Skip to Content
Skip to Table of Contents

← Previous Article Next Article →

ATPM 5.03
March 1999

Columns

How To

Extras

Interview

Reviews

Download ATPM 5.03

Choose a format:

Review: Intensor

by Daniel Chvatik, dchvatik@atpm.com

good

Product Information
Produced by: BSG Laboratories, Inc.
Web: http://www.bsglabs.com
More Info: http://www.intensor.com
Price: $199 for main unit
+ $99 for optional chair base
+ $169 for optional SubWoofer unit (from http://commerce.intensor.com)

System Requirements
A multi-media device with a sound output jack

So you got yourself one of those great new blue and white G3s, spent a small fortune on a great 21" screen, added a Voodoo 2 graphics card, and can’t wait to grab the new Voodoo 3 once it is out. Basically you have the perfect multimedia machine, be it for games, DVDs, or anything else. Yet something still isn’t right: the sound. Sure, you could hook it up to the awesome stereo you have, but then you still wouldn’t be able to feel the sound. That’s what the Intensor is for. Imagine sitting on the speakers.

The Intensor is basically a chair with 5 speakers built into it. One full-range speaker goes between your legs, two smaller mid-range speakers on either side. There’s also a high-end driver (tweeter) close to your head and a big bass driver that makes you “feel” the sound. This setup literally surrounds you with sound, places you right in the action, and the bass driver makes the chair vibrate at low frequencies (like explosions or gun fire). It really adds the one element that was missing from today’s top-notch games: physical feedback. Hard-core gamers will definitely appreciate that. However it is not only limited to games. You can hook it up to your VCR, CD or DVD player, or any other device that has a sound output. Forget about surround sound, the Intensor is what you really need if you want to enjoy action movies to their limit.

The main unit itself can be folded up and is rather portable between rooms. It can be put onto an existing chair base, or you can get a new one for $99. The main unit also isn’t too expensive at $199, given that its sound quality rivals that of good computer speakers in the same price range. However it is highly recommended to get the subwoofer if you want to enjoy the full benefits of the sound enhancement. If you get the whole setup, it will add up to $467! On the other hand you get a complete chair, a subwoofer, and basically a surround sound system that you can use for your computer and/or your TV system.

intensor1
The complete system with chair base and subwoofer

Although I really like the new dimension the Intensor adds to gaming, music, and movies, I have several complaints. The connector that links the Intensor to the small control unit is on the front of the chair, right between your legs. You will tend to loosen it with your calves as you stand up or sit down, producing horrible noises from the speakers.

The controls for volume and the intensity of the bass feedback are also between your legs, causing you to change volume unintentionally. The chair also tends to build up a lot of static electricity. My fiancée refuses to kiss me while I am sitting on the chair because she gets a very strong buzz every time. The worst part about the chair is its comfort. I had horrible back pain after the first two days of using it. Even with the additional padding that is available, it’s the most uncomfortable chair I’ve ever sat in. That’s fine if you don’t use it too much, but it replaced my comfortable office chair and I usually start to suffer after a few hours. Once you get the entire setup with subwoofer, the unit is basically not portable anymore, so you can forget about moving it between rooms.

intensor2
This is what it looks like in reality with the pads

The unit came in several big boxes, and it took me quite a while to get everything together. Setup instructions are well-explained but require a lot of care and patience. To be fair, BSG Labs is working on a new version without arm rests (which makes the setup a lot easier), a modified connector on the side, as well as modified controls on the side which eliminates some of my problems listed above. Because the unit will be easier to build without the arm rests, BSG Labs will also probably make it cheaper than the old version. The additional padding will be included as a standard, another nice (and necessary) change in addition to a redesigned shape for more comfort.

I tested the chair with several games. The best effect was with the Dwarven Mortars in Myth 2. The effect is just amazing. However the chair doesn’t work well with games that have no low frequency sounds, rendering the vibration feedback useless. It still provides good sound though.

Overall the Intensor is very nice for hard core gamers with a strong back and the money to get it. I recommend getting a Voodoo 2 or 3 graphics card before you consider the Intensor, but once the new version is available it will be an interesting addition to your equipment.

AppleCopyright © 1999 Daniel Chvatik, dchvatik@atpm.com. Reviewing in ATPM is open to anyone. Contact reviews@atpm.com for more information.

Reader Comments (70)

Iggy · May 25, 2000 - 01:01 EST #1
It would be great but I was told the company went out of business. I have an Intensor chair and it does not work anymore and I have been trying to contact the company for 3 weeks now...with no luck.
Robert Granville · November 23, 2000 - 01:01 EST #2
I have an Intensor that does not work. Anyone interested in selling a working chair to me, e-mail me or call me at (320) 243-7017. PS - I'm willing to buy a non working Intensor. WOW!!!
Jason M Bannan · February 14, 2001 - 01:01 EST #3
Well.... BSG Labs that provide the Intensor chair is out of business. I believe if you call one of your local computer companies, they can hook you up with the hardware that drives the chairs speakers. If not, I will be posting soon where you can find the hardware for the chairs. See, the problem with the chair is where they put the hook up on the chair. If it is yanked on any it will ruin the solders in the PC chip inside the chair. If you have any experience with soldering you can risk trying to fix this yourself but I don't recommend it. Just wait and I will post some info soon on where you can fix your chair.
Johnny Kim · August 27, 2001 - 23:15 EST #4
I have 7,000 units of these chairs. If anyone is interested in buying an Intensor chair, please call me at 785-825-7103 or send an e-mail. Thank you.
John Sartor · September 2, 2001 - 20:41 EST #5
Johnny Kim - Your line is busy. Do you carry the armrests? I also need the subwoofer. My wife hates this ugly chair--but I love it! Thank you.
Andrew Schmidt · May 24, 2002 - 18:36 EST #6
I just got the chair from Value City and it doesn't work. What is up with the AC thing? It has two rods coming from it. Is it European?
Alex · May 28, 2002 - 16:48 EST #7
I got the chair at Value City, but my friend was real fat and, after he sat on it, broke it!! It was pretty intense. I do not recommend this chair for overweight people. Perhaps a treadmill.
Beverly Farmer · July 6, 2002 - 19:35 EST #8
I also bought the chair from Value City. Can anyone tell me if it will work with an Xbox. I can't get sound from the speakers. I get a shrill sound when I plug it in.
Ernie · August 12, 2002 - 13:32 EST #9
Hello. I was wondering if anyone would sell me the connections to the chair. I lost mine. Thanks.
Steve Rogers · September 25, 2002 - 23:07 EST #10
I don't have the chair, but I do have the main unit. Does anybody want it?

Steve
Steven · October 25, 2002 - 14:30 EST #11
I have had the chair for 5 years now. It's been fixed 3 times (by me).

Don't plan on buying one unless you took that "Soldering 101" class becasue you WILL break the solders when you use the chair.

It's a great chair until you bump the cable =(
Tim Mitchell · November 18, 2002 - 18:09 EST #12
I've had my chair for about five years and I haven't fixed it once, only because I can't. It is broken, but since BSG went out of business, I can't get the pieces to fix it. Somehow my headphone jack got messed up and now it plays out of the speakers and the headphones when I have them plugged in. Also, my friend spun in the chair and it messed up the connector part that is actually in the chair, so every once in a while, a few speakers cut out and I have to fiddle with it. If it wasn't for the breaking, I would recommend this chair to everyone.
Maad · November 24, 2002 - 03:27 EST #13
Hello. I was wondering if anyone could help me in buying 24 chairs with full accessories, and the shipments go to Jordan.
Daniel Chvatik (ATPM Staff) · December 4, 2002 - 12:18 EST #14
Although the company is out of business, the chair still sells on the Internet. One site that carries them is ComputerGear.

The Intensor website now forwards to a new maker of gaming chairs: BattleChair. Maybe these guys sell parts necessary to fix the Intensor.
Larry · February 13, 2003 - 19:42 EST #15
If someone wants this LX350 Intensor Gaming chair for $120 with 30 days warranty + $50 shipping anywhere in US but AK or HI, please contact me and I will put it on auction to avoid the tax. Thank you.
Tyrone · April 26, 2003 - 23:56 EST #16
I found the chair with no hardware. I need all the accessories, if possible, and an instruction manual. Thanks. Contact me, please.
George Rochelle · June 5, 2003 - 18:19 EST #17
I also found the chair without accessories. Mine has the 25-pin DIN connector on the side - not the front. Does anyone know where I can get the rest?? ICQ 11590742
Michelle · August 8, 2003 - 00:51 EST #18
I bought a chair without accessories. Does anyone know where to find them?
Russ · November 17, 2003 - 23:39 EST #19
I need a chair base and a subwoofer. Does anyone know where I can get them?
rusty · December 17, 2003 - 23:07 EST #20
can anyone tell me where the rca cable from the chair box will plug into a playstatiom 2
GabrielScarred · January 14, 2004 - 00:35 EST #21
I had the chair and the back of the chair were the top and the bottom (the seat) snapped appart. I'd like to get another, but I want one with the arm rests hopeing that this will prevent the problem from happening agein. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Harry Alban · February 1, 2004 - 17:00 EST #22
My subwoofer has stopped working. Does anybody have one for sale or know how to repair this one? I think there is something wrong with the power input. The LED does not come on at all any more.

Thanks for the help!

Harry Alban
Shawn Trent · February 22, 2004 - 12:52 EST #23
I have need of a replacement PCB for inside the chair since my headphone jack broke. I have the board with the DB25 on the side of it. Would someone be willing to sell for parts? Maybe GabrielScarred since your seat snapped apart, if the rest is in good shape?

Thanks!

Please make sure Intensor is in subject so I don't delete the e-mail.
Kathy G · November 28, 2004 - 12:20 EST #24
I have an Intensor LX with the swivel base, power unit/amp, connector cable and instruction manual. It has the 25-pin side connector, headphone jack and volume adjustments so no problem with front cable being bumped or accidental volume adjustment issues. Works and sounds great. Bought as novelty for kids to use when visiting/playing. It's in excellent condition. No one uses it so considering selling it. If you are interested, email me at kathy.j.garcia@verizon.net. Reference Intensor in the subject. Thanks!
Melissa Cross · December 6, 2004 - 18:55 EST #25
PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME! I bought this chair without the little power box thingy and I'm dying to play with this chair. If anybody has one and they are willing to give it up please let me know PLEASE. By the way,Thanks.

melissacross4882@yahoo.com
Steve L · December 27, 2004 - 12:44 EST #26
Its not a bad chair, However I am working on a totally different kind of chair, Alien Chair, 9 speakers built in to the chair it will rotate in to 180 degrees tilt
the console is under the seat each arm has flight,gun and maneuvering controls in it. leather seat that swivels and will come in 7 colors black, red, green, blue, silver, purple, camoflague. Xbox, PS2, PC, Mac.
foot controls, pedals, steering wheel and flight controls. The seat has warmers and vibrates your back
fun and great for those long games. internet access also.
stephen walker · March 14, 2005 - 17:02 EST #27
i have a chair with no amp i will sell for 50 bucks
stephen walker · March 14, 2005 - 18:01 EST #28
I would also pay up to 30 bucks for the power unit if anyone has one. I would like to try this darn thing out
poop digger · May 6, 2005 - 01:02 EST #29
Steve L,

I am also working on a chair called AlienS Chair, 10 speakers, 8 colors, nintendo, sega genesis (and super nintendo for the canadien market). The seat has a cooler on it and vibrates your front. Also it has long distance telephone service without a contract! And WOW look! with 1 post every year nobody will ever read about your chair or my far superior chair. Too bad.
Tom Wheeler · May 19, 2005 - 00:16 EST #30
I have a mint condition chair with the original power unit. Everything works fine. Will sell whole thing for $75. Buyer pays shipping cost.

I'm in Southern California.
Saivishnu · May 20, 2005 - 05:36 EST #31
I want to know about the updates of Future Cop L.A.P.D.
Scott Weller · June 5, 2005 - 16:07 EST #32
I have the Intensor chair but I did not know about it needing an amp. I'd pay shipping and all if anyone still has a working amp that they nolonger use.
Alex Nguyen · July 9, 2005 - 20:47 EST #33
I have the Intensor chair but I did not know about it needing an amp. I'd pay shipping and all if anyone still has a working amp that they nolonger use.
BIG BOB · August 8, 2005 - 22:53 EST #34
I have both whoever needs it and i will split up. buyer will pay all shipping! I am also a registered E-bay seller.

forshannytoo - E-bay i.d.

billabbobb@yahoo.com for more info
James Openshaw · August 17, 2005 - 03:22 EST #35
Wow, just picked me up the full system for free from someones moving pile. W00t FREE!
murray dale dean · November 27, 2005 - 12:52 EST #36
please help I purchased intensor for my grandson but there are no instructions...could someone send instruction manual or tell me what I need to make it work...It has front connectors and an amp with it...thanks
Ariel C. · November 29, 2005 - 15:28 EST #37
PLEASE HELP ME FIND ONE I had one a few years back, but lost it storage flood acident. been looking for one ever since. does any one out there have one? if you do, please email me @ videogamescrazy@yahoo.com with info. thanx
brenda cunningham · December 4, 2005 - 20:53 EST #38
i have a intensor chair will sell please email me at brenda_240@hotmail.com
Dean Savage · January 17, 2006 - 10:23 EST #39
hey ive had my intensor for quite a few years now and when i am playing a loud-impact game on my PS2 (like Burnout Revenge for example), it just stops working and one of the speakers/woofers inside it gives me a buzzing noise. usually i was able to stop this by standing up for a few seconds and it cleared, but now i can only have about an hour of play or so before it dies out again. im wondering if its a faulty speaker and i can replace it with an evan better one by going to best buy and ask around. ive had it ready to open up the plastic shell to get the internals and test to see which one is doing the buzzing, but i need to take precaution before i start buying replacements for it. email me and dsavage1@wowway.com if your a wiz about all this or have any suggestions or whatever, thanks.
Ed LaHaie · May 7, 2006 - 16:45 EST #40
I just picked up a chair at a yard sale for $25, works great. Where can I download the manual?
Mike Joyce · July 31, 2006 - 16:53 EST #41
i have an intensor with the 25 pin plug on the side. any one know where i can the cables and software for this? e-mail me at mjoyce91@gmail.com
Brett Bender · August 5, 2006 - 20:42 EST #42
I just bought this INTENSOR chair and need the 25 pin connector and all the cables/hardwere to make it work. If you have it and want to sell or know where I can get them please contact me at brett2gem@yahoo.com THANKS
Shelley M. Neill · August 15, 2006 - 22:51 EST #43
I have a complete IGS 300/350 Intersor LX that belonged to my husband. He passed away last year but never had any trouble with it at all. He used it for Playstation and movies. If anyone is interested in buying it for $75 and shipping just email me. I live in Montana.
robert yanez · September 1, 2006 - 21:07 EST #44
i just received an intensor chair but i'm missing the power cord and manual.were can i get these items.thank you.
miriam ward · January 7, 2007 - 18:32 EST #45
Hello,I bought one of these chairs at a thrift store but it dosnt have any connectors or anything,can someone tell me where I can get some accessories,Thanks my email is miriamdebbie@netscape.net
Kevin · January 13, 2007 - 21:18 EST #46
My chair has two female 8pin connectors in the front, now is that for a power supply or does it go to the speakers. my email is john_davis_us@yahoo.com just curious where I would go to pickup the proper cables or If I have to build it myself.
Joly · February 10, 2007 - 13:24 EST #47
I have one of these, but no power supply/accesories. NYC. Free to good home. joly[at]dti.net.
anonymous · March 24, 2007 - 21:05 EST #48
I have a intensor w/ side terminal,works great but what is green A/V jack for?
Matthew Davis · April 1, 2007 - 15:54 EST #49
Hello, I received an Intensor years ago as a christmas gift although someone spun the chair and tore the motherboard out of its housing. I am simply interested in buying a new mother board or another chair for parts. Please contact me ASAP. My email is sta_ryder@hotmail.com
Thanks
kortt · April 23, 2007 - 23:01 EST #50
I have a chair with the side plug and controls, no arm rest and was lucky enough to score 3 yes I said 3 amplfiers for bargain prices. was told they work, but wouldn't you guess they have the two 8pin connectors for the front style chair!! any sugestions? offers? schematics? addapter? well I'm at kortt@cableone.net and can work through ebay or whatever... help...
chris von ravensberg · October 20, 2007 - 21:21 EST #51
hello...i just bought one of these chairs....has anyone ever found any instructions? any info would help. i am in seattle washington. thanks chris
Joe Cool · October 23, 2007 - 16:25 EST #52
I have a working main amp unit but no chair. If anyone is interested in buying this amp please send me an Email at: joecqql2002@yahoo.com
Roy Stevens · October 27, 2007 - 18:18 EST #53
I have the Intensor chair with the 25 pin side hook ups. I need the amp and cables. Does anyone have them for sale?? This was for my grandson. Anyone that can help please email
roy12986@yahoo.com
shawn nugent · November 23, 2007 - 18:58 EST #54
i have a chair with no power supplie.does anyone have one?
Mark Flournoy · December 2, 2007 - 14:48 EST #55
I have the IGS 400 that I received as a gift. In the box was the seat and what appears to be an amp box. There were no directions and no cords. Does anyone have a manual or can tell me how to get it to work?

My amp doesn't work once it is plugged to the seat. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please send to mooksbabe@aol.com. Thanks.
Shawn Trent · December 6, 2007 - 19:52 EST #56
I have the 25-pin side hookup. The Amp unit has the cable hard-wired into it and it just screws into the side connector. Other than that just a basic 2-wire power cord that is removable from the amp and a L/R RCA stereo input. Any basic stereo mini to RCA cord will give you sound. Make sure you can get sound from the output stereo mini with either headphones or any handy speakers nearby.

If you still don't have sound check the volume slider on the right side of the chair. There is also a slider for vibration intensity. On my chair the sliders move forward to increase and back to decrease level. I personally use digital surround speakers for sound and the chair for feedback. Just hook the chair to a front analog output and set the chair volume to barely audible. Then set the vibration and rock!

Also note if you choose to use headphones, at least on my chair, the connector is rather fragile plastic. Do not force the plug in and do not wiggle it or hit it with anything. Once that connector is broken you will have no way to replace it. If you are lucky the contacts for the internal speakers will still be attached and provide sound and vibration.
Edward Rady · January 22, 2008 - 14:48 EST #57
I need A power unit for the LX350 with 25 pin RCA cable. opiebear@aol.com
Edward Rady · January 23, 2008 - 10:03 EST #58
I need a power amplifier for a LX350 game chair.
Willing to pay top dollar.
opiebear@aol.com
Rick M · March 10, 2008 - 13:35 EST #59
I have an ISG 350-300 amp for the Intensor Chair if anyone is interested. rm1025@sbcglobal.net
Brett Bender · March 17, 2008 - 16:35 EST #60
THANKS RICK! OK now that I have the amp and wires I am looking for the subwoofer. If anybody has 1 they want to sell please email me at brett2gem@yahoo.com THANKS
BOB H · April 3, 2008 - 18:37 EST #61
i have a chair need list of things to make it work manual?power sorce?cables? i c mixed reviews on this chair is it worth putting together? e-mail me racin247@yahoo.com
Jeff Larsen · May 22, 2008 - 20:36 EST #62
I have a IGS 100 subwoofer 4 sale,
clean in good working condition. call Jeff
(707) 433-3789 email jeff800-mail@yahoo.com
helen · May 29, 2008 - 00:47 EST #63
have a intensor chair interested call 989-465-9986 michigan comes with cords and power box
Tony · February 9, 2009 - 16:14 EST #64
I have the 25 pin DIN connector model. I'm missing the amp. If you have for sale, give me a call at 904-807-9459. Cost plus shipping and handling. Thanks.
rickyyounger · August 15, 2009 - 13:39 EST #65
i just got mine to day! it has everything! i only paid 50 dollars for it and i fount this thread and was surprized at how rareish they are!
Alison Burger · August 26, 2009 - 15:18 EST #66
I have an Intensor Chair 25 pin DIN model - chair only, no amp. If interested in buying please call 678-559-5372
robert ogram · March 5, 2016 - 20:01 EST #67
I would like to purchase another Intensor Chair. 949-910-8020
Ken · November 18, 2016 - 18:11 EST #68
I have 2 complete Intensor Chair's I great shape and work very well . What's the offer's ???
rusty shackleford · December 27, 2017 - 15:16 EST #69
looking for intensor subwoofer please email me at lordofquake2002@gmail.com with price and shipping
julio · March 23, 2018 - 01:10 EST #70
i need help i looking for imeron iGS350 intensor Lx chair Manual please info share and contact me email Julio.liv333@GMAIL.COM or call 760 957 4047 thank you

Add A Comment





 E-mail me new comments on this article