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Product:
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MTB Exclusive: X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker |
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Price:
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$94 (CAN) / $79 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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X-Woofer
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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March 21st, 2005
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Rating:
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Picture courtesy of X-Woofer (c) 2005
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Using the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker for the first time is a very simple process. The documentation
included with the product provides a series of reference diagrams along with explanations for different
configuration options.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The only steps required are to attach the appropriate cable connections for all the devices. The first
step is to connect the X-Woofer to the controller unit. From the controller unit you attach the AC plug
adapter to any free wall outlet. Finally, the last step is to plug the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker
to any audio source and push on the power button. I did find the amount of cabling required for this
product very tedious, especially the length limitations when moving around once the AC adapter was
plugged into the wall. Once I was ready for testing, I pushed the power button and sat myself down in
my living room. I assembled a few audio CD's (Ludacris - Red Light District, The Game - The Documentary
and 50 Cent - The Massacre) as well as a few DVD's (Shark Tale, Shaun of the Dead and Saw). I tested
each disc connected to the Samsung DVD-L300 Portable DVD Player
that I reviewed 2 weeks ago.
Testing:
My overall impression of the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker using audio CD's was a major disappointment.
Since the X-Woofer only outputs 1W per speaker channel with no treble or bass influence, audio CD's sound
very distorted especially with the vibration mode activated and the volume raised. The experience using
standard DVD's was a little better but not very thrilling. In order to distinguish dialogue on the DVD,
you need to have the volume level raised on your audio source as well as the X-Woofer controller.
The vibration mode comes in handy during action sequences or scary moments in most movies when the suspense
is at its highest point.
The X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker is being marketed more as a gaming accessory, so my next test
was to hook this unit into my test gaming rig connected to a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card. My test gaming
rig consists of a DFI LAN Party Pro875B Motherboard, Intel Pentium 2.8C CPU, 1GB Corsair XMS3200LL Pro
Series Twinx Memory, Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB video card and 2 x Maxtor DiamondMax 60GB HD's in
Raid 0. I played a few rounds of Half Life 2, Doom 3 and HALO and was impressed how well the vibration
mode worked during game play. You can really feel each explosion on the base of your neck and shoulders
while playing FPS type games.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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While testing this unit in my living room, I did peak the curiosity of my wife’s nieces Tina and
Angelica. I decided to seek their opinions on this product and provide me with their comments. Both
agreed that the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker differs from conventional headphones and that the unit
was very light weight. They also commented on the fact that the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker offers
no level of privacy when you have the unit around your neck.
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Conclusion:
The X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker is a unique product that seems targeted towards the gaming community.
As a standalone device it offers an alternative way of enjoying game play with the inclusion of a 3D
sound and vibration modes. The overall of construction of the unit is good and it comes bundled with an
easy to use controller unit that allows you to adjust volume and vibration levels. The included documentation
is very easy to understand and provides different configuration options for installing this product in
a wide variety of ways. After using the product for two days, my overall opinion is that the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker
feels more like a gimmick than an must have item. The sound quality is poor and doesn't even come close
to stereo quality provided by conventional headphones. After powering the X-Woofer for a few hours, I
did notice that the controller unit does tend to get warm which may cause some concern with a few consumers.
By far my biggest problem is the amount of cabling involved with using this product. There are too many
wires involved during the installation phase that could be cut down significantly. Instead of using an
AC adapter, it would have been nice if the product offered a battery pack or wireless hub option. Finally,
the current price for the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker is listed at $79 (U.S) / $94 (CDN), this is
slightly higher than most conventional stereo headphones on the market as well as traditional computer
speakers. Overall, I rating the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker a final rating of
6 out of 10. I would only recommend this
product if you are looking for a unique gaming accessory to compliment an existing gaming system or console.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the X-Woofer
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
NOTE: All sales inquries regarding the X-Woofer 3D Vibro Woofer Speaker can be directed to
sales@x-woofer.com.
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Pros:
- Unique gaming accessory
- Offers 3D sound and vibration mode
- Includes controller unit
- Light weight and easy to transport
- Simple documentation
- Compatible with PC/Video Games Systems and Audio equipment (DVD, TV, CD Player, PS/2, X-Box)
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Cons:
- Price
- Speakers are limited to 1W per channel
- Poor sound quality with audio CD's
- No treble or bass controls
- Too many cables involved for set-up
- Controller unit gets warm after extended use
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