Clark Synthesis TST429 Platinum Transducer

I bought two of these for my sectional couch, absolutely amazing feeling to feel the engines, gun shots and explosions of a movie, truly new dimension for watching movies, if you have the cash and the will, you wont regret it!

I purchased two TST429 transducers in 2018. One of them failed shortly after install and was promptly replaced by Clark Synthesis. Each was driven by a single 150w channel on a Samson Servo 300 amplifier (ie: not bridged). This amp matches the recommended power output from Clark Synthesis (150w, 4 ohm, per channel). These transducers were used in a home theater with nominal usage of 1-2 movies per week.The transducers lasted around four years before failing unexpectedly and without warning. This is a premium brand, and this is the top model in their lineup. I expected much more longevity.The transducers are not repairable. Clark Synthesis does offer an exchange for non-functional transducers for $399/ea. I paid ~$550/ea for these new, and they currently retail at ~$700/ea.They were great when they worked. Really expanded the movie watching experience. However, I cannot continue to throw money after a product which has had a 100% failure rate for the three TST429's I have received.I ended up replacing the TST429 transducers with Dayton Audio BST-1 transducers. These are much smaller and do not put out the same level individually as the TST429's do. However, for about the same cost of replacing one TST429, I was able to get eight BST-1 transducers, wire them properly, and use the existing amp. The aggregate output of the eight BST-1 transducers is comparable to the two TST429 transducers.

One of these is more responsive, more powerful, and lower profile than the TWO it replaced made by "the second best" brand – and at just 150 watts compared to the 800 watts (total) I was feeding the other two. SO happy with the upgrade – I only wish I had gotten these first.

I initially was planning to install Buttkicker LFE, but switched to Clark Platinum after reading reviews and researching on the net. Moreover, the Buttkicker LFE was out of stock for a very long time. I bought two of these (one for each sofa; each sofa has 2 recliners at the end and one non reclining seat in the middle) for my home theater. Each of the transducer was installed in the middle non reclining seat; this was the only place where there was enough room to house the transducer. The reclining seats had too many components that prevented me from installing the transducers. I used a 2X8 and connected it to the two ends of the frame in the middle seat. I had to drill (use a Drill bit that drills through metal easily; I used a Dewalt Titanium Drill that did wonders while drilling through metal) four 1/4 inch holes into the frame (2 holes on each end of the frame) and used four 1/4 inch (size) and 2.5 inch (length) screws, 1/4 inch nuts, 1/4 inch flat washers, and 1/4 inch lock washers to securely bolt the 2X8 to the frame. Clark Synthesis provided the hardware that I used to mount the transducer onto the 2X8. I powered these two transducers using the Buttkicker BKA 1000-N amplifier. The transducers were connected in series (go to Buttkicker website->product configuration and use the wiring diagram for powering 2 Buttkicker mini LFEs using BKA 1000-N amplifer) to output 250 Watts to each transducer.Well, after the connections were made, what I experienced was out of the world. Like other reviewers mentioned, while watching Jurassic Park Blue Ray disc, I felt as if the Dinosaur were in the Theater Room. The entire family was amazed at how these transducers totally transformed the movie experience. I watched Black Hawk Down and felt as if I were in the action. I am glad I installed these in a relatively quick time frame after I built my Home Theater I can't wait to experience my other favorite movies!!!If anyone is on the fence, just jump the boat and try these. Truly outstanding product; undoubtedly it's worth the price.

This works very well, which offsets the high price. I used a mini dsp to blend it with my existing subwoofer. I set eq and compression so that I get audible rumble even below 10 hz. It took good technical knowledge to make it "perfect". The main thing is to filter (eq) significantly at 60hz.In a standard home theater set-up this will be on the subwoofer channel. With mine, that means it'll take the (deep) bass from all speakers plus play the "LFE" channel which tops off at around 250hz.Ignoring the tech details, the effect is awesome. By far, the deepest movie I've found is Interstellar (imo it's not a good movie). Kong (the new one which I don't like) and Godzilla (not so bad) also have a lot of low audio.Surprising, some older movies have significant depth. Chronicles of Riddick is a great movie with lots of boom.