I want to install some off axis motors in my couch for the cool shaking effect and would like to know what you all think of aura's bass shakers. Also can I use the surround back channel of my yamaha rxv-1500 to power these? TIA

We use the crowson technologies "shakers" that are awesome. The couch actually sits on them which helps to transfer the shake to your rump. If they were cheaper, I reckon we could sell them into 30% of our systems.. Customers just love 'em. We use a splitter on the subwoofer output to drive them.

As I rember we always ran a second amp for these bad boys..........

You wouldn't get half of the bass information with just the surround sound....Spend the coin and do it right.

Easiest thing to do is construct a platform for the couch, etc,like a riser, then attach the aura to the underside of the platform, and whatever you place on it will rumble........No worries about some of these cheap a** couches with plywood guts that are just frames, or even drilling into metal frames.........

DO it right or don't do it.
CI

We did a couple of these. We used a second amp for just the bass shakers. We used the sub out into the amp. Mounted them right to the couch.

Mike

You should check out the Clark Synthesis shakers. All of the customers we have installed them for have been very happy. The Clarks handle much more power then the Aura. Which ever brand you choose use the sub out to provide the signal. If you use a full frequency output as the signal you will get the shaking sensation from other noises like voices, which ruins the effect. Shakers are basically used to compensate for not having enough sub to shake the seat. We always use a separate amp to power the shakers but if you are on a budget you may be able to use rear channels to power the shakers. I am not familiar with the Yamaha line but if your receiver has a zone 2 function with the ability for the rear channels to power a second zone then it can be done. Wire the sub frequency into an unused input on the receiver and select that input to play in zone 2. Be careful when you adjust the volume for the shakers you don’t want to overwhelm the receiver by trying to over drive the shakers.

Hi,

I would also recommend the "crowson" tactiles.(crowsontech.com) Another great product is the guitammer "buttkicker" shakers. (thebuttkicker.com) However there is a difference between them. The crowson's being "tactiles" are small (placed under the feet of the chair or couch) are quicker and more responsive. The "buttkickers" shakers usually are mounted on a board and then directly to the frame of the chair or couch. The "buttkickers" do now have a chair/couch mounting system which also goes under the leg. Buttkickers also have a wireless option. You put the amplifier under the couch/chair so you still need power close by. The buttkickers are much more powerfull and provide a greater "shaking" sensation. I started using the clark units serveral years ago (not really excited about their performace) and have never used them since I found the other two companies. Each bring a little different feel, so you will need to help you client decide which is right for them. We have both units (crowson & buttkicker) in different dispalys in our showroom. Hope this helps.

Good Luck - Let us know what you use.