BICV1020 10" Down-Firing Powered Subwoofer

Good bang for the buck, but should have a *much* more powerful internal amp to make justice to the otherwise great project.Despite the weak internal amp, the V1020 can handle high power producing deep frequencies without distortion, and plays very well once you pump the gain up.The cabinet is very well made, has simple and functional plugs, the detachable power cord is indeed a plus, and the speaker itself is very well made (almost a shame it stays hidden, pointing to the floor). But, maybe because I compare it to my fantastic 37 year old B.I.C. Formula 4 speakers, that answer down to 25Hz without any fancy amplification (the V1020 starts at 26Hz), this sub requires at least a +6db adjust at my pre-amplifier to make it sound at the same level as my F4s powered by a 100w Kenwood VR-7070 (although the sub's 160 Watts Built-in Amplifier is 60% more powerful). Once I set the gain right, all is good, but still I can't really find it useful when set along my F4s. Probably shows more when set with the much smaller and limited speakers that B.I.C. makes nowadays. Anyway, for the price, yes, I do recommend it (my Formula 4s cost 3x more at Ebay). Just remember to crank up the gain if you already own a decent pair of front speakers - but, then again, you might not want a sub at all if you do.--------------------- June 2014 update -In one phrase: it NEVER, EVER DISTORTED (and I've tried neighborhood war sound levels). Connected to the 100w THX certified Kenwood VR-7070 receiver's pre-amp sub out, I set the sub's controls at full volume and crossover at about 80Hz; on the receiver I still let the sub gain at +6db to match my front set, but I'm pinning that on my 1973 BIC Formula Four extreme sensitivity: 95 dB @1w. The rest of the system is a BIC America FH6-LCR Dual 6.5-Inch 175-Watt LCR Speaker with Mid/High Frequency Horn as center (-4db adjustment at the receiver), a pair of Bic America FH-65B Bookshelf Speakers 350 Watt 6.5IN 2 Way (each) as surround. And it sounds all right to my ears.As with most systems, I prefer 2.1 when listening music, and 5.1 when watching video.I don't usually listen at high volumes, but during a party I noticed some vibrations. After some search, we found that it was the whole sub "jumping" over my hard stone floor (!) whenever the drummer kicked his foot. I've putted some weights over it (large vase over several magazines), and it now stands still whatever volume I set it at.And it appears to be long lasting. The finishing still looks as new as the day it came out of the box (and we move it weekly for house cleaning). Since it downfires, I don't have to rotate the speaker as I have to do to my Formula Four's every quarter (I rotate the woofers 90°, so that they don't warp. Being working for over 40 years, but it's a pain).Considering the price, I'm upgrading my rate from three to four stars. Although it might deserve five, when I think that there's nothing close to it for the price...--------------------- May 2020 update -Ten years after, it still rocks 100%!

So you can get technical about electronics or you can keep it on the simple side... this review will be one of simplicity.I purchased two of these for a larger living room area in a new home. My TV is located in one corner of the room (I hate that but that is way the home was built). So my media seats face the TV with a sub located in each corner to the left and right of the seating. I have four 8" Pinnacle ceiling speakers above for rear and side surrounds.... and a Pinnacle Barnone 3 channel sound bar under the TV. That is my 7.2 surround sound setup... basically a much better system than the typical all in one setups that you can buy as a package... but still on a tight budget.The last system I had one Sony SA-W2500 10" powered sub. I hated that the sub output in my old home was so directional due to being located in a corner 10 feet to the left of my TV. So I opted for dual 10" subs to balance out the sound output. So I searched all over for the "best bang for the buck 10" sub".... read a ton of reviews and checked pricing everywhere online.There were some driving factors in my sub choice... one was centered around my toddler "Matthew the Menace"... I say that with all the love in the world of course! My older Sony sub had very sharp corners and I was very concerned with him falling and slitting his head or face on those corners. So I needed something kid friendly.My other desire was a sub that faced down. I think down firing subs are less directional and have a better dispersion pattern that a forward firing sub. The added bonus (considering Matthew) is that he would not be encouraged to touch the sub itself. I have seen kids poke and smash speakers... so the down firing sub helps prevent that.This sub covers both concerns. The corners on the top of the sub have a nice bevel to it. So if Matthew falls and hits the sub his battle damage will be minimized... at least in theory. The down firing sub has not drawn his attention.... so no worries there.One other consideration is the port tube on one of the sides of the speaker. HIDE THIS FROM YOUR KIDS! LOL Matthew did find that and to my surprise I found no less than 30 little toys inside the sub.... cars, weeble wobbles, plastic farm animals, etc... he stuck everything he could into that tube! So needless to say... I adjusted the speaker so the tube faces the couch instead of facing forward.Sound quality is awesome... for my "on a budget system"! Far better than my older Sony sub for sure. The fact that I have two subs balancing out the sound really helps you feel immersed in your movie watching experience. For around the $150 price point I doubt that you can find anything better.Packaging was rock solid... so no worries there. Both subs came in perfect condition.Of course, you cannot beat Amazon as a company. I trust Amazon to always step up if I ever have an issue of any type. I make most purchases from Amazon strictly due to pricing and trust in the company. My entire media system came from Amazon including a 55" LG LED TV.... completely happy with all of my purchases!I hope this review helps you with your purchase! Let me know if you have any questions.

Amp is dead after five years of VERY light use. Extremely disappointed.