Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black)
by Polk Audio
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List Price: Our Price: $99.99 You Save: $139.96 (58%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $89.99 (click here) Category: Speakers See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black)
Customer Review: For the price you certainly can't go wrong
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this subwoofer to replace an aging Optimus I had since 1997 and at $110 (free shipping) it was well worth the purchase. Let me state 1st and foremost that I don't consider this sub to be used in a setup where you are playing consistently bass-heavy music (hip hop for instance) because it really isn't designed for that. Though it is capable of 'doing the job' if you crank it up, it should be noted fairly that really low end bass doesn't necessarily sound 'muddy', just that it appears to be moreso an issue of too much port noise and resonance the harder you push it (watch this video if you need a better example: [...]/user/FIcaraudioBTL#p/u/25/1DXk6nkQous).
This is a subwoofer for the average music lover who doesn't require a subwoofer to "bring down the house" and it will do fine with most music, but if you are looking for a really heavy low end, you might want to consider a 12" model which has a little bit more powerful of an amp, though for most I still think this will do very well and above expectation.
I listen to many styles of music (mainly rock), and I have this paired with Bose 301 series V bookshelf speakers and an Onkyo TX-SR500 receiver. I have mine connected to my receiver's "Subwoofer Out" with a Y cable. I can say after now owning it for a little over a year that once it gets past it's breaking-in period, it will do wonders with movies and most music. It plays loud enough even at 1/2 volume. I have read some turn it up all the way, which I find insane because you don't need bass that heavy to be drowning out your music. Half volume can earn you complaints.
Don't be fooled by the amplifier rating at 50 Watts...it sounds much better than my previous 10" subwoofer that was downfiring and had 120 Watts.
Bottom line, give it a buy and if you don't like the sound, there is always the return option.
Customer Review: Boom Boom Rumble Boom
Summary: 2 Stars
First, a bit of credentials, as this is my first review here.
I have many years of experience in good sound. Back in the day, I built and used Dynaco tube power amps from kits, and have owned Marantz, Mac and Crown amps as well. I had Tandberg cassette decks (anyone remember audio cassettes?), and Technics turntables. For speakers I've used Klipsch, JBL, Tannoy, Polk, Yamaha, and the insanely expensive - and worth every penny - Magneplanars from Magnepan. So, except for the Magnepan's, not quite audiophile, but really good home sound.
So, why would I buy a hundred dollar subwoofer from Amazon you ask?
I was looking for something inexpensive to give some bottom to the M-Audio powered speakers in my computer room, and I have seen and heard some new Polk speakers that sounded good, each in their respective price range.
Mostly, I bought this subwoofer based on the positive reviews on Amazon.
Sorry to say, I must disagree with the majority for this one.
I tried tuning it, I tried many different room placements, I tried various expensive subwoofer rca cables.
Sadly, I must report that I was unable to get any musical output from it - ever. I wasn't expecting audiophile here, just the ability to hear bass notes when they are playing. No-way, no-how.
I give it 2 stars for it's well made box, and the fact that it gives lots of rumble and (sloppy) boom, - and maybe that's enough for some.
But I have an almost 10 year old Yamaha sub (pre rca inputs, around the same power and same speaker size) that I brought into the room as an A/B test. The old Yamaha outperformed this new Polk by far.
After all of the positive reviews, I'm wondering if maybe the one I got was defective, but there is no way to get inside it for testing without voiding the return policy.
So...I returned it.
Good luck!
Customer Review: very good value
Summary: 5 Stars
i would first off like to address some previous reviewers that have stated that they had a low humming or buzzing noise. i believe this was caused by these people not having a adequate subwoofer cable to shield against EMI and RFI. i have a very nice ATLONA subwoofer cable that is; double shielded, has oxygen free copper conductor and 24k gold connectors. i have had no humm or buzz.
here is my review of the polk audio psw10
Pros:
low cost, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing(looks very nice), porting, made from composite material that will last a long time, auto shut off feature when not in use, very good sound quality, nice and crisp not "boomy" bass, very good owners manual and customer support/service from polk audio.
Cons:
Low wattage, no cables included, not down firing port and no low-frequency effect (LFE)support.
conclusion:
I am very pleased with this subwoofer. It has a dynamic power rating of 100W but it sounds like more. the quality of the sound coming out is very good. I actually had to turn it down because it was so loud when i was first was setting it up and testing it( I have worked with Jet engines that require double hearing protection for years). I don't know how loud some people watch their TVs or movies but, this is way more than loud enough.It shakes my house.
I really like the way this thing looks. this subwoofer also complements my sound bar very well.
I have; watched movies, TV and listened to music. all sound superb to me.I highly recommend if you buy any subwoofer you buy a quality subwoofer cable.
I highly recommend buying this subwoofer if you are looking for a good value or "best bang for the buck".
Customer Review: Polk Audio Monitor series - Great value!
Summary: 4 Stars
In my small space I opted for Monitors all the way around including the Polk Audio Monitor Series CS1 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black), Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) and two sets of Polk Audio Monitor 40 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black). Most of the time I don't have the opportunity to really crank this sub, and thankfully I don't need to. Even with the gain turned pretty far down, it offers deep, shaking lows. Mine is placed off the floor on a box to insulate the neighbors and they have never complained. I wish it used a digital coax instead of left/right channel RCA connectors and some of the settings don't seem to make a difference in my space. It does have an automatic setting that turns the woofer on when you need it and keeps it off when the show or movie don't require it, but I've noticed that it stays on and continues to hum a little after I turn the receiver off, for up to an hour. I just keep it within arms reach and flip the switch to off, then back to auto, but it is a bit frustrating because sometimes I forget and that just means a higher electric bill. Attractive and easy to hide if needed, a great value when used in a smaller space or multi-use room, in an apartment/townhouse, or if you just want good sound out of a small to medium sized package. These have always been good quality speakers and Polk has done a good job updating the look and staying competitive.Customer Review: At sensible volume levels, it's perfect for music & movies
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an older guy who has been listening to music for more than 40 years. At my age, there is no need to try to impress anyone with how loud my stereo can go. And I am wise enough to know that I don't need to spend $500+ on a subwoofer. I now listen to music at low to moderate volume levels which I have learned to feel comfortable with. Even when watching movies in surround mode, I don't feel the need to generate seismic activity. To get to the point, for most of us, this Polk PSW10 is plenty loud enough for home theater as well as music. The bass goes very low. And as long as you don't crank the volume way up on the subwoofer itself, it's not boomey. Besides, you should never need to max-out the volume on the sub-woofer. Just take the time to read the instructions and take some time to calibrate the settings on your receiver/amp as well as the subwoofer. The instructions tell you to set your front (main) speakers on the "small" setting (if you have a surround receiver or amp). After a short while you will find the sweet spot and you should seldom need to touch the volume control on the subwoofer. The only con I can think of is that this unit has a large footprint and it takes up a good chunk of space. And if you feel that you need to impress your friends & neighbors with the loudness of your subwoofer, the PSW10 might disappoint you. But, if you simply want a good-sounding subwoofer to compliment your bookshelf speakers or satellites, the Polk PSW10 will fit the bill nicely. It really makes the music (and movies) sound more alive and full. I gave it 5 stars based on the build quality, sound, and the value received. I got mine (brand spankin' new)for $88.00 at a store called Fry's. Now THAT's a bargain.