Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer Review – Product Comparison and Complete Overview


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Sound performance is one of man’s greatest innovations. Primarily because of our ability to boost sound to provide artistic beauty to music, movies live performance or any other media. Sounds emanating from this electronic gadget can be electrifying and sensational. This creation called subwoofers is what allows us to not only hear the music, but feel it as well. Subwoofers can power even the largest of venues. Although, most of us are just looking for an in-home subwoofer, such as the Polk Audio PSW10.

Smaller settings, such as a house, or even just a living room can benefit from the low-end sound as well. Subwoofers are great for smaller settings. Almost every home has some kind of subwoofer, whether it’s a part of your surround sound stereo, or even in the trunk of a car parked in the garage. We listen to music, watch movies, live performances and other motion pictures, and we may not even realize it, but the bass is what brings sound alive.

If you want to enhance the sound performance in your home, then Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer is the best solution. This subwoofer product is one of the best subwoofer brand recommended for any room.

The Polk Audio PSW10

The Polk PSW10 is a 10-inch driver and well-polished box subwoofer that is suitable for small to medium size rooms. The Polk PSW10 subwoofer is available in two colors namely, black and cherry colored vinyl and it is manufactured by Polk Audio, Inc.

Polk Audio, Inc has been around since 1972 and with a good pedigree for recreating and customizing sound through its innovations and technology. Polk Audio, Inc is one of the best manufacturers of quality audio sound effects devices at a very affordable price.

Performance Of The Polk PSW10

When viewing a set of films on Blu-ray the PSW10 provided deep bass. We expected the PSW10 not to deliver due to its small size, but we were wrong. Its bass output was detailed and clear without being overpowering. For audio playback, the PSW10 was skillful. It proved to be accurate and nimble and provided a great low-end for any genre of music.

The Polk PSW10 is ideal for small to medium size rooms. In a large space, the PSW10 might struggle to provide adequate bass. For a bigger room, you may want to consider the Polk PSW505.

The Polk PSW10 has a lot to like. For, small or medium size chambers it provides exceptional value for anybody who would like to update their home Theater’s sound quality. But it may struggle to provide sufficient Bass in large rooms.

Polk PSW10 Subwoofer Setup

The Polk Audio subwoofer can be connected to a variety of electronic devices.

Using the recommended RCA cable you connect to both input of the Polk Audio subwoofer, or you can make use of a single subwoofer output cable on either input as either way, it will work perfectly well at whatever volume it is adjusted to. The next thing you want to do is adjust the variable low-pass filter to the highest frequency possible. It is important to adjust to the highest so the internal low-pass filter will be above the low pass frequency your receiver gives.

While this set up is done, it is likely that you will experience port noise on the subwoofer. This noise happens to be inaudible if the volume of the subwoofer is low that the receiver the noise becomes inaudible if it is higher than the higher than the receiver, an audible noise is produced.

To overcome these challenges, ensure the output volume of the subwoofer and volume of the receiver is matched.

How Is Polk PSW10 Subwoofer’s Performance?

Polk Audio subwoofer has a high performance, and even with a frequency as low as 35Hertz, its bass belabors so well such that you appreciate every sound it makes.

The subwoofer provides a quality, yet reasonable low-end. You get to hear the bass with clarity without stressing your ears. Its sound quality is unique, and it is felt at every corner of the room.

Product Specs

The Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer comes with a smart sensing circuitry that automatically turns this device off when it there is power outage or fluctuation. This auto features help to avert any damage that could be caused due to a power surge. It also automatically turns on when power is restored or stabilized. The safety of your Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer is guaranteed whenever these unanticipated incidents occur.

When it comes to quality of sound, the Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer has got what it takes. The PSW10 has a terrific sound even at low volumes (and frequency). The Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer comes with an integrated 50 Watt RMS amplifier. A 50-watt RMS amplifier utilizes high power voltage; however, this does not call for concern for wattage because as part of the PSW10 subwoofer’s design, the challenge of high power voltage is addressed.

The Polk PSW10 subwoofer can work perfectly with other quality speakers that just don’t provide the low-end you’re looking for. Polk series speaker such as TSi, RM, and R/T/M speakers are compatible as well.

The Polk PSW10 subwoofer has a stable sound irrespective of whether the volume is low or high and also the sound performance at low power voltage. You can comfortably adjust the volume of your system as desired without worrying about the effect of the sound performance.

The Polk PSW10 subwoofer offers multiple connection options such as stereo speakers and RCA line input. It, unfortunately,  does not have a direct LFE connection point like the Polk Audio PSW505. This subwoofer has a high performance, and even with a frequency such as 35Hertz, continues to deliver.

You get to hear everything clearly without stressing your ear on every sound produced and its sound quality is unique and felt at every corner of the room.

Specifications:

Height

36.51 cm

Width

35.56 cm

Weight

26 lbs.

Audio Quality

Lower and Upper -3dB Limits, 40 Hz → 160 kHz.

Inputs

1. Audio Inputs: Stereo Line Level – (2) RCA, Pair (L/R) Analog RCA.

2. Speaker Inputs: (2) Pair of Spring Terminals.

Outputs

1. Audio Outputs.

2. Speaker Outputs.

3. (2) Pair of Spring Terminals.

How It Compares

We picked three similar subwoofers available on the market to see how they compare with the Polk PSW10.

Polk Audio PSW10

  • Sony SA-CS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer
  • Klipsch Reference R-10SW, 10 inch 300W, Powered Subwoofer
  • YST-SW216 10 inch 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer

Warranty

Polk Audio PSW10 woofer warranty is rated 5 stars

Price Point

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Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Build Quality

The use of ease of Polk Audio PSW10 is rated 4.5 stars

We gave the sound quality a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The build quality of Polk Audio PSW10 is rated 5 stars

Pros

  • It has a high performance
  • It has a unique and clear sound
  • Cheaper and more affordable than other subwoofers of equal performance
  • check-circleComes with smart sensing technology that automated signals for power off and no

Cons

  • May not be adequate for larger rooms
  • It does have Low-Frequency Effect channel input (LFE)
  • It only works with devices that are compatible with Polk Audio speakers.
  • banIt has no magnetic shielding. It is best advised to keep some distance away from the LCD TV or some other position for optimal performance.

Polk Audio PSW505

The Polk Audio PSW505, 10-inch subwoofer, gives a deep and tremendous bass sound and a low-end resonance because of the volume of air the diagram can move. On low-frequency sounds, it has the capacity it enhances such sound. To add, for home use it can be used with multi-channel home theatre.

Unlike paper and other low-quality materials used for the cone, SA-CS9 cone is made of a very stiff Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) fiber woofer and 9.84 inches in size that is able to keep the cone in shape even at high pressure without any distorting the sound quality. This MRC material can absorb waves from high pressured sounds and can also minimize vibration.

The Polk Audio PSW505 woofer has a built-in power amplifier output of up to 115W enough to release high pressure in with it compartment to produce high quality and a tremendous bass sound. The transformer and electrical component are made of superior materials in order to provide constant power, and a heat sink to absorb and high temperature. It has a wide frequency range of 28 to 200Hz.

Warranty

Polk Audio PSW505 woofer warranty is rated 5 stars

Price Point

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Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Build Quality

The use of ease  of Polk Audio PSW505 is rated 5 stars

We gave the sound quality a 4 out of 5 stars

The build quality of Polk Audio PSW505 is rated 5 stars

Pros

  • Contains spaces to accommodate air
  • Adjustable audio level

Cons

  • It is not magnetically shielded
  • No front, center, and surround speakers (subwoofers)

Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10 inch 300W Powered Subwoofer

The Klipsch Reference R-10SW is a black colored, passive, bass reflex 5.1 surround system or 5.1 on the Richters releasing a deep and thunderous bass. It is a 10 inch, front firing driver, Copper Injection Molded Graphite cones provides a credible sound performance. Copper Injection Molded Graphite is very light and stiff enough to hold to withstand pressure and decimate sound fluctuations and distortion at the very minimum.

The bass produced by the drivers are deep and with flexible placement. This device comes with an all-digital inbuilt amplifier for high efficiency and power. Klipsch Reference R-10SW can deliver an output of up to 300 watts dynamic power dishing out the “boom boom” sound with less effect. It has a frequency range of 32 to 120 Hz. Its low-frequency response is superb and with clarity. Also, it also has a low pass crossover frequency and phase control.

Behind the woofer is a line/LFE input that is compatible with both old and modern receivers.  The cover material is made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) with brush polymer veneer finish.

Warranty

Klipsch Reference R-10SW warranty is rated 4.5 stars

Price Point

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Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Build Quality

The use of ease Klipsch Reference R-10SW is rated 5 stars

We gave the sound quality a 4.8 out of 5 stars

The build quality of Klipsch Reference R-10SW is rated 4 stars

Pros

  • Line/LFE input is compatibility with most receivers
  • Easy to set up
  • check-circleAuto Power

Cons

  • It is aThe frequency is not low enough. The class of this system has a frequency as low as 20 Hznot magnetically shielded
  • Poor build quality and cannot be used as part of a decorative piece.
  • banThis subwoofer is a bit pricey

BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer

BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer system is an advanced YST II technology with high quality, active,  bass reflex, front-firing subwoofer with great power and low noise or distortion performance. The enclosure material is made of Medium Density Fiberboard. The 10-inch long stroke cone comes with magnetic shielding.

At a low frequency, the YST-SW216’s floor stands speakers to aid in bringing out an enriched sound with clarity in audio because of it YST II technology. YST-SW216 comes with an inbuilt amplifier of 100 Watts is thundering and powerful, and it delivers a frequency response range of 25 to 180 Hz. A unique feature is come with is the input level control and the cut filter varies between a high and low range. It has a linear port that aid in decimating noise and distortions.

BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer connectors come with a set of spring terminal and stereo RCA inputs each and a  set of spring terminal output.

Warranty

YST-SW216 warranty is rated 4.5 stars

Price Point

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Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Build Quality

The use of ease BIC America F12

is rated 5 stars

We gave the sound quality 3.5 out of 5 stars

The build quality of BIC America F12

is rated 5 stars

Pros

  • It has magnetic shielding
  • Input level control
  • check-circleDelivers a full range frequency response

Cons

  • The frequency is low enough. The class of this system has a frequency as low as 20 Hz
  • It is not compatible with music with an average performance
  • banDistorts at high volume

Conclusion

The Polk Audio PSW10 is more than an experience. It makes us re-evaluate the word “budget” in terms of the appreciation of music and sound. For the price, this is simply a great quality subwoofer. Its design is simple, yet excellent. The Polk PSW10 subwoofer has no LFE, but it can be bypassed with a very good receiver. Therefore, it would be an appropriate to rate this subwoofer, the Polk Audio PSW10, a 4.8 stars out of 5.

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Quality

Usability

Support

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