Subwoofer Reviews

I compared this cable with a $.... one from ..... NO difference. I use Sony Elite components and a Velodyne sub with Boston 5.1 digital.

Monster Cable takes fancy packaging and pushes it off as better.

I give them 3 stars because the quality control is excellent - the ends were laser precise manufacturing and the rubber was very high quality.

It's the price that bothers me.

Technics had a great reputation for producing a high quality, long lasting product in a reasonable price range. I purchased a SA-DX930 about three years ago after my first Technics surround sound receiver took a dump after about five years of use. It worked well right up until it crashed and burned. Before I had these last two Technics receivers I had a Technics non-surround stereo receiver for ten years. I sold it to a friend, it was working just fine and they kept it for several years after that. I don't think Technics can make a decent, good quality, long lasting surround sound receiver. I know one thing I've learned my lesson, Technics use to be a quality product but not any more. This time I'm going to do my research and buy the best I can in my budget but I can guarantee you this it won't be a Technics! And it's to bad because they use to be a great product for the money.

For all the rest of the unsatisfied people writing reviews with complaints. My experience with all receivers Ive had (many) is to give them proper ventilation and dont put anything on top of them. What I mean by proper ventilation is explained in the owners manual. This receiver does not cost enough to warrant such protest like the ones Ive read. You get what you pay for. For anybody considering the Technics sa-dx930 go ahead I will back it, mainly because of the cooling fan that comes on when you turn up the volume. The sound quality is great for this price point too! My favorite and main receiver is the Sa-ax7 (Technics) with the VGCA amplifier.

I purchased this receiver from my local Circuit City almost right after it came out. I have used it constantly for the past 3 years and never had one problem. I have not altered the system in any way, such as those described in earlier reviews. It has been hooked up to my big-screen TV, my playstation and playstation 2, my DVD player, tape deck, and CD player. Never once have I noticed a problem. Maybe I have just gotten lucky, but for my money I couldn't have purchased a better receiver. It has everything I could need.

This is a low quality product. This set was the original equipment with a Dell PC I own. After having replaced the speakers twice under warranty, I actually paid Dell for a new set (a mere six months ago) which now needs to be replaced. I won't be purchasing these speakers again. The subwoofer, which controls the desk top speakers, becomes distorted over time rendering the entire system useless.

We got these speakers with our Dell Computer (in black of course), some months back, and have had absolutely no regrets since.

The sound is not as tinny as some other computer speakers, and the appearance is excellent. We keep our speakers right up front next to the monitor, as they enhance the appearance of the system. This of course makes it real easy to adjust the volume from the right speaker.

We don't have to worry about the adjustments too much, because we have it set up the way we like it, and then adjust the volume from the programme we are using, such as Real Player, Winamp or Creative Play Center. If it's late at night, I use the headphones, and pump it up!

Both the bass and the treble are spectacular, and if we don't feel like putting on the main music system in the house(which has the JBL surround speakers - also good value), we just use these and play cd's straight from the computer.

Wouldn't trade them for the world (unless Harmon Kardon makes an even better system)

I got them refurbished through another website ... 8 months ago and absolutely love them. My parents got a pair with their Dell and that influenced my decision..I would never even think of spending $$$ for any computer speakers, and I don't think I would buy just a 3 piece Sub/Sat system for my only stereo I would look to the 5 speaker options. The controls could be improved but you can adjust the volume by using a button on one of the satellite speakers. As for the treble and bass I have set them to my liking and hardly ever touch them. I use the volume control on my keyboard or the jukebox software to adjust it, I never have to touch the speakers. They do start up loud with you computer turns on but i usually have the volume muted unless I am listening to music. most of the windows beeps and noises annoy the heck out of me in the first place. Great buy much better than the stock speakers.

The KLH ASW8-100 is a thouroughly dissappointing specimen. My experience with other KLH products prompted me to order this thing from Amazon. Amazon is getting it back. I considered keeping it for one of my computers. But I cannot justify keeping this when for only 30 bucks more I can get another ASW10-120. Spend the extra ($). Avoid the 8", prone-to-pop, inaccurate, bland, unimpressive ASW8-100. Also, Its amp is rated at 100 watts.

I have a set of Cambridge Soundworks Microworks speakers, and they sound excellent at medium volume, but the subwoofer is pathetic. At low volume, the cubes lack clarity. So, I replaced them with Yamaha computer speakers. The Yamahas sound great at low volume (which is how I use them). However, they lack any sort of bass for music or gaming. Therefore, I bought the KLH to add some bottom end. They have deeper bass than the Microworks, but they distort on certain music, even at low volume. Overall, they are acceptable as computer speakers.

If you are thinking of using these speakers for your hi fi, or home theater, then you are in for a disappointment. A very big one. When the volume is turned up, the speakers crack, and pop, even when the volume is less than halfway up. The bass is not particularly deep for DVD soundtracks. It probably goes down to 50 or 60 hz. I have a Yamaha subwoofer for my DVDs, and they sound much cleaner, deeper, and louder. You'll be wasting your money with these.

Overall, KLH sells cheap stuff, and the quality is reflected in the price. However, if you just want a sub to enhance video games, and you don't turn up the volume, then this is a nice option.

We bought this subwoofer (KLH ASW100) from Sam's Club for under $69.00 and after a little adjusting to match our system and our ears we have it performing quite well on our surround sound system connected to our satellite television system. It adds a great deal of enjoynment to both the television programs as well as our video tapes. We are really enjoying this item and feel that it was a great deal as well.

dont buy this, it's a cheap product at low price for who dont apreciate the good sound of music.

I bought this sub on the "good deal" of an Amazon Gold Box offer. I've been disappointed since. Like other reviewers have noted, this sub's flatulence is frustrating and only gets worse over time. The comedy for me is that I proceeded too carefully in solving the problem. When I first noticed the problem I began talking to others with more experience. In talking to them, they convinced me I had some signal noise introduced. So I bought a power filter. Didn't fix the problem. I also toyed with other cables as well. By the time I figured I'd been had, I'd been had. It was too late to return the system. Also, unlike the others, my experience is that the sub will perform it's whoopie cushion impersonations in the middle of the most dramatic moments while watching movies (so not just when your audio system isn't in use). When you see a trend, take note and stay away from this poor manored component.

I have found this sub-woofer to be a compliment to some very old but dear Magneplanar speakers.

I ordered a subone online and it arrived with a terrible 60cycle hum. I exchanged it, and the second one had very audible distortion/resonance from the speaker surround at most frequencies. NHT said it needed to be replaced, so I got my money back, and bought the Sunfire True Junior -- a really good sub at the same price. I also bought the True from a local high end dealer where I did not have to worry about arguing about returns and Fedex pickups.

I ordered this subwoofer a couple of weeks ago out of a catalog and it shipped to my house in a couple of days.I got it out and plugged it in to my 300 watt sony stereo and it didnt work.I got an exchange fo a new one plugged it in, it worked fine, untill the next day when it blew. I got my money back and ordered the Sony SA-W305 which I still have. Its the best.

Simply NHT - one of the best out there! Just like the 2.5i - one listen and you can tell the difference!

If your looking for a little bit of Bass in your whip, then buy this system. I owned a system very similar to this, and i enjoyed, that is until i stepped up to real a real system, JL AUDIO! Its much more expensive, but worth it. But, if your you want bass on a budget, these are your subs/amp!

This is no doubt a great deal for the money (I but mine used in December of 2003 on an auction site for $200 total), and like many have said here, it "kicks butt." It sounded great for awhile, but it has a known flaw that can't be repaired. I'm guessing that for all owners, the subwoofer will go out, and the part that will go bad cannot be replaced (the S64AMI power module). This part of the subwoofer is under a one year warranty. Anyone doubting this flaw has not done their homework, and/or has yet to have their subwoofer burn up. I emailed JBL tech support with my story and that my future with JBL was in question. I got a pleasant reply that basically agreed with my assessment (that it was a faulty design and can't be repaired) and said if it was under warranty or within 6 months or so of warranty, I'd get a free replacement. The replacement is the JBL E250P, which looks like basically the same unit. The respondent claimed that the updated design was more reliable and more repairable (none of these rare, expensive proprietary parts like the S64AMI).

He also said that if it was not under warranty, I could buy this newer subwoofer for $211.77 ($188 + $23.77 shipping), which lists at over $400. After scouring ebay and the internet for equivalent deals, the best I could find was a similar Harmon Kardon (but only 150W vs. 250W for about $200 shipped...and HK owns JBL), or this replacement JBL for about $260 shipped. So, as a cheapskate, I actually opted to go back into the fire and try JBL again for the $212. Considering I bought my PB12 used for $200 on audiogon.com and that with the new one, I'll have a fresh warranty, it still seemed like the best deal. If I'm made a fool (further), I'll let you all know. Look for my review of the JBL E250P I will soon be receiving...

This sub worked phenomenally for a few months... but I noticed a couple months ago that the mighty bass has been brought down to nothing more than a whisper- it powers on and detects the input (which is apparently a step better than everyone else who's bought it), but the sub barely fires- i have to actually TOUCH the driver to make sure its working. irritating.

I bought this sub about 3 years ago from Best Buy. I have had no problems at all. I have an entire JBL 5.1 system and the only weak link is my Sony Reciever(overheating). I have put this sub though MAJOR ABUSE. I can say that i have yet to kill this sub. I love the DEEP BASS this thing puts out. Makes movies worth watching because its better watching them on DVD then in the theater. I confess that I am also a Bass Freak.

We bought this system for our home. We bought it as an investment that we would have for years. Bose is supposed to be some of the best speakers on the market. We have Bose 601 speakers and they are awesome. This system sucks and I wouldn't recomend anyone spending $1,000 on this system. You should go to Wal-mart and buy the cheapest boom box they sale and get the same effect. Please concider what I am saying and try something else. We bought sony and it is much better. If you buy it anyway make sure it has a 100% money back guarantee. Thanks for reading my review.

I am a former BOSE Acustimass 10 owner. When i got into Home theater, I was a newbie and pretty much bought into the marketing power of BOSE. They had the nice little Demonstration stands at Best Buy and at Fry's Electronics, they have the Soundroom that is tweaked to make the Bose sound incredible. Problem is, that room costs hundreds of thousands of dollars of technology to make the BOSE Accoutimass speakers sound that good. I don't have $$$,$$$.$$ to spend on a room. You need to see the EQ equiptment in that room.

Safe to say, I was slightly dissappointed then these speakers did not sound as good in my house as in the store. Still un-deterred, I figured it was my room (of course, it can't be as good as THAT sound room) and they still sound better then some other satellites speakers (though not by much) is why i justifying paying a much higher price.
Little unknown fact: These little cubes cost BOSE about $35.00 to make each double cube speaker. (5x35 = 175.00 plus probably 75 for the bassmodule = $250. This means on a $1000.00 system,the retailer and BOSE is pocketing $750.00 of your dollars)
You can buy replacement drivers on the web for about $35.00 per pair. They are paper cones and plastic casing. http://layneaudio.hypermart.net/specials.htm

The most important thing is, if you have a decent A/V Receiver, you should be able to select "Source Direct" which means the Reciever acts as a pass through, adding no EQ to the music, and just supplies power to the speakers. When playing anything in "Source Direct" mode, these BOSE speakers were the same as a cheap clock radio or the TV speakers. Actually, the TV speakers on my Sony Vega was better. Only if you use EQ, like Jazz Club, or Stereo or something like that did the speakers a little better. This is for music.
I am glad for 1 thing. I was not duped into getting a Bose Lifestyle system. My AVR and DVD separates are much better then the lifestyle box. I mean.. come on BOSE, can't you put a Progressive Scan DVD player in it?

For HT, the accoustimass is slightly better. since they do play squeakly noises good, you are able to get pretty good glass breaking sounds. This is because BOSE has almost no lower midrange sounds to speak of. This way, the sqeaky highs are of course going to sound more defined. The Bass module is way underpowered. You will never get the feel like a real subwoofer. Thats a little dissappointing with the movies and no "boom" effect during explosions. Almost everyone who keeps the AM system will get 1 or 2 subwoofers. (250 to 500 a piece). At that point, you are already almost in 1500.00 area. That puts you direct against some "reference" lines of Klipsch and Polk Audio.

Still, i was not so upset to return the system. I pretty much decided that all speaker systems sound good at the store, but will lose something at the house. It wasn't until recently when I started to learn more about speakers like Polk Audio and Klipsch did I realize what I was missing out on. I bought a new speaker system and sold this BOSE system on EBAY. I am happy that BOSE has good re-sell value due to their extensive marketing. I have a new klipsch system which forced me to re-listen to every music CD that I had to see what i have been missing all this time. Its truly incredible. I had to re-watch my movies on DVD and they all seem more alive and exciting. Much more like the theater. To say the least, if you only listen to BOSE or the stuff at Best Buy, you have little to compare with. The better audio stuff is only a few dollars more, are more flexible and deliver superior performance for the dollar. I guess BOSE will sound better then those cheap 200.00 systems, but only marginally better. I bought a cheap kenwood 206 system for my mother. It under $250.00 and it was very comparable to this Bose system for $999.99 and it came with a A/V Receiver!!! What are you paying for? I guess the rights to those 4 letters... B-O-S-E. For my money... BOSE is not much different from WOES.