A decent, inexpensive subwoofer.
Written: Apr 04 '01 (Updated Jun 11 '01)
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Pros: Inexpensive, adjustable volume, decent performance
Cons: May not be as reliable as some more expensive subs
The Bottom Line: This is an excellent value for the money. If you don't have the big bucks for a more expensive sub, this is a great solution.
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| Ahab1973's Full Review: KLH ASW10-100 Subwoofer Speaker |
This review is on the KLH ASW10-120. For a time, I really didn't think I needed or wanted a subwoofer for my Dolby Digital surround system because I live in an apartment. When I finally decided I wanted one, I really was holding out for something from JBL or Polk perhaps.
Well, I shopped around quite a bit and looked at a lot of subs. The really good ones are quite expensive. Most of the ones I looked at were in the $300 range. Since I knew I wasn't going to be using it at full volume and really didn't need an extremely powerful sub, I decided not to spend that much.
I also decided that my main criteria for a sub would be that it have a built in volume control so I could still use it at low volume levels without seriously disturbing my neighbors. I still couldn't seem to find anything in the price range I had decided on.
I had just about given up on it when I reluctantly decided to check out the KLH offerings in the subwoofer category. I came across this one for a very reasonable price. Around $130. Still I was skeptical. I came home and read the other reviews in this section taking note of the fact that some here said it wasn't very reliable.
I decided that for $130, it was worth taking a chance. I could always return it if I wasn't satisfied or if it self destructed or something.
When I brought it home and hooked it up, my neighbors weren't at home so I decided to see what it was capable of. I first tried it out with Jurassic Park. I was quite surprised. Nice, loud deep bass.
Next, I tried out a few explosions from the Terminator 2 DVD. Wow! Although my upstairs and downstairs neighbors weren't at home, I had a guy that lives across the street come to my door and tell me it sounded like an earthquake.
Not bad for $130. Of course I won't be using it at anywhere near full volume. I'm quite satisfied with this purchase so far. If it lasts at least a couple of years, I feel that it's worth the price.
It also works out nicely for me in another way. Before I had a subwoofer, I was having problems getting the volume loud enough to be able to hear the voices without being blown away during action scenes. The adjustable volume for the sub takes care of that problem quite nicely.
If you live somewhere where you can really crank it up and you want the best subwoofer you can afford, this probably isn't for you.
I haven't had any problems with it yet. If I do, I'll update this review.
*Update June 11 2001:
No problems yet. This sub has exceeded my expectations in performance, looks and durability. I've left it continuously powered up for the last three weeks. Absolutely no problems.
It certainly isn't the best sub in the world for music. However, it works just fine for movies. Especially considering it's price. It does seem a bit boomy at times. But that's pretty easy to ignore on a movie soundtrack. It only really gets annoying on music recordings that are bass heavy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130
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Epinions.com ID:
Ahab1973
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Member: Brian
Location: USA
Reviews written: 132
Trusted by: 65 members
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