Polk 12" subwoofer PSW505 on sale $189...worth it?

[Wakko]

I've currently got a PSW10 in the box that I've not opened yet. Most folks have suggested I leave it in the box and bring it back, as it isn't very good. Is the 12" worth getting at sub $200? I did notice that frequency response is very low. 23hz IIRC.

 

[anamorphic96]

It's not that bad for 189.00 but wouldn't pay much more than that. Here is a review - Welcome Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

 

[hizzaah]

For similar price you could get the BIC F12 ($198-$184 on buy.com)

Specifications
Design: Front-firing 12-inch, 475-watt peak powered subwoofer
Frequency Response: 25Hz - 200Hz
Sensitivity: 90dB
Drivers: 12-inch injection molded woofer with heavy duty surround
Magnetic Shielding: Yes
Gold-Plated Terminals:Yes
Recommended Power: Built-in Amplifier Power: 475 watts Dynamic Peak, 150 watts RMS continuous
Impedance: 8 ohms
Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 22 inches (HxWxD)
Weight: 42.70 pounds each
Warranty: 5 years parts and labor

or two of the $100 budget 12" subs from MonoPrice

Specifications
Speaker Type: 12" High Performance Powered Subwoofer
Driver: 12" Reinforced
Amplifier Power Output: 150 Watts RMS, 200 Watts Peak
Frequency Response: 30 Hz - 250 Hz
Lowpass Crossover: Adjustable from 50 Hz - 150 Hz
Functions: Power (On/Off)
Inputs: High Level (speaker), Line (RCA)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 17" x 17.25" x 17.5"

Review: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/review-monoprice-msub-a122-subwoofer?page=0,2

 

[agarwalro]

If your room is on the smaller side (15x10x7') you'll be fine. Just don't expect too much from any $200 sub.

 

[zieglj01]

I would put the JBL Studio 150 on a short list
Newegg.com - JBL Studio 1 Series SUB150P Home Audio Speaker Each

 

[Wakko]

I will pass on it, thanks guys. Room is 16x20 with 12 foot ceilings and carpet. That F12 looks good.

 

[KEW]

Here is an amateur review of the Polk vs the BIC that may be of interest.

A Helpful Home Theater Subwoofer Review: BIC America F12 vs. Polk Audio PSW505 - Slickdeals.net

 

[Senact]

I'm so jealous of your pricing... I paid 348 which was supposedly 50% off in Canada, but I will be returning them. I briefly checked reviews and for the price you can get, it's not bad.

 

[Wakko]

On carpet will a down firing subwoofer sound ok? Or should I stick with forward facing?

 

[zieglj01]

On carpet will a down firing subwoofer sound ok? Or should I stick with forward facing?

The carpet will be OK - not a real big deal.