It’s been about a year since we ran out of stock on the ButtKicker Gamer and finally, we are very happy to announce that we’re re-launching it with some excellent updates.
ButtKicker Power Amplifier BKA-130-C
The one major update in the new ButtKicker Gamer2 is the amplifier. We ditched the old one and got a completely new, rock-solid digital amp that is nearly half the size and weight of the old one. Plus it’s convection cooled so it’s ultra-quiet (no fan).
It has undergone rigorous testing too. We’ve had many units out ‘undercover’ to many sim racers/gamers for beta-testing and got outstanding feedback from everyone. Further, this same amplifier has been in use in hundreds of ButtKicker home theater seating systems for over a year now.
Here’s what a few of the beta-testers had to say:
Dear Mark,
I just wanted to take a moment and let you know how well the new digital amplifier is working.
To date I have had no issues with the new amp and no down time as with the previous analog amp. As you are aware, I have been a long time user of the ButtKicker Gamer, having had one in my racing pod for the last few years. After replacing a couple of the analog units (due to “overdriving” them, causing overheating and failure), it’s nice to know that the new digital units are withstanding the test of time without fail. It was always noticeable to me, that when I didn’t have a unit, (while waiting for a replacement) how much I missed the added feature the ButtKicker provided while racing.
The newer, more compact design also takes up much less room than the previous analog amp and the remote has also been a welcome addition. I now have been able to place the amplifier out of site, making my sim racing pod even that much more “clean” looking.
The employees at Guitammer have always been excellent with customer service and I have had no complaints other than having to be without my BK for a short period of time. I appreciate the level of service your company has provided and the speed at which things are handled.
It has been pleasure dealing with you, and the Guitammer staff.
Sincerely,
Reed R.
Oxford, MI
Hi Joe,
It is great to hear from you. I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to test the amplifier. I would estimate that I have used the amp on average of four days a week over the last six months. My average time per usage would be from 2 to 2.5 hours per session. I have used it primarily with ARCA SimRacing by the SimFactory. It has also been in use with Shot-on-Line Golf and some music listening.
The primary purpose when I first became interested in your products was for the sim racing game. I must say that the Buttkicker products are amazing! It brings a tremendous amount of realism into the game. I have the BKA-130-OE hooked to a mini concert transducer and mounted on a bar under a PlaySeat, all of which sets on rubber isolators that are attached to the frame of the chair. It has also been hooked to the gamer transducer on an office chair.
I have had an absolute blast with this product! I would rate the quality of this amp as excellent. When I first took a look at it I could tell the build looked solid. I did not realize how handy the wired remote would be. This has allowed me to set the amp and basically forget it. Being able to power on and off and adjust the intensity without having to get to the amp is great! This amp will take anything your through at it without fail. The only comment I have on the remote is that the power button has to be pushed repeatedly (2-3 times usually) to turn on or off. I have not noticed any problem with the +/- adjustment buttons. Great job with this amp.
If you are a gamer, you need this product! You can feel the rumble of a stockcar engine, the impact of a wall, or collisions with other cars within the game. This puts the game right in the seat of your pants! Playing golf with this game is even amazing. The impact with the ball is all there! I don’t play any first-person shooter games, but, it makes me wonder why anyone who did would not want this addition to their game. I am thinking of buying one of those games just to see what it is like. I bet the explosions are wild.
The great thing about adding the ButtKicker to your game is the dramatic effects that it adds without blasting out the rest of your household or the neighbors. I can play with headphones or external speakers and get earth-shaking low frequency effects and not disturb a sole.
Thanks for such a great product. The Buttkicker has proven itself to be a fantastic value to me and your customer support is excellent as well. My next project will hopefully be adding one to my home theater system. I would defiantly recommend this to anyone.
Sincerely,
Rusty R.
Springville, TN
If you were thinking about getting a ButtKicker Gamer for your sim rig - don’t let doubts about the amplifier stop you - It’s a completely different animal, has been thoroughly tested and works. And as always, we back up our products and take care of our customers.
If you have any questions about the Gamer2, call us, shoot us an email or just comment on this post. If you’re interested in getting one, or want to see details and specs, check out the product page here: http://www.buttkickergear.com/product_p/bk-gr.htm
Randy Mullins
The Guitammer Company
randy.mullins@guitammer.com
Tags: BK-GR, BKA-130-C, BKGR, ButtKicker, ButtKicker Gamer, Gamer amp, Gamer2
When is the buttkicker2 being released with a 220/230v option? In the Netherlands (also a lot of other EU countries) we do not have 110v
SimRacer, the Gamer2 (240v) will be released in Europe around the same time that we actually start shipping the 120v version here in the states - around the beginning of Dec. 09
Will the amplifier alone be available? I have the original Buttkicker and am basically looking to upgrade the amp. Will the original “thumper” be able to plug into the new amp?
Eventually, yes. We have a very limited quantity for the holiday season so It won’t be till early next year. We’ll keep everyone posted about that.
The original ButtKicker Gamer unit (”thumper”) remains unchanged and is fully compatible with the new amplifier.
Will there be an upgrade option for those of us who return the older BKA-150 amplifiers?
Will there be an extra coupon for the original owners of the Gamer 1 which burnt out? I for one still feel a little jaded in purchasing a product that just flat failed. However, I did like the concept.
Price on just the amp?
I’m a little dissapointed my gen1 amp (I assume) burned up so easily, it refuses to power on.
Truth be told, I haven’t pursued much resolution and have long forgotten about it but I just recieved a promotional email for the new buttkicker and hoping for the best.
It was a [really] cool product while it lasted, but I really dislike buying things multiple times. :\
I have the same situation, but no promotion on my side. Im still very dissapointed on my BK1, that just dont power on also. I agree, buying things multiple time sucks.
Great iw ill certainly buy the EU version for my racesim
Can i order it from the shop or do you have a reseller in the Netherlands (and if, which company)?
Glad to hear the news of the Gamer amp upgrade. As an owner of the 1st Gen unit who has gone through numerous failures / returns and am still using it for my sim racing as long as my supply of replacement fuses holds out. Since I have been loyal from the introduction and wasn’t notified of, or invited to test the digital amp upgrade, what can I expect from Guitammer for suffering through its’ first iteration?
I have two failed series 1 units in my closet.Can you give a discount to customers that were sold junk after less than six months of use.I love your products but feel a little jaded from purchasing two short lived units.
Any updates on possible discounts or coupons for owners of the original Gamer kit? I’d place my order for a new one right now if there is some discount for original Gamer owners.
I too am interested in the cost of just the new amp and if you will be offering any special pricing or considerations for Gen1 users. Please keep us informed.
Sorry for the delay responding to everyone - It’s still not clear if we’re going to offer a discount on only the amplifier for gen-1 users. If we do, it won’t be till early next year at this point purely because of inventory issues (It was a scramble to get any in for the holidays at all).
We’ll keep you all informed though - keep checking back here for updates.
Is there any update? My gen-1 amp fried again, third one.
Any info on where they can be ordered when the are available in europa? Via the main website or is there a partnerstore in Holland?
I was a loyal fan of all Butt Kicker products until I got a buttkicker gamer. I’ve had a total of 4 and everyone of the amps burned out. Tech said it was the way I had it hooked up. The last one I had, I connected the amp with the splitter directly to my Xbox 360. Same out come, burnt amp. Good luck if you buy this product.
Have gone through 3 myself with the same response from tech. Has to be us, I guess.
A few other posters including myself, have had gen1 amp problems. Should of used us for beta testing.
I think we WERE the beta testers. Purchasers of the GEN-1 units proved how much of a POS it was and prompted R&D of an updated unit and are not getting any kind of a replacement discount for our trouble.
BTW: Guithammer, you’re welcome…………….
Ha ha, anyone from UK (or Europe i suppose) is not going to like this, if you order the buttkicker gamer 2 from the uk distributer (http://shakercentre.co.uk/aspbite/products/products.asp?intProductsID=3) it is £150
if you bough it from america (not including the cost of pre-ordering it, so if you were to buy it after it was released) it would cost £63…
Sooo…
£150 for it in UK, £63 for it in america
Difference?
The amp takes a different voltage.
I really want to know if this will be a good inverstment for DCS Black Shark.
Has anyone used this with a Helo sim before?
As Adam mentioned, the european version is available in shakercentre.co.uk, but the price is almost twice higher… Preposterous! I really hope that some other webstores will eventually start distributing the product for lower price, ’cause as far as I know, Shakercentre is currently the only distributer for the 240V version of Buttkicker gamer v2.
why not 110-220 Volt support ?
Can the new digital amp drive more than one Buttkicker Gamer unit(thumper)? I have Buttkicker Gamer I, sometimes the amp just shut down after an hour of use. It would be great if the new digital amp can drive two “thumper” since my “thumper” is working fine, it’s just the amp keep shutting itself off.
Will you guys take international order? I’m in Hong Kong.
Hi
Plese let me know if this Buttkicker can be used in a Fly Simulator for PC.
Do this required an aditional equipment as an sound blaster or tell me what do I need to use the Buttkicker in my PC for Fly Simulator
Thanks in advance for your answer
Regards
POLO
dumchidumchi - The amp (both old and new) can only run one ButtKicker Gamer transducer at a time. The amp is probably shutting off because the Gamer transducer is getting too hot. there is a thermal cutoff built in that automatically shuts the system down till the transducer cools enough. It has nothing to do with the amplifier.