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Polk Audio PSW10 Review

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Written by:

Updated 11:24 pm

Expert Rating

77

The Polk Audio PSW10 is a compact subwoofer with a 10-inch driver that not only sounds great, but is also affordable. It is one of the best subwoofers to buy if you’re on a budget, but don’t want to compromise on sound quality. The PSW10 offers up to 100 Watts of Dynamic power and deep bass.

Why We Like It – Polk Audio PSW10 Review

The Polk PSW10 is a powerful 10-inch subwoofer with great sound quality that can enhance any home theater setup. It features a built-in 50W RMS amp, and a Klippel Distortion analyzer to manage low frequencies. This is a great subwoofer for small to medium sized rooms. If you want a bit more speaker power, you should also read our review of the Kilpsch Stadium speakers.

Pros
  • 100Watts Dynamic power
  • Variable low pass filter, adjustable from 80 to 160Hz
  • Speaker level and Line-level inputs
Cons
  • Small for large rooms

Performance

This subwoofer from Polk Audio features a 10-inch driver that uses durable, resonance-free Dynamic Balance polymer composite material. This enables superior performance that produces deep and low frequencies. The speaker comes with a 50W RMS amplifier that can output 100 Watts Dynamic power for deep bass. Polk Audio uses the Klippel distortion analyzer to optimize the drivers movements and other aspects to ensure clean bass production at all levels. It offers a frequency response of 40 to 160Hz. For louder sound, the Polk Audio PSW505 12″ Powered Subwoofer is a good choice.

Design

The PSW10 subwoofer features a traditional wooden look with a titanium baffled design. The PSW enclosure has been braced and damped to eliminate any distortions, standing waves, etc. The box also features a unique exit port that has been tuned and directed for maximum bass. The subwoofer comes with a removable front grille that reveals the 10-inch driver with high-roll foam surrounds. Moreover, the unique design of the enclosure also ensures that the subwoofer doesn’t move even at high volume. The Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer offers a similar design with higher output.

Value

The Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer is a great addition to any home theater system. With the built-in 50W RMS amplifier and 100W dynamic power, the subwoofer can rattle any small to medium sized room. The subwoofer has a low pass filter adjuster at the rear, along with Volume control, a three-way power switch, and a phase toggle switch. For connectivity, the product comes with 2 gold-plated RCA line inputs, and speaker level inputs/outputs. However, the BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer is a better value as it offers higher output for slightly more money.

Related: Also check out our Klipsch Reference R 112SW review.

Polk Audio PSW10 Review Wrap Up

We would recommend the Polk Audio PSW10 for anyone looking for a high quality, powerful, and affordable subwoofer. This is an ideal subwoofer for any home theater thanks to the 100W dynamic power, variable low pass filter, frequency response of 40 to 160Hz, and the speaker level/line-level inputs. However, this 10-inch sub will not be a great idea for a large home theater.

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