take full advantage of the shaker’s power. This way, vibrations are propagated more evenly throughout a large sofa, making it possible to increase the intensity. This ensures optimum efficiency, as all vibrations are transmitted to the sofa. This configuration also has the advantage of completely concealing the transducer within the structure of the sofa.
To test all the accessories in the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit, the wireless transmitter was connected to the LFE output of the AV receiver to transmit the wireless audio signal. Despite the presence of a Wi-Fi network, the ButtKicker BKA300-P amplifier received the signal perfectly: completely plug’n’play! However, this method produces some latency, causing a slight time lag between the vibrations and sound events. A wired connection is therefore preferable, although we weren’t personally bothered by this latency.
Impressions
In the first configuration, with the shaker under the foot of the sofa, the vibrations felt were great, albeit very localized. The ButtKicker Advance haptic transducer responded perfectly to the sound effect in the Top Gun: Maverick movie. The sound of planes taking off produced vibrations that really immersed us. With music, the shaker gave us the impression that there was a subwoofer in the room, and physical sensations were very much present.
However, as the intensity of the shaker increases, the haptic transducer can potentially transmit vibrations to the floor, occasionally causing the foot of the sofa to jump. For this purpose, the power allocated to the shaker must be reduced, also limiting the propagation of vibrations in the furniture. This type of installation is therefore suitable for a single person, with moderate use of the home theater bass shaker. It’s worth noting that we pushed the shaker to its limits, and that many will be satisfied with this moderate level of use for physical bass with video games, films or series.
The ButtKicker Advance bass shaker, when attached to the inside of the sofa, can deliver even more power. It is possible to increase the intensity of the vibrations, for even better bass. This is the best possible use of the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit. In fact, the haptic transducer can be used to its full potential, spreading its vibrations over the entire three-seater sofa.
We could feel every step of the gigantic bipedal tank Sahelanthropus in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain through the sofa. The bass shaker really added new sensations and immersed us in video games. Spells cast in The Witcher 3 moved around the room and into the seat! In the film Godzilla vs Kong, during the fight between the two giants, we felt the heaviness of the creatures, through vibrations that perfectly conveyed the different impacts.
This configuration also made it easier to take advantage of the subtleties offered by the various EQ presets. Vibrations can be adapted to the type of content. Three modes are available: movie, video game and music. Film mode doesn’t filter out any frequencies, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of vibrations. The video game mode filters out the deepest bass, offering greater precision during impact or gunshot. Finally, the music mode enhances the vibrations of the infrabass and highlights the rhythm.
The ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit really won us over with the sensations it added to movies. It provided a dynamic 4D cinema experience at home, while remaining simple to set up. The vibrations also offered an extra layer of immersion in video games and once we tried it, it was difficult to stop using the bass shaker. As for listening to music, we were less convinced by the addition of vibrations, which we didn’t feel were necessary.
The ButtKicker Gamer Plus and ButtKicker Gamer Pro for gaming
The manufacturer’s range also includes the ButtKicker Gamer Plus, designed to add vibrations to a gaming chair. The amplifier can receive an audio signal via its RCA inputs and powers the bass shaker with its 90 watts RMS of power. Its universal mounting allows it to be attached to most chairs on the market.
Based on the same principle, the ButtKicker Gamer Pro model offers 150 watts RMS and is designed more specifically for car simulation seats. The brand’s reputation in the gaming sector is second to none. Installation is also facilitated by its universal mounting and offers extensive compatibility with most simracing configurations.
These two bass shaker models are distinguished by the ability to connect the amplifier to a PC via a USB-C port. This way, it is possible to take advantage of telemetry data from racing games. In this case, the vibrations are no longer generated by sound effects, but by the game itself, which sends very precise real-time information about the vehicle’s behavior and the vibrations it should produce.
Who is the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit designed for?
If you want to add a new physical dimension to your home theater, the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit is just the thing. With all the equipment and accessories you need for installation, it will make your job much easier. It can be used in conjunction with a subwoofer to bring extra bass to all types of entertainment. For use at night, in apartments or to avoid disturbing those around you, this home theater bass shaker can also replace a subwoofer. It lets you enjoy the impact of bass, while remaining silent.
The ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit takes home theater and gaming setups a step further. Like in 4D cinema, vibrations are a real asset to all forms of entertainment. Allowing you to feel the impact of bullets in shooter video games and all the sound effects in action films, this all-in-one solution is ideal for simplified installation. It is designed for anyone who wants to enhance their daily entertainment experience.
Conclusion
Canadian manufacturer ButtKicker offers an heir to the ButtKicker BK-KIT-4, while correcting its shortcomings. The removal of the USB dongle that enabled wireless reception is a good thing. The new ButtKicker BKA300-P amplifier now includes a receiver and antenna. The three EQ presets dedicated to movies, video games and music also prove their worth. They allow you to make the most of the vibrations, depending on the content.
An all-in-one solution, the ButtKicker Wireless Couch Kit has what it takes to become a must-have for 4D cinema at home. Including all the equipment and accessories needed for installation, this ButtKicker package is appealing in its simplicity. This bass shaker once again demonstrates the Canadian manufacturer’s expertise and confirms its leadership in this sector.
We liked
How easy it was to install
The power of the vibrations
The three equalization modes
The wireless transmitter
The line output on the BKA300-P amplifier
We would have liked
A more discreet display on the amplifier
A speaker cable that doesn’t generate interference
Wireless latency management
