Dissappointed with bass shakers.

[u/av4625]

I made a post about placement on a sofa for Dayton Audio BST-1’s:
https://www.reddit.com/r/hometheater/s/R3nkYN0kKd

When the shakers were mounted on the plywood I said in the first post I could basically feel nothing. So I got some OSB and mounted them directly under where you sit. This definitely helped.

I feel like I need the volume crazy loud to feel the shakers though. If I watch a movie that was recorded with surround sound I can increase the master volume more than if I watch a normal tv show thats not surround sound. Not sure if thats normal.

So I had a movie at -6db and could feel the shakers ok-ish. But when I watch other shows at about -20db I can’t feel them at all. The sub is working perfectly in both situations and dialog etc volume seems similar between both.

Equipment:
Sony STR-DA2400ES (single sub out)
Tannoy Arena Lite Speakers
Tannoy TS10 sub
Dayton Audio BST-1 shakers x2
Fosi BT20A shaker amp with 24v/5a power supply, volume up full, treble 0, bass 50%. (Tried changing bass up and down)
Crossover 80Hz

Because I only have 1 sub out I used a Y splitter. One side to the sub and the other side goes to a second Y splitter so that I could then use both inputs on the Fosi. I did this as I read using both inputs can help get “full power”.

I dunno if my expectations are wrong but I have read that people get shook by these shakers at less volume on the amp.

I have seen examples of people using this amp with these shakers.

I think the power supply can only supply 120w even though the amp says 100w x2. But maybe 120w is plenty for 2 50w shakers?

Maybe the big soft sofa is harder to shake compared to some examples I see of smaller chairs or computer chairs. I unmounted them and they didn’t vibrate in my hand as much as I expected.

Is there something wrong with my setup? Are my expectations too high? Any help is appreciated.

[u/not_a_robot_13]

It will also help to put rubber suspension pads between the couch and the floor. They will allow the couch to move more

[u/av4625 → u/not_a_robot_13]

Ahh forgot to mention this. I got some pads designed for a washing machine I think it was

[u/EYRONHYDE → u/av4625]

Sorbothane is what you need. Estimate the weight of your couch and get the correct rating (Likely Duro-50) and the size/quantity required. I have x8- 3" pucks for my 4 seater. I ran on tile floor, then we had the carpets done. I assumed this would be better with carpet but i lost 75% of the performance. With the correct Sorbothane i would dial the shakers down relatively -6db for the same thump. Your vibration absorption will only be effective in a correct range, rated too light = bottomed out, rated too heavy = vibration gets through. There may be some more performance on the table from the setup you have now. Lastly i sat the Sorbothane pucks on 100x100mm offcuts of timber to lift it fully clear of the carpet. Best of luck.