Polk Audio PSW10 Review – Lovely Low-End for a Low-Price

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Polk Audio have been in business since 1972, churning out a vast catalog of quality audio equipment ever since. When it comes to subwoofers, one of their most popular models is their most affordable sub, the PSW10. The value on offer from this excellent subwoofer is apparent from the moment you plug it in and turn up the bass. Let’s take a closer look!

Design

While a lot of subwoofers utilize the minimalist black cube design, the PSW10 looks a little different, with a sleek titanium baffle finish and cherry wood effect along the back and sides, giving it a more traditional look. Nothing particularly exciting, but not bad either.

For a wallet-friendly subwoofer, the construction is very commendable with a robust MDF cabinet with internal bracing, that stands at a relatively compact 14.5” tall, 14” wide, and 15” deep. It has a reassuringly heavy weight of around 26lbs. ‘Solid’ is the word that comes to mind. On the back of the PSW10, you will find a good variety of connections, including both line level inputs (L/R) and speaker level inputs, as well as speaker level outputs. Sadly, there’s no LFE input, but otherwise not bad at all!

Features

Hidden under the removable grille, the PSW10 sports a 10” front-firing polymer-composite dynamic-balance cone driver. This delivers a frequency response of 35Hz to 200Hz, with a continuously variable 80Hz to 160Hz crossover. The PSW10 is listed with a standard 50 watts, which doesn’t sound a lot, but with a peak output of 100 watts and such a heavy thump, you won’t be left wanting much more for use in small spaces.

When it comes to controls, there are several to note on the PSW10. These include both master volume and variable crossover rotary knobs, as well as a power switch and a phase switch (for use with more than one subwoofer).

Performance

For well under $200, the performance from this subwoofer is very good. It doesn’t suffer any distortion or muddiness – just tight low-end and good clarity, which was surprising for the affordable price tag. The bass tones are deep and detailed, and make for a reliable subwoofer in a monitoring setup. It’s powerful enough for small to medium size spaces, but Polk Audio’s bigger offering, the PSW12, may be more suitable for larger studios.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WchzA7R223I

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s easy to see why Polk Audio’s PSW10 is such a hit. It offers those on a budget a reliable and respectable subwoofer, which can give a good insight into the lower end of your mix. It’s not flawless, but at this price not much can touch it!

For more info about the Polk Audio PSW10, click here.
For more Studio Subwoofers, click here.