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Polk Audio PSW10 user reviews (black)

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Average User Rating

4.0 stars 20 user reviews
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  • Rating Breakdown:
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    7/20
    7
  • 4 star:
    12/20
    12
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  • 2 star:
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Results 1-5 of 20
  • "The most for your money."
    on by iamjosuff

    Pros Value.
    Full Sound.
    Handles movies very well.
    Very musical.
    Quite Stylish (matches the Polk Monitor Series exactly)
    Considerably versatile.

    Cons No true LFE, though you can easily circumvent this.
    It isn't a Klipshe 400 watt powerhouse.

    Summary The first, and most obvious positive is the $99 price tag. I don't want to harp on the "value" but in the world of fine audio, you seldom see $99 without another digit before the 99. I bought mine on New Egg and got it the next day for $99 flat. I purchased this unit to replace a (terrible) Sony Sub that came with a HTIB system. I am running my system off of a Sony STR-DN1000 and it consists of 2 Polk Audio Monitor 40's up front, a Polk Audio CS1 center channel and 2 Polk Audio R15's as the Surrounds in a 5.1 (soon to be 7.1) system. The first thing I noticed upon plugging it in was how well the bass was integrated into the highs and mids at all volumes when I popped in ORBS' "Asleep Next To Science" album. The strong basslines didn't seem to dance from the sub to the fronts as it used to with my old sub. I have since used it to listen to everything from John Coltrane to Dream Theater and I must say that the sound stage remains seamless at all volumes and with any style of music that I throw at it. The first movie I watched was James Cameron's "Avatar." I was even more satisfied with the PSW10's ability to accurately represent every thunderous roar without mangling the backround sounds. I think this is a testament to the extremely robust build quality. The DTS HD audio came through surprisingly clear.

    The one caveat is the speakers lack of a LFE connection, which is the most common choice by far for a subwoofer in this price range. In reality it doesn't lack the LFE, because the unit's L / R input excepts a standard subwoofer cable. Either input will work. Make sure to turn the Hz nob all the way up and let your receiver handle all of the crossover duty. If you would like to boost the volume a bit, you can use a "Y cable" to split the signal and feed it to both the Left and Right Channel. To my ears, doing this did not effect the sound quality at all. It just made the unit an even 15 - 20% louder at all levels.

    The bottom line is that if you are looking for a Sub that will shake your house, this is not it. Furthermore, it is a single 10" speaker and can not be expected make your house sound like a dance club. For my money, the PSW10 gives you mid level performance for dirt cheap. If you are using anything smaller than 6 1/2" speakers up front and a room no bigger than say 15 X 20, It should round out your system nicely. If you have some big speakers up front that provide any kind of really open sound, it may not mesh as well. If you are using the Polk Monitor speakers, it is a no brainer for $99. I would highly recommend this unit even if it was priced in the $250 range.

  • "Just the right kick"
    on by rhody2442

    Pros Power and Value

    Cons Base needs to be turned up high to get full proformance, all controls are located on the back

    Summary The Dynamic Power Output of 100 watts ensures tight bass with movies and music. It is a great addition to any mid-range surround sound. I just added it to my existing Polk Audio Surround Sound and it gives me my needed kick. The owner needs to turn it up to 3/4 to get full performance. Even at 3/4 I will have to turn it down because it is too loud. Polk has put out a quality sub for a quality price. The only thing I don't like is that I have to reach behind the subwoofer to adjust the bass and power off. This is a pain because Pold wants the back to the wall. But I still love it.

    Here are some other specs I found on Polk's Site:

    Electrical:

    Overall Frequency Response 35Hz - 200Hz
    Lower -3dB Limit 40Hz
    Upper -3dB Limit 160Hz
    Crossover variable 80Hz - 200Hz
    Inputs Speaker level, line level
    Outputs Speaker level

    Dimensions:

    Cabinet Size: 14-3/8" H x 14" W x 16-1/8" Enclosure Type: Vented via front panel flared port

    Power Output: 50 watts Continuous Average Output

    Dynamic Power Output: 100 watts

  • "Nice punch from 100 Watts."
    on by CrazyforKlipsch

    Pros Matches my Polk Audio Monitors in looks and sound.
    10 inch Subwoofer
    Removable grill

    Cons Port noise
    Doesn't play lower than 35 HZ.

    Summary I got this Subwoofer on sale for $99 USD. I have to say it's worth the $99 but not the $199. I say that because it does produce a lot of port noise when the bass is loud and deep. It can't play notes lower than 35Hz. I know 8 inch woofer that can hit lower than that. It's a nice looking subwoofer matches the monitor series. It is loud for only being 100 watts. Has left and right RCA input jack for stereo receiver or for AV Receiver that give two sub out jack. I use this sub with a pair of Monitor 30's connected to a Harman Kardon Hk 3480 and I'm pleased with.

  • "only 100$. great addition to pc speakers. sounds good."
    on by keroppilee

    Pros only 100$ online. good sound.

    Cons not excessively powerful. you can't shake the room with this.

    Summary I added this to a set of maudio av40's as my computer sound system. This sub admirably adds the bass missing from my bookshelf speakers. at only 100$ it's completely worth it as the room my computer is in isnt that large. if you're looking for a sub for a living room or to rock the house this probably wont do it. if you're looking for a cheap, solid performing sub for a small room sound system this is one of the best.

  • "Nice Bang For The Buck"
    on by MHirn

    Pros Relatively small, quick response for music, auto shut-off, versatile set-up options, very affordable $100-$110.

    Cons Performs to price for special effects. Don't expect to shake the room.

    Summary The tight, responsive nature of this sub really impressed me while playing a variety of music. As with most subwoofers, once the volume knob on the subwoofer is turned beyond one third of its range, it will start getting muddy. Others have noted this as a flaw, but it should not be seen as one. I found the PSW10 quite capable of playing anything in my collection without lagging or distorting at moderate volume levels. The low wattage rating should not concern most users. Unless you want to blast your music at very high volume, you will find this sub makes efficient use of power.

    This subwoofer also did a nice job of providing a more engaging movie experience. I have it set up in my bedroom and it brought out the low special effects very nicely for its size. I would definitely think that any room beyond 10X14 ft. size would start to challenge this subwoofer's capabilities. It will not rattle your room like at the movie theater, but then again, what can you expect for $100?

    If you are looking to spend less than $115 for a subwoofer and your room is not too large, this one will do a very nice job for music and movies alike.

Results 1-5 of 20

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Quick Specifications

  • Release date07/15/04
  • Speaker type Powered subwoofer
  • Connectivity Wired
  • Amplification type Active
  • Power output 50 Watt
  • Color Black
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