polk PSW505 vs infinity SW-12

[bigbassdave]

I have a dilemma. I recently took a seasonal position at Circuit City and I have the opportunity to purchase one of these two 12" subs at a big discount.

PSW505: retail $589.95 discount $253.68
SW-12 : retail $799.00 discount $319.20

My good friend owns the Polk and I absolutely love it but I am one to always crave more thundering bass regardless how impressed I am initially with a new sub. I have never heard the infinity and Circuit City does not stock anything that nice. I know a higher price does not always mean better but I must admit I am tempted to go with it just because it retails for over $200 more than the Polk. Has anyone had the chance to hear both these subs? If so which one hits harder, plays deeper ect... I will use it for 80% movies but still want it to impress when I host parties and listen to loud music. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

Yeh, I work at Circuit City too. The other guy that is in Home Audio with me has both subs and he likes the Polk better.

Also not only does he like it better, but as you can see, it is cheaper than the Infinity. Also, you have to pay tax and shipping on the Infinity whereas you only have to pay tax on the Polk. The Polk will also ship faster; I got my surrounds and center channel 3 days after ordering them.

~Chuck

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I must admit I am tempted to go with it just because it retails for over $200 more than the Polk.

Sounds like something a Bose customer would say

~Chuck

 

[bigbassdave]

lol true. The difference though is that I like infinity speakers where as I do not like Bose. Thanks for the replies guys I think I will go with the Polk because I know I love it. I had not taken into consideration the fact that I don't pay shipping on Polk. That is huge

 

[bigbassdave]

Ok I am placing the order on Sunday and should take 6 weeks to arive. I was going to get mostly infinity speakers at first but when you so kindly pointed out that Polk does not charge shipping I decided to go that way. I'm buying
RTi10's (front)
CSi5 (center)
FXi3's (rear)
PSW505 (sub)

If you guys know of any problems with any of these choices please let me know. Thank you

 

[Sheep]

Give buckeye a PM as he has almost the exact same setup.


SheepStar

 

[bigbassdave]

I will do that thank you

 

[j_garcia]

I would say...NEITHER because you can't be called bigbassdave and own either of those subs.

 

[bigbassdave]

Not even at that price?? Please tell me why you would say neither.

 

[j_garcia]

Only at that price if you plan to sell them for more... Just look at the specs, neither goes that low or has particularly good numbers.

 

[bigbassdave]

Which numbers do you see that concern you? I have heard the Polk and I can say that it already rattles the walls in my living room when it goes really low. Much lower would probably just cause more rattling. I appreciate your input I just want to make sure I understand exactly what it is you see when you look at the "numbers" you dont like. Thanks

 

[Sheep]

heres a review for the polk 505


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/polk-psw-505-subwoofer-4-2005.html

SheepStar

 

[mike c]

I would say...NEITHER because you can't be called bigbassdave and own either of those subs.

BBdave,

save the money for those things ... then save some more ...

then try to hear the (IMO) velodyne DLS series or yamaha YSTSW1500
BEFORE you decide. if you hear those and say that the sound difference does not equate the price difference, then you can come back to buying those polks

 

[bigbassdave]

Sheep thanks so much for review and Mike thanks for the reccomendation. I looked at the vely web site and those subs look very nice! Thing is I will only have this job for a couple months so I need to act soon. I think I'm going to stick with the Polk and if down the road I am unhappy I can always sell it or add another sub I will be more pleased with. If that time comes I will strongly consider a vely. Seems no one has anything bad to say about them.

 

[mulester7]

.....specs only indicate, must hear speaker to know....said the old Indian.....

 

[j_garcia]

Which numbers do you see that concern you? I have heard the Polk and I can say that it already rattles the walls in my living room when it goes really low. Much lower would probably just cause more rattling. I appreciate your input I just want to make sure I understand exactly what it is you see when you look at the "numbers" you dont like. Thanks

40lbs for starters...The BOX with nothing in it should weigh more than that. Some of the SVS drivers weigh more than that. While it may generate decent SPLs, it isn't all that great to be honest, and Ed's review reveals that. The Infinity's numbers are actually worse...

 

[mike c]

you're welcome BBDave! i wish i could work in a place like that to get discounts myself! come back and give us a review of your items once you receive them

 

[bigbassdave]

I will be sure to do that mike. Shortly after Christmas I will come on and review the whole set

 

[Sheep]

40lbs for starters...The BOX with nothing in it should weigh more than that. Some of the SVS drivers weigh more than that. While it may generate decent SPLs, it isn't all that great to be honest, and Ed's review reveals that. The Infinity's numbers are actually worse...

The review stated that there was good bracing. The slot port for the sides and 2 verticle braces on top of the slot port. If the cabinet is inert, does the weight really matter?

The negatives in the review probly had more to do with the driver and amp then enclosure. I personally wouldn't buy this subwoofer, but it doesn't mean is complete garbage.


SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

I doubt the cabinet is really inert, regardless of bracing. When I had th 202, a pair of LSis outweighed it by 5 lbs. The LSis have some solid cabinets, and they are better built than any of their subs from the 505 down. Weight IS a factor because it means the wood is very thin, and on the 202 it certainly was (knock test). I'm not saying the 505 is like the 202, but I know from hearing the 404 and 505 in the store that they aren't worth their MSRP price. I agree, it is most likely the driver that is the problem, then the amp. I'm not saying it's garbage either, but it isn't worth the price of admission. It would probably be OK if they were charging what bigbassdave's discount price is...but I still wouldn't buy it when there are HSUs, SVSs, Outlaws, etc... to be had.

When I build my sub, the enclosure had only one brace in the center. It weighed about 50lbs with no drivers in it.