Polk Audio PSW10
Manufacturer: Polk Audio, Inc. Part number: PSW10
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Polk's baby subwoofer belts out tight home-theater bass and sounds sweet with music, too.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Polk Audio PSW10 price range: $119.98 - $119.99
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 12/08/2004
- Released on: 07/15/2004
The good: Equally adept with movies and music; robust MDF cabinet; matches other speakers in Polk's Monitor Series.
The bad: All that's missing is a direct input that bypasses the sub's internal crossover.
The bottom line: Polk's baby subwoofer belts out tight home-theater bass and sounds sweet with music, too.
The PSW10 has a 10-inch composite woofer and a 50-watt high-current amplifier. Yes, we know that some of you are probably snickering over the skimpy power rating, but we'd urge an audition before you dismiss this sub. We found its bass power definitely up to snuff. For connectivity, you get stereo speaker-level inputs and outputs as well as RCA line-level inputs. All that's missing is a direct/LFE input that bypasses the onboard 80Hz-to-160Hz crossover control. We prefer direct inputs because they make it easier to blend the sound of satellites and the subwoofer, but we didn't have any problems matching the PSW10 with Polk's Monitor 30 satellite speakers.
This is a fairly compact subwoofer, just 14.5 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 15 inches deep; thanks mostly to its robustly constructed MDF (medium-density fiberboard) cabinet, it weighs a hefty 26 pounds. The PSW10 is available in black or cherry-colored vinyl, and its titanium-finish front baffle matches that of the other Monitor Series speakers. The extended warranty offers five years of protection on the woofer and three years on the electronics--pretty decent considering that the electronics warranty on many other products is often limited to just 12 months.
The PSW10's deep-bass capabilities were impressive, but its definition and control on the Blue Man Group's new DVD-Audio disc, The Complex, were really special. The Blue Men's drums and percussion-heavy instrumentals lose impact on muddy-sounding subs. But the PSW10 delivered every thump and rumble with the utmost clarity. That said, it will do its best work in small to moderate-size rooms. If you want to feel the bass in larger spaces, check out the PSW10's bigger sibling, the PSW12.
User reviews
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The most for your money.
by iamjosuff on July 2, 2010
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 $...
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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just the right kick
by rhody2442 on November 30, 2006
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 ...
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 watts2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice punch from 100 Watts.
by CrazyforKlipsch on January 9, 2011
Pros: Matches my Polk Audio Monitors in looks and sound.
10 inch Subwoofer
Removable grillCons: 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 ...
Summary: I got this Subwoofer on sale for $99 USD. I have to say it's worth the $99 but not the $199. I say that because it does produce a lot of port noise when the bass is loud and deep. It can't play notes lower than 35Hz. I know 8 inch woofer that can hit lower than that. It's a nice looking subwoofer matches the monitor series. It is loud for only being 100 watts. Has left and right RCA input jack for stereo receiver or for AV Receiver that give two sub out jack. I use this sub with a pair of Monitor 30's connected to a Harman Kardon Hk 3480 and I'm pleased with.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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only 100$. great addition to pc speakers. sounds good.
by keroppilee on October 18, 2010
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'...
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.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice Bang For The Buck
by MHirn on April 26, 2009
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 ...
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.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great addition to my plasma tv
by jowster on June 16, 2006
Pros: Easy to set up and great sound for the price
Cons: Not quite audiophile quality but sounds great as a compliment to my plasma tv
Summary: I have a dell 42" plasma with two nice sounding speakers that came with the package. My only complaint with the sound of the dell was the bass could be ...
Summary: I have a dell 42" plasma with two nice sounding speakers that came with the package. My only complaint with the sound of the dell was the bass could be improved and the psw10 was a pleasing and economical way to solve the problem.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Best Budget SubWoofer
Pros: Non expensive Easy to use Nice bass output and ease to setup Warm fill of bass around a regular size room (like my bedroom or my audio room; 4*3*3 mts)
Cons: Not the best one out there Leak bass to fill an open room, like a big living room or dining room It may become noisy vibration maker if not adjusted properly, only for my neighbors
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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quality product
by 47something on December 12, 2011
Pros: Deep tight bass, nice looking, inexpensive, good warranty.
Cons: none so far.
Summary: Nice addition to my home theater.
Summary: Nice addition to my home theater.
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Over rated
by Haylee223 on December 27, 2010
Pros: $100 sub ?
Cons: $100 sub !
Summary: You get what you pay for, in this case a $100 sub. Save your money and spend it wisely on something like a HSU or SWS. Otherwise you will just ...
Summary: You get what you pay for, in this case a $100 sub. Save your money and spend it wisely on something like a HSU or SWS. Otherwise you will just end up diapointed and spend the money later anyway. If this is what you can afford, you will have to settle for loose and boomy bass. It is only after hearing a good sub that you will notice the true difference in how much of a punch, low frequency and detail you will be missing. I bought this sub because of the great reviews and came out disapointed. Please do lot's of research on audio forums before you buy.
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You can't find a better value for the price
by soundssolar on March 27, 2010
Pros: Surprisingly good bass reproduction.
Cons: There is some "boomy-ness" at the lower frequencies, but you would have to spend ten times the cost of this sub to get better performance.
Summary: I installed this sub to an existing Sony STR-DE915 amp and a new Sony KDL 55V5100 LCD and couldn't be more pleased. It outperforms my $800 sub by another ...
Summary: I installed this sub to an existing Sony STR-DE915 amp and a new Sony KDL 55V5100 LCD and couldn't be more pleased. It outperforms my $800 sub by another manufacturer that I have in another home theater set up using a much more powerful Denon amp. I was surprised how well this budget-priced sub can handle very loud movie passages through the Sony Blu Ray without clips, pops or distortion. For example, the airliner crash scene in the movie 'Knowing' has very heavy bass requirements. Thanks, Polk Audio, for a great product.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Polk Audio, Inc.
- Part number: PSW10
- Description: The PSW10 offers a clean, stylish look with powerful, accurate and musical bass in a compact enclosure. Built for speed, power and value, the PSW10 is a great introduction to high performance bass for movie and music listening.
General
- Product Type Powered subwoofer
- Width 14 in
- Depth 16.1 in
- Height 14.4 in
- Weight 26 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black
- Enclosure Material MDF
Speaker Features
- Series Monitor
- Speaker Type Active
- Woofer size (inches) 10 in
- Nominal (RMS) Output Power 50 Watt
- Max (RMS) Output Power 100 Watt
- Response Bandwidth 35 - 200 Hz
- -3dB Frequency Response 40 - 160 Hz
- Crossover Frequency 80 - 200Hz
- Output Features Bass Reflex
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Detachable Grilles Yes
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ),
2 x Speakers input ( Click-fit x 2 ),
2 x Speakers output ( Click-fit x 2 ),
1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono )
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 5 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - Speaker driver - 5 years,
Limited warranty - Parts and labor - Amplifier - 3 years
Product series
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Manufacturer: Polk Audio, Inc.
Specs: Powered subwoofer,
Wired,
Black,
Active,
50 Watt -
Manufacturer: Polk Audio, Inc.
Specs: Subwoofer,
Wired,
Cherry,
Active,
50 Watt
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Polk Audio, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Polk Audio, Inc.
- Address:
5601 Metro Dr., Baltimore, MD - Phone: 410-358-3600
- Email: polkcs@polkaudio.com
- Fax: 410-764-4817
