Polk Audio PSW10 (Black) Subwoofers
Polk Audio PSW10 (Black) Subwoofers
USER REVIEWS
[Feb 09, 2017]
Matt
Audio Enthusiast
Perfect match for a smaller music system. I use this to provide the missing lower octave or so from my little living room (yes, the room is small) stereo system. It's an Onkyo TX-8211, a pair of Acoustic Research AR-215PS on cinder block stands, and this sub. I keep it dialed really low; it simply augments the low end that is lacking in the bookshelf speakers. It's also connected to my TV/HTPC. It does fine for casual watching. If cranked, movies with a ton of fake earthquake type low end effects can make it a bit chuffy, but it never fails to make the walls rattle.
|
[Feb 26, 2016]
Levi
Audio Enthusiast
I have a fine home system with two subs, and then I have a "workshop" system that has involved much wheeling and dealing/upgrading/trading/buying/selling, etc. Anyways, at this point in time, in the workshop, I have a Yamaha RX-V1500 receiver, an older Sony 5-disc carousel, a set of JBL J620 bookshelf speakers I refoamed, and a Technics P-mount turntable (the Yamaha is one of the last of the phono input models). I listen to rock and country mostly, old school with cd's and albums on vinyl, so this stereo stays on full time 2 channel stereo mode. NOT a HT system. I ran up on a Polk PSW10 on the local Craigslist for $40. I thought it might be a good candidate for the shop system. After an hour of experimenting with different locations, tweaking the volume/crossovers, I found a "happy spot" for the sub to roll up and drop off right around the lower limits of the JBL's. Too much volume, it's boomy and distorting, too low on the crossover, same thing. So, for a music system, this thing needs to be set to gently enhance the lower end of your speakers. Nothing more, nothing less. It is well worth the price paid for that. It absolutely is not a top-end sub, and no one should expect such. It presents itself as a good mid-bass supplement to a good set of speakers. I can only imagine that if pressed into HT use, it would have the same sort of effect. I'd buy one for a small room / garage / music system, but would be scared to press it into any other kind of duties. For a good HT system, I'd look higher up the ladder for the type of LFE this sub would be unable to handle. But it does my application pretty nicely, and it's exactly as I expected. |
[Sep 03, 2014]
fendaaudio
Audio Enthusiast
Value for money and got good exp in listing |
[Aug 23, 2013]
musicmonger
Audio Enthusiast
Got an opportunity to demo unit against the Sony SA-W2500 and Pioneer SW-8MK2 at my local BB's listening room. Amongst the 3, the PSW10 is in its own class. It would be the home audio pick. All have crossover dials and auto on/off switches. The latter 2 are close. Each was selected joining a HT system of Yamaha receiver and Pioneer speakers in a 5.1 configuration. The Pioneer sub had some noticeable bottom emphasis while the Sony seemed consistent throughout its frequencies. Something was amiss at SW-8MK2 higher frequencies. Could be due to lowest cutoff of highest frequency of the 3. Had the volumes and cutoffs maxed during demo. Had to back the Polk volume 1/3rd due to distortion(port noise?). My conclusion is that the latter 2, especially the Sony, would be good all around choices. For all you disciminating Charlie tuna, stereo junkies dial in the clean, tight, sweet bass of the Polk. Got mine dialed in on Hiroshima's Kokoro. I was knocking on heaven's door. |
[Jun 26, 2012]
Mike Suarez
AudioPhile
I have the PSW10 in conjunction with a Polk Monitor Series Surround and a Denon 2111 receiver... and Kimber Kable PBJ cables. I bought the PSW10 because I was living in a small apartment and didn't particularly want to blow my downstairs neighbors out of the building. For the price, these guys do fairly well with music. They are fairly tight from 40hz to about 80hz. If you use cheaper cables (Radio Shack or even Monster) they fall apart even above 40hz, so I recommend buying proper cables for it. Below 40hz (even with proper cables) the port noise is almost unbearable. This means that they are fairly good at filling out your speaker set if you tend to listen to music (which tends to keep away from lower frequencies), but it will give you problems in a theater system (where the LFE drops well below 40hz).
|
[Jul 17, 2010]
pitogo
Audio Enthusiast
This sub is great for what I bought it for, a sub to my main computer speakers. $88 seems like the price is right. I have crossover set at 80Hz so its really only effective from 40-80Hz at best. Corner loaded and volume set way way. Helps reinforce the lower octaves. |
[May 23, 2009]
DanTana1
Audio Enthusiast
I went to BestBuy to really buy the Sony for $99.00 that I read so many good reviews about. I was able to audition several suboofers incuding the $474.00 Klipsch, $299.00 Polk 8" subwoofer and a couple others. The only sub that outperformed the PSW10 was the Klipsh SUB-12 and not by much. The Klipsch had more reserve than the Polk but both seem to go down as low, it wes very close to my ears a virtual tie. The Sony and 8" Polk were not even close, I really wanted to like the Sony but Polk was so much better and I was able to get an open box for $149.00 so that sealed the deal. The $474.00 Klipsch would of been nice but it was also a very large box and would of been somewhat hard to place.
|
[Feb 28, 2009]
mg196
Audio Enthusiast
Reading Joon's review, I can't think of ANYONE who turns up their sub all the way. SOunds like you are TRYING to destroy it!!
|
[Dec 10, 2008]
Rob
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Outrageous price-to-value ratio; decent looking in the cherry vinyl; line- and speaker level I/O; crossover, phase and volume controls that give good resistance; decent sound enhancement when adjusted properly.
Weakness:
Really? For a hundred bucks, how can you complain? For the price, you'll have a hard time finding anything this good. I can't speak to the complaints of so-called "audiophiles" that purchased a subwoofer for under 200 bucks (actually, I can: if you're a real audiophile, you'd gladly drop one- to two grand on a Velodyne, Fathome or Sunfire subwoofer), but if you've got a low- to mid-level system and want to add some punch to your music and movies, get the PSW10.
|
[Mar 25, 2007]
Joon
Casual Listener
Strength:
Non. Its a very weak subwoofer that has a lot of distortion if you turn it all the way up. The bass on the low volume is non-existant to high volume dull rumble shakes the floors not the ear drum. It adds no punch to the drummer or car crash.
Weakness:
Its a very weak subwoofer that has a lot of distortion if you turn it all the way up. The bass on the low volume is non-existant to high volume dull rumble shakes the floors not the ear drum. It adds no punch to the drummer or car crash.
Makes me mad when you can buy an entire hometheater system with 5 speakers and DVD player that has a subwoofer thats sounds better for 300 bucks and I spent 170 for just a subwoofer that sounds crappy in comparison.
Customer Service dont' know. Similar Products Used: I wish I have tried others before I bought this one. |