Wireless subwoofer

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Mike Dzurko

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Wireless subwoofer
« on: 1 Jan 2009, 03:18 pm »
The room I'm working with requires that I place the sub in the rear of the room, near the seating. This is about 22' from the audio gear. There is no easy way to run a line-level interconnect back here without going under carpeting, through several walls, etc.

So, the question is, has anyone found a good wireless transmitter-rec for this type of app?  There are a bunch out there, but some interfere with the wireless network or are subject to drop outs or noise pickup. Any ideas/input appreciated.

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #1 on: 1 Jan 2009, 05:20 pm »
Thanks Rob. It's an almost brand new house, and one thing that is nearly flawless is the woodwork. I would be drawn and quartered if I mess that up. To  go that route would have to go over or under three doorways and a LOT of baseboard. However, you made me take a look again. IF I take the run outside, it might actually work. Only a few feet of baseboard to get outside. Worth a thought. Happy New Year!

Bob in St. Louis

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #2 on: 1 Jan 2009, 05:40 pm »
Hey Mike,
If you're lucky, there might just be enough space between the bottom of the baseboards and the carpet to squeeze in a small wire. In past houses, I've been able to shove (gently) a long run of RG-6 for cable TV (RG-6 would be a great shielded cable for sub duty).
When the wife isn't home, you can poke a small hole in the carpet's backing on either side of each doorway, then fish the cable under the carpet across the thresholds.
Another thing you could check into is wire that's flat instead of the typical round shape. It's almost like the ribbon cable you'd find inside a PC, but even thinner.

Sorry to continue to not answer your question about wireless, but I've not messed with any of the wireless transmitters.
I did a quick Google search for "Wireless Audio Transmitter", and found a few things but they're all $200-$300.
Personally, I'd be poking holes in carpet and sticking wires under the baseboards.

Also, is there access to the floor underneath this room? Like a basement.....

Bob

ctviggen

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #3 on: 1 Jan 2009, 06:09 pm »
Depending on the baseboard (and if you have wainscoting), you can remove the baseboard and replace it fairly easily.  I've done this multiple times in my house, with no ill effect.  Depending on where the room is and where the joists are, you may also be able to cut small holes in the drywall, run the cable, and then patch the drywall.  Of course, you have to run parallel to the joists to do this, which may not be possible. 

Check out these tips:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IG6Uun2y6yY/Learn/learningcenter/home/inwall_wiring.html?page=8

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #4 on: 3 Jan 2009, 05:40 pm »
Thanks guys . . . lots of good ideas. Unfortunately, this particular area is a basement, so can't go under. And it is all finished off, so no easy routes. There is one route that shows some promise. Basically I'm just lazy and lacking time and wanting an instant fix  :lol:

Phil Taylor

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #5 on: 6 Jan 2009, 07:29 pm »
JBL has some new wireless subs - JBL ES150PWBK 10in, JBL ES250PWBK 12in in black - replace the BK with CH at the end and they're cherry finish. Black runs about $400 10in, $450 12in - Cherry finish is higher. All include transmitter and built-in receiver and use 2.4GHz signals.

edmiston

Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #6 on: 6 Jan 2009, 08:16 pm »
Hsu's new top of the line sub is wireless.  Why not give him a call and ask him what he used?

Mark

JRace

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #7 on: 6 Jan 2009, 09:36 pm »
Buttkicker has a wireless system:
http://guitammer.com/home_theater/accessories/bklink.htm

Quote
• One Send (transmitter) Unit with a/c adaptor
• One Receive Unit with a/c adaptor
• Sends audio signal from the subwoofer or line out of the A/V processor to the input of the ButtKicker Power Amplifier
• 900 MHz bandwidth
• Frequency range of 5 - 350 Hz

$80 from Guitammer.

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #8 on: 6 Jan 2009, 09:53 pm »
I'll be using one of our own Maestro XLs as the sub. So I only need the wireless connection. I saw the Buttkicker piece, but everywhere I've found it, marked as out of stock or backordered . . .  wondering if they still make it. Did find some other wireless devices that might work . . . just don't want to A) interfere with the wireless network in the house or B) pick up interference (noise).

Phil Taylor

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #9 on: 6 Jan 2009, 10:06 pm »
I'll be using one of our own Maestro XLs as the sub. So I only need the wireless connection. I saw the Buttkicker piece, but everywhere I've found it, marked as out of stock or backordered . . .  wondering if they still make it. Did find some other wireless devices that might work . . . just don't want to A) interfere with the wireless network in the house or B) pick up interference (noise).

Since that's the case then you may try to adapt a UHF guitar wireless system from Nady or similar and use an AC/DC adapter for powering the transmitter and adapters for the signal connectors --
http://www.amazon.com/Nady-UHF-4-GT-Channel-Wireless/dp/B000R4JJYW/

hayden

Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #10 on: 6 Jan 2009, 11:44 pm »
This has been highly reviewed:

http://www.audioengineusa.com/w1_home.php

JP

Bob in St. Louis

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #11 on: 8 Jan 2009, 12:53 pm »
I saw the Buttkicker piece, but everywhere I've found it, marked as out of stock or backordered . . .  wondering if they still make it.
Found one on Ebay > HERE < for $70 with shipping.
About a day and a half before the auction ends.
I searched for "Buttkicker wireless", in the 'Electronics' section and received a few hits.

Bob

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #12 on: 9 Jan 2009, 12:38 am »
Bob:

Thanks, that's a good tip . . . I put in a bid since there hadn't been any. I'd like to give it a shot anyway. Probably build my Maestro XL this weekend and have it ready  . . .

Bob in St. Louis

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #13 on: 9 Jan 2009, 02:10 am »
Good deal. Glad I could help Mike.
Good luck on the bid, let us know how it turns out.

Bob

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #14 on: 9 Jan 2009, 02:47 pm »
Thanks for ALL the input from everyone. Should know later today if I get the buttkicker device auction. At first I was worried about the 900mhz freq. because that is what our cordless phone is . . .  then I realized we ditched our landline a couple months ago :)  We'll let you know how it goes . . .

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #15 on: 10 Jan 2009, 02:13 pm »
Bob and the rest of the gang :)

One the bid and sent my PP payment.  Gotta get the sub built and hauled into place. Probably be checking this little device out in around 10 days. Will report back on how it works. Thanks again!

Mike Dzurko

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Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #16 on: 10 Jan 2009, 03:28 pm »

Mike, if it works out, maybe you can contact the company and get a run of them made for you.  It would be a nice option to offer.  I wonder how it would work with active speakers for the patio or (active) surrounds in an HT?

Rob:

This particular device is mono, and I think bandwidth is pretty limited. Actually, there are lots of devices out there that are stereo and probably more suited to surrounds and outdoor speakers. I'm hoping this will work without interference or causing interferance. We shall see!

Wayne1

Re: Wireless subwoofer
« Reply #17 on: 10 Jan 2009, 07:03 pm »
Mike,

If the Buttkicker doesn't work out, you may want to take a look at the Audioengine W1 wireless adapter

At $150.00 it may be more than you want to spend, but it should work very well for your purpose.