The DSW PRO660wi is a relatively compact subwoofer featuring a 12" polymer composite cone and 400W RMS (800W peak) amplifier in a bass reflex enclosure. Priced at $650, the PRO660wi has a claimed frequency response of 25Hz-125Hz (-3dB limits) and features a bevy of inputs including speaker level, line level, and optionally, wireless. How does the top of Polk's DSW PRO line stand up to a quick inspection? Read on to find out.
Executive Overview
The PRO660wi has the look of a pretty ordinary subwoofer. In terms of aesthetics, we're talking about a 16.5" black cube with rubber feet; there's nothing to get particularly excited about, but nothing that's likely to offend, i.e. a box the size of a small refrigerator. The 45 pound product weight does hint that there might be something of substance under the hood, and the PRO660wi shouldn't be terribly difficult to move around solo. For those generally opposed to down-firing subs, the PRO660wi can be converted to a front-firing configuration. This does shift the position of the plate amplifier to the bottom of the cube, though accessibility shouldn't be a major problem beyond making initial connections thanks to the included remote.
Digging into performance related matters, the PRO660wi sports a 12" polymer cone driver, 400W RMS amplifier, and a sizable slot port which should keep chuffing to a minimum. The driver/amp combination is reminiscent of several other subs in the price class such as the SVS PB12-NSD and Outlaw LFM-1 EX. The big difference of course is the enclosure size and system tuning frequency. In this case, Polk rates the PRO660wi to be 3dB down at 25Hz; frankly this is nothing to sneeze at given the size of the Polk, and solid performance down to 25Hz is sufficient to reproduce the majority of content in both music and movies. Still, if you're interested in digging down to 20Hz and below, the PRO660wi is not the subwoofer for you.
So how does the PRO660wi stack up to something closer to its own size? One potential competitor for our pint sized Polk is the Aperion Bravus II 12D, which features a 12" aluminum cone driver, dual 12" passive radiators, and 650W RMS amplifier in an slightly smaller 15.5" cubed enclosure. On paper, the Polk looks like it will be outperformed in both output and extension, but not to the point that it will be utterly embarrassed either. Considering the price difference (the Bravus II 12D is $899), I'd daresay the comparison shows the Polk may not be an awful value in the grand scheme of things. Catch the Polk on sale locally, and that value proposition gets even better.
Summary
Polk looks like it could have a very respectable little sub in the PRO660wi. The aesthetics are fairly ordinary, but the size ensures it should blend into most rooms without issue. In terms of performance, the PRO660wi looks to have the requisite parts needed to deliver a good showing in small and medium sized rooms, and it could potentially even give a well reviewed sub like Aperion's Bravus II 12D a run for its money in terms of price/performance. Overall, if you're willing to sacrifice deep extension of subwoofers like the SVS PB12-NSD and Outlaw LFM-1 EX for smaller size, the Polk PRO660wi appears to be worth a serious look.
So what do you guys think? Does anybody own one?
Interested in Josh running this little Polk through the wringer?
Quick Specs
Driver: 12" (30.48cm) Dynamic Balance polymer composite cone driver
Amplifier: Continuous Power 400 watts; Dynamic Power 800 watts
Cabinet Dimensions: H 17 1/8" (43.50cm); W 16 1/2" (41.91cm); D 16 1/2" (41.91cm)
Product Weight (each): 45 pounds
Subwoofer Enclosure Type: Downward firing slot port
Total Frequency Response: 20Hz-160Hz
Upper -3dB Limit: 125Hz
Lower -3dB Limit: 25Hz
