Reddit mentions of Polk Audio PSW505 12" Powered Subwoofer - Deep Bass Impact & Distortion-Free Sound | Up to 460 Watts | Easy Integration with Home Theater Systems

A couple details:

Components:

I read QUITE a few reviews and this series was very highly rated at a reasonable price. Ended up getting many of them on refurb, open box, or otherwise for a great discount.

R/L Floor Speakers: Polk Audio TSi400

Center channel: Polk Audio CS20

R/L surround: Polk Audio TSi200

R/L rear in-ceiling: Polk Audio RC80i

Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW505

Receiver: Harman Kardon AVR-3650

Projector: Optoma HD20

Screen: Elite Screens Sable, 100" CineWhite

Blu-Ray player: Pansonic DMP-BDT220

Remote: Logitech Harmony One RF (no line of sight needed)

Total of all electronic components with wiring and such came to around $5,000.

All lumber used for coffers is 1x finger jointed poplar. Used 1x8 ripped to dimension for verticals, 1x10 for horizontals. Sizes were dimensioned based upon the depth of the gimbal lights above the columns and the width of the column capitals.

Base and casement trim is also FJP, crown molding was MDF due to the major cost difference. Doors are Western solid cores, knobs by Emtek.

All speaker wires are 12 gauge UL rated for in-wall usage. All other cables and connectors are from Monoprice as well.

110v wiring is all 12/2 with 15A receptacles.

Gimbal lights from Lowes, wall sconces are Minka Lavery.

Total for all building materials came to around $2,000 (much of it in the coffered ceiling materials).

The project took around 2 months to complete from start to finish, of working on it after work each day. I'd estimate that there was about 100 hours in the ceiling construction, a great deal of that in paint work.

The columns/trim/doors/coffers are all done in a BM satin, which is the lightest shade of brown. The walls are of the same swatch, only one color darker, and in flat (to prevent light reflection from the bright projector). The ceiling is one color darker on the same swatch, also in flat. The vertical insides of the coffers behind the crown was also painted with the ceiling color to make the crown stand out more. The dark colors were all chosen to minimize any reflection from the screen.

Now that the room has a closet and an egress window, it can technically be counted as a 4th bedroom in my house when it comes time to sell.

Amp: https://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-3490-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00198F89A

Speakers: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

Sub: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0

Only problem is I have a feeling the room is too small for a sub haha

the receiver

the towers

the center channel

the sub

Audioengine A2

Audioengine A5+

Polk Subwoofer

FiiP Digital-analog-converter

These are just a few of the entry level options. Don't take my word for it. I don't own any of these items. I just see them pop up from time to time as good entry-level options. Both pairs of speakers I posted are powered, meaning they have amplification built in. They wont require an external amplifier. Another option is to buy a pair of passive speakers, like these, and buy a basic receiver, like this, to power them.

Again, these are just some EXAMPLES. I am not recommending any of these items specifically, as I have not heard them. I am suggesting that you do some research and figure out what works best for your needs and budget.

You'll notice I also posted a subwoofer and DAC (digital-analog-converter). The subwoofer is going to allow you to hear the lower frequencies that those small speakers wont reach, which you might find necessary if you like drums. The external DAC will allow you to bypass the shitty DAC in your current source (a laptop, I'm assuming?). You'll be able to send a digital signal out of your source (provided it has a digital output) to the DAC where it will be converted to the analog signal that will go to the amplifier. It isn't necessary, but it will improve sound quality since the shitty DAC in your laptop or computer will be bypassed.

For budget subs (< $500) you have a quite a few popular choices:

• $348 Klipsch
  
• $199 Polk
  
• $157 Pioneer
  
  I'd highly recommend upgrading a better sub in the $500 .. $800 range:
  
  
• EMP Tek
  
• HSU
  
• Rythmik Audio
  
• SVS (Box)
  
• SVS (Cylinder) -- if space or WAF (Wife Approval Factor) is important
  
  Edit: Added SVS Cylinder sub link

I put some more time into researching a solution for you:

• Speakers: [Mackie CR4 - $149.99](https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-* Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O)
  
  
• Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW505 - $179.99
  
  Explanation:
  
  There are a wide variety of quality active monitors for $149.99. I don't have experience with the Mackie's myself, but it is a trusted brand, and they are well reviewed.
  
  Finding a good subwoofer in this price bracket is very challenging. You already have a halfway decent sub with your Logitech system, so I needed to find something that would be worth the upgrade. Many subs in this price range have under powered amplifiers, or use misleading marketing to make them seem better than they are.
  
  Polk makes quality products, I used to own an entire Polk home theater system. The Polk sub offers a large 12" driver (important for hitting low bass, which is the whole point). It is capable of playing without distortion at lower frequencies than just about everything in it's class, and it has a more powerful amplifier than most other subs in it's class.

Sub https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000092TT0/ref=psdc_172568_t2_B000P0528K
Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Andrew-Jones/dp/B014GSEQ06/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482250876&sr=8-2&keywords=elac+b6
Amp
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-A-9010-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B00SY20TE8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482250953&sr=8-3&keywords=onkyo+tx-8020

I don't know if they're still available but a while ago I got a Polk PSW505 which is now discontinued. They used to sell for $5-600 but after they were discontinued, they were still being sold new-in-box for $199. I got one at that price and it's pretty damn nice, it won't play low enough to handle m.A.A.d city but it's about as good of a sub as you can get at that price.

Just checked, Amazon still has them: http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381375448&sr=8-1&keywords=psw505

I would also look into this: http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381375448&sr=8-3&keywords=psw505

and this: http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B00669L3HS/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1381375448&sr=8-13&keywords=psw505

Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000092TT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mk92Bb24WHZNX

Hey there! Long time reddit stalker, first time poster! Hoping I can access the font of knowledge here to validate my potential new home theatre setup. Here is what I am thinking.

Receiver: Yamaha RX-V679BL 7.2-Channel MusicCast AV Receiver with Bluetooth

2x Floorstanding Loudspeakers: Polk Audio Monitor-75T Four-Way Floorstanding Speaker

1x center channel speaker: Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker

1x powered sub: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

Would love any input, trying to stick to around ~1200$ neighborhood. 3.1 is fine for my needs now ( although I may expand to 5.1 down the line ). Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Nakdeyes

I just got one of these Polk Audio PSW 505's to go with my Polk monitor 70's. 12 inches and 300watts RMS 460 peak! Check the reviews. Discontinued but still some left. A steal at under $250
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000092TT0/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Well it will certainly produce some lows, but there is no replacement for displacement. It will reproduce them, but not as loud as it will reproduce the rest of the range.

Add the matching sub http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000092TT0/ref=pd_aw_fbt_23_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HG10TMCKV9NXZS1SEJW

and it should produce serviceable sound that you will enjoy!

The living room was already pre-wired for a 5.1 setup. I was just going to go with an in-wall setup.

(4) of these- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I5O6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

(1) of these-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L9DGCK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A1J7WSBJHTGUFA

(1) of these-
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347314850&sr=8-2&keywords=polk+audio+subwoofer

Absolute cheapest:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-627&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-628

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Monitor-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1374781655&sr=8-6&keywords=polk+110

Better options for good prices:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374781713&sr=1-1&keywords=bic+f12

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374781700&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+505

Great!


Try these settings that Fairchild, a forum member, posted up on AVSforums. He calibrated it using professional tools for a darker room, so it might work for you. Otherwise, perusing/searching the forums should net you some more settings that worked for other people.

Best Buy has excellent deals on the Denon 1613/1713/1913 speakers right now. They’re all on clearance or in excellent condition as open box items. The Denon 1713, for example, I was able to buy for 199 before taxes (amazon still shows it as 378.99).


To check online stock, do the following:


Go to the store locator -> Enter zip/address -> click on the stores that are closest to you within the search results -> for each individual store website, click “Open Box and Clearance Items” on the left side -> Shop this store (in blue) -> Under “Shop Best Buy” (left side pane), click “Audio & MP3” -> Under Narrow your results, choose Denon as your brand.

Hopefully you’ll find some good sales.


Speakers.
I’ve thought about the Pioneer SP BS-22 and the Polk 30s. You really can’t go wrong with either, but you just missed a sale where the Pioneers were going for $70.


Depending on what L/Rs you go with, you’d get the matching center channel from their respective manufacturers.


Subs, for our budget, the consensus seems to be the Bic America F12, but others have stated that a better alternative may be the Polk Audio PSW505.

The gist, I think, was that the Polks would perform better if you listen to a lot of music.

Anyways, that’s where I am with my research. My goal is to save as much money as I can, but to spend when necessary to fulfill my needs. I hope that television works out for you. We’ve loved ours and the calibration went a long way. Happy shopping!

Hi folks,
I'm looking for a nice 2.1 setup. Will be a mix of gaming, music, and video. I'm a fan of bass as well. All input will be D/A. I just want to make sure all the components will work together, and if anyone has any suggestions.

Right now, I'm looking at:
Sony STRDH130 Reciever (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH130-Channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B006U1VH2S/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1451707461&sr=8-14)

Micca MB42X (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=psdc_172563_t1_B009IUIV4A)

Polk PSW505 (http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0)

Also, I am wondering how the receiver provides a signal to the sub, since the receiver has no sub pre-out. Do you connect a coax from the receiver's "Audio Out" to the sub's "Audio In"?

Thanks!

Are the drivers that good to consider switching the amp?

I know these are a bit more expensive, but where do you think the dayton stands against the Polk 505 or bic f12? The Polk is also just $170 right now. 12 inch driver and 300 continuous watts.

I have a pair of Polk RTi A1 and a Yamaha R-S202 and am looking to add a subwoofer to this setup. I live in a small dorm room and was wondering where it would fit in my desk set up or if I should even buy one. What do you guys think? I was thinking that I should go with the Polk PSW505. Or should I go with upgrading my amp to one with less THD?


Relevant links :
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482828352&sr=1-3&keywords=polk+subwoofer

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S202BL-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B01EMQI2CU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1482828608&sr=8-5&keywords=yamaha+amplifier+stereo

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B000V2UBS8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482828662&sr=1-1&keywords=Rti+A1

On the left

Yamaha RX-V377
On top of the Yamaha is a Behringer UMC202HD
The mic is a Shure SM7B

On the right side of the desk is my HP docking station for my work laptop. I work from home a lot so it's nice to have a dock.

In the middle there is an Infinity center channel

I've got 4 of these, front left and right and rear left and right

Using a spdif connection from my motherboard to the receiver.

The subs are two of these.

Keyboard is this

As of tomorrow, mouse will be this

And this huge ass mouse mat

I'd be happy to sell you one of my Polk Audio 12" subwoofers that I got for $200 a piece new. I'd love to sell you both for $350.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0

I love my AudioEngine A5+ speakers

They sound great, especially paired with a subwoofer. For that, I'm currently using a Polk PSW505

Thank you for the advice about the same series. I guess I lucked out with my spontaneous purchase then as I believe these are all the same series. I also forgot to mention I did get a sub-woofer as well. So the whole setup is like this. Think this will be pretty decent for a first timer?

Polk S15

Polk S35

Polk PSW505

And the reciever

Onkyo TX-NR575

A couple years back I bought a bunch of speakers when I was living in a house and had freedom, hooked them up to some junky receivers from the thrift shop and was happy enough.

I'd like to give them a bit better treatment and see just how much I like them after giving them a fair shot though and could really use some advice on the best solution to power them adequately enough for a fair trial, here's what I have, a bunch of Polk stuff:

Monitor 70:
https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B00631YX62/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517939899&sr=8-3&keywords=monitor+70

Monitor 40:
https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-AM4095-Monitor-Bookshelf/dp/B0071MSYEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517939826&sr=8-1&keywords=Polk+Monitor+40

PSW505:
https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517940032&sr=8-1&keywords=psw505

I was thinking maybe something like this?:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MXUCN0A/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

My source is 99% high quality digital files straight from my PC (2011 MacBook Pro 15").

I'm not in any big rush so would be happy to hunt for smarter used prices, etc. just really looking for guidance. Does it make sense to connect both sets of speakers to the same amp?

Is a subwoofer redundant/unnecessary/harmful for music listening with this set up?

Side question: the Monitor 70s come prepared for bi-amping with little removable metal connectors between the two sets of connectors on the back of each speaker. Am I in any trouble if I remove these connectors and DON'T bi-amp?

Thanks a lot for any help.

Yeah, my price range is more $200-300, I might be willing to spring for something close to $500 but only if it would make a big difference for my setup. The Bic America F12 looks great, looks very similar to the Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Sub I had already had my eyes on. Would you recommend one over the other?

Hey guys,

I have a couple questions regarding how to choose the proper subwoofer for my needs.

So currently, I have the pioneer VSX-70 Pioneer receiver (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Elite+Receivers/VSX-70). I am currently looking into purchasing the Polk Subwoofer PSW505 (https://www.amazon.ca/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510592856&sr=8-1&keywords=psw505).

How would I know if its compatible? Do I need to worry about the power consumption of the subwoofer? Will this receiver power it properly or do I need to downsize?

Any information is greatly appreciated!

Polk psw505 is on sale at amazon right now:[psw 505](Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000092TT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kNQGxbSAYXYZY)

You can get a Polk Subwoofer pretty cheap on Amazon, eBay, etc. I use one in my studio for music listening, and it's more than capable of helping out with what bookshelf speakers can't deliver.

Something like either of these would be fine:

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-Single/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518744038&sr=1-2&keywords=polk+subwoofer

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518744038&sr=1-3&keywords=polk+subwoofer

Also, it might be easier just going with some powered speakers, rather than dealing with an amp/receiver.

Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000092TT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-ZxJBbMMCJVP0

I have this and enjoy it immensely. 300 watts continuous, and slightly lower cost than your top end pick.