PSW110 - Is it me...or is it....it ??

OneBadApple

Hello...
After reading so many positive reviews of the PSW110 subwoofer, I bought one on eBay last month. I followed the simple manual instructions of using a single phono plug from the amp's 'subwoofer out' to just one of the subwoofer's input jacks. Got no audio at all, only a very loud electronic hum.

Before returning it to the seller I called Polk tech service for advice. The guy said I have it hooked up correctly, and that my cable could be bad. His advice was if I tried another cable and still got only hum, then there was something wrong with the subwoofer. Changing cables did nothing, and I returned the thing. Since then I've wondered if I should've ignored the manual instructions and just used a "Y" adapter into the amp and plugged both cables into the SW inputs, or monkeyed with the setup in some other way (not that there are too many other options).... Anyway, too late now.

My question: If you were me and got the advice that I did from Polk, would you have tried other things to make it work, or just send it on its way ? Based on all of the review praise that the PSW110 gets, I really want to consider buying another one, but.....

Thanks,
Doug in FL

dorokusai

Well, since the subwoofer is gone now...there's not much that can be done aside from what if this, what if that. The advice you received wasn't bad but it certainly wasn't enough to cover all the bases when it comes to troubleshooting a subwoofer connection.

If you want to give Polk another shot, please do and come directly here with any and all questions.

OneBadApple

OK, thanks.

In hindsight, I wish I'd have thought to find a forum like this before shipping it back. My thinking was "Well, Polk is Polk"....the tech took the time to ask questions, so I figured that any effort beyond following his advice would just be wasting my time.

But maybe I was wrong (god knows, I've been wrong before....)

treitz3

Well, since you are here.....welcome to Club Polk.

VR3

I dont know Tom

He seems like a bad apple... >_>

Sherardp

What receiver are you using? If it's a Pioneer and your fronts are set to large you have to set the subwoofer setting to Plus in order to get bass to the sub. I had this happen when setting up a surround sound setup for a friend.

OneBadApple

In fact it IS a Pioneer, Model VSX-918V

I do have the fronts set to "small" after having read to do that that somewhere else. Not sure if it gives a 'Plus' choice for the sub setting, but I do have it set to "YES".

After reading dozens of 5-star reviews about the PSW110 I can't possibly give up on it yet, but somehow I feel like I'm still going to get nothing but hum on Try # 2....

Thanks for the welcome treitz (and come on, Vr3.....even bad apples deserve some clean, clear bass in this great melting pot we call America....)

TECHNOKID

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »

I dont know Tom

He seems like a bad apple... >_>

Arrr, you got my line!:mad::biggrin:



Welcome to Club Polk OneBadApple

Now that you have returned the PSW110, why don't you give this one a try http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290130&Tpk=psw505 (has good reviews / comments from the folks here at CP)?

OneBadApple

Thanks, Techno.

Hey, as long as I'm still whining aboot my episode (sorry, Techno), perhaps youz can give me an opinion regarding the phone cable used to hook up your SW to the amp. Should the generic ones that I have by the dozens in a box upstairs work more-or-less as well as one they sell as a "subwoofer cable" ?

I'm sure that Monster makes one that would make my wife roll her eyes when she sees what I paid for it.

"Premium Cables": Worth every nickel ?.......or pure BS ???

OneBadApple

Techno, I used your Newegg link (thank you) and sat up straight and alert at first, having never checked out any reviews of the PSW505. But on Newegg, a couple of guys loved it....and of course a couple DESPISED it. So whose opinion counts ?

Maybe I'll just blindfold the little girl who lives next door and have her pin a donkey tail on an open Polk catalogue. I'll just buy whatever the donkey tail says to buy....

Theheadsn

My opinion, which means NOTHING lol save up some money, go with an Epik Legend.

They cost around 400 bucks; from what Ive been told they sound akin to much more expensive subs.

TECHNOKID

OneBadApple wrote: »

Techno, I used your Newegg link (thank you) and sat up straight and alert at first, having never checked out any reviews of the PSW505. But on Newegg, a couple of guys loved it....and of course a couple DESPISED it. So whose opinion counts ?Maybe I'll just blindfold the little girl who lives next door and have her pin a donkey tail on an open Polk catalogue. I'll just buy whatever the donkey tail says to buy....

OneBadApple; either you are kidding me or we are not reading the same reviews... 20 pages (197 reviews) of reviews, 98% of those reviews are between 4 to 5 eggs (stars) and bad reviews which are 1 to 2 eggs (stars) only makes for 2% of the score. Unless in your book, you are expecting 100% good feedback I would say the reviews are quite good.

Also, how about checking some threads regarding this sub here at Club Polk;
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116402&highlight=psw505

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/search.php?searchid=17233799

Now, don't get me wrong as I have nothing bad to say about the PSW110 quite the opposite, I own one of them and am very pleased with it and in fact IMO from the remaining PSW series available (http://polkaudio.com/) I think it it the most reliable (not sure about the PSWi 225 as I am not as familiar with) however, the PSW110 has good reviews but notice it has only 17 and if you look on this site, you will find also that reviews are somewhat rare for the PSW110. The price new is also still higher (since it is not a vintage product yet) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=82-290-036&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=1

IMO, you are way better off to buy a new vintage sub at clearance pricing or a Polk refurb (with warranty) then buy a used sub on Ebay (don't forget sub has amp and you do not know how hard they have been driven and usually the cost to replace the amp is near the cost or sometime more than the used sub).

Theheadsn you are right, Epik subs are better performers BUT, if the OP is looking at used PSW sub don't you think you might be going way out of what he expects to pay for for a sub (used PSW110 on Ebay potentially at 100$????). If so, you are suggesting him some that is 4 times the price he was looking at!!!).

perhaps youz can give me an opinion regarding the phone cable used to hook up your SW to the amp.

What are you talking about:eek::frown: You really must be pulling my legg, OneBadApple you are!!!

Mon40CSMM10

This seems to hold true for any Pioneer VSX-(whatever) model receiver.

When Front speakers are set to Small then the Subwoofer setting is locked at Yes (and just to be complete this is true even if no subwoofer is connected to the sub/LFE output on the receiver, the Subwoofer setting will still be locked at Yes). That means subwoofer will sound, along with the speakers, when the master volume level along subwoofer channel volume level is sufficient activate the subwoofer auto on circuit (when the subwoofer switch is set to Auto).

When Front speakers are set to Large, there are three possible options. Subwoofer = No, Subwoofer = Yes, and Subwoofer = Plus. The No setting is self explanatory, means no subwoofer output ever. The Yes setting means the subwoofer will only sound for LFE channel output, due to the Front speakers handling full range sound when set to Large. The Plus setting forces the subwoofer to always play along with the front speakers handling the full range sound--this mode is also considered a "double bass" mode since the subwoofer is also doubling the full range bass from the front speakers that are set to Large.

Specific to the PSW110, it easily has more than enough bass drum output for music and more than enough LFE power for movies, but seems to require a lot of fine tuning to get musical bass instrument presence (at least from what I have found for the room that has the PSW110).

OneBadApple

I VERY sincerely appreciate that you guys take the time and care to share these opinions, and I'll read them again a few times after I haven't had three glasses of wine. But I can see why so many people throw their hands up in frustration relative to this technology.

Mon, after reading your post 3 times, I STILL don't think that the eBAY / Texas PSW110 should have just hummed after I hooked it up every-which-way the Polk guy suggested, including bypassing the amp altogether and sending the DVD player signal directly to the sub. Hum.....hum.......and hum again. So I rolled the dice on that one, and lost.

Technokid, I am not kidding you. All you have to do is go to the same link that you provided for me and two out of the first five reviewers thought the thing blows ( not my opinon...theirs ). Of course I'm not looking for 100% positive reviews. Some guys will have a 90-second ****, then complain that it didn't last all day. But if two out of the first 5 reviewers on your link hated the thing, one has to take pause....

.....and I am STILL waiting for anyone's comments about the subwoofer hookup cable.....Monster decadence vs. $5.95 from Radio Shack ( Alright, they want to be called "The Shack" now.....but I don't think that's gonna stick....)

TECHNOKID

.....and I am STILL waiting for anyone's comments about the subwoofer hookup cable.....Monster decadence vs. $5.95 from Radio Shack ( Alright, they want to be called "The Shack" now.....but I don't think that's gonna stick....)

As far as the subwoofer cable goes, don't waste your precious $$ on Mon$ter cables (keep them for the sub ) and shop monoprice.com or blue jeans cables

OneBadApple

Yeah, I recently put monoprice in 'Favorites', techno. Instinctively it seems like if I am patient, keep reading reviews, and learn things from smart people on forums like this, I will eventually love my home theater SO much that I'll stay home from work altogether....then eventually be fired under the "Hasn't Shown Up In Weeks" clause in the H.R. manual (followed by the predictable losing my wife of 40 years)......but DAMN, I will finally experience some kick-**** surround-sound bass response....

comfortablycurt

OneBadApple wrote: »

Technokid, I am not kidding you. All you have to do is go to the same link that you provided for me and two out of the first five reviewers thought the thing blows ( not my opinon...theirs ). Of course I'm not looking for 100% positive reviews. Some guys will have a 90-second ****, then complain that it didn't last all day. But if two out of the first 5 reviewers on your link hated the thing, one has to take pause....

I'm seeing ten reviews on the first page. 8 of them are 5 star, and two of them are 1 star. The two 1 star reviews on that first page are the only 1 star reviews for the 505...and there are only three 2 star reviews...with no 3 star reviews. Take that knowledge and then consider that there are fifteen 4 star reviews and one hundred seventy seven 5 star reviews. That kinda says something there.

Sure...there are a few bad reviews...but you'll have that with any product out there. The positive reviews here vastly overshadow the negatives. I wouldn't worry the slightest bit about there being 5 negative reviews, when there are 192 positive reviews.

The 505 is an excellent sub, and is very hard to beat for the money. It's better than the PSW10 in basically every category IMO.

Regarding the cable issue...

Don't use one of the cheapo spaghetti noodle cables that you probably have a million of...but don't use a Monster either. Check out Signal Cable, monoprice and blue jeans cable. Any 75ohm coaxial cable with an RCA connector will work fine...it doesn't need to specifically be a "subwoofer cable". There really is no such thing as a subwoofer cable. The same type of cable is also used for composite video connections and digital coaxial audio connections...amongst other applications.

TECHNOKID

It's better than the PSW10 in basically every category IMO.

CC just a little correction, the OP is not talking about the PSW10 but rather the PSW110 and believe me the difference between the 10 and 110 is night and day.

vintageaudio64

True Monster cables are exspensive or if you can find any on "sale". I use "Belkin" audio cables for my 2 channel stereo system. Radio Shack does make a nice sub woofer cable {black} and it should work fine. Belkin and THX is all i use.

comfortablycurt

TECHNOKID wrote: »

CC just a little correction, the OP is not talking about the PSW10 but rather the PSW110 and believe me the difference between the 10 and 110 is night and day.

Whoops...that was actually a typo on my part. I know that he was talking about the 110. While the 110 is a lot nicer than the 10...my comments still stand.

TECHNOKID

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Whoops...that was actually a typo on my part. I know that he was talking about the 110. While the 110 is a lot nicer than the 10...my comments still stand.

Fair enough

OneBadApple

Thanks sincerely, guys, for all of your comments. I've been traveling and just returned today (Tue). Looks like either the 110 or the 505 hold the most promise for me. I've read some very positive comments about the BIC America F-12, and maybe that's why it seems to be on backorder everywhere I look. Any thoughts ??

(Yeah, I realize we're on a Polk forum, but still....)

TECHNOKID

OneBadApple wrote: »

Thanks sincerely, guys, for all of your comments. I've been traveling and just returned today (Tue). Looks like either the 110 or the 505 hold the most promise for me. I've read some very positive comments about the BIC America F-12, and maybe that's why it seems to be on backorder everywhere I look. Any thoughts ??

(Yeah, I realize we're on a Polk forum, but still....)

I am not that familiar qith the BIC F-12 sub but I believe there has been discussions on them in the past and I am convinced someone will be able to provide you the pros and cons about it.

Cheers!
TK

OneBadApple

Three days later:

chirp-chirp.......chirp-chirp........chirp-chirp.....

ROHfan

TECHNOKID wrote: »

I am not that familiar qith the BIC F-12 sub but I believe there has been discussions on them in the past and I am convinced someone will be able to provide you the pros and cons about it.

Cheers!
TK

I racked my frikkin' brain for two weeks trying to decide between a BIC F12 and a PSW505 and ultimately wound up with the F12 because it had more favorable reviews on every website I checked other than Club Polk. I would make the same decision again and again. That sub is awesome, hands down, and paired with my bass shakers it's audio nirvana.

OneBadApple

THANK YOU, ROHfan. For the past two weeks I've read many positive reviews relative to the F12, and I think you just pushed me over the edge. I will buy it new, with a (5- year !!) warranty. I guess my unfortunate PSW110 eBay experience, along with seeing too many "No Returns Accepted" policies for new and factory refurbished Polk models is nature's way of telling me: Run away !!.... RUN AWAY.....!!!

Yes, I appreciate and respect all of the comments about the small percentage of negative Polk reviews. But historically, no matter how good the odds are....I've never been a lucky guy....

ROHfan

OneBadApple wrote: »

THANK YOU, ROHfan. For the past two weeks I've read many positive reviews relative to the F12, and I think you just pushed me over the edge. I will buy it new, with a (5- year !!) warranty. I guess my unfortunate PSW110 eBay experience, along with seeing too many "No Returns Accepted" policies for new and factory refurbished Polk models is nature's way of telling me: Run away !!.... RUN AWAY.....!!!

Yes, I appreciate and respect all of the comments about the small percentage of negative Polk reviews. But historically, no matter how good the odds are....I've never been a lucky guy....

Dude...it's on Amazon right now for $183.27 with FREE SHIPPING! ORDER IT!

ROHfan

Theheadsn wrote: »

My opinion, which means NOTHING lol save up some money, go with an Epik Legend.

They cost around 400 bucks; from what Ive been told they sound akin to much more expensive subs.

Recommending a sub without ever hearing it doesn't help. Just sayin'. :rolleyes:

TECHNOKID

ROHfan wrote: »

I racked my frikkin' brain for two weeks trying to decide between a BIC F12 and a PSW505 and ultimately wound up with the F12 because it had more favorable reviews on every website I checked other than Club Polk. I would make the same decision again and again. That sub is awesome, hands down, and paired with my bass shakers it's audio nirvana.

Glad you are happy with your choice and can share it with us.

OneBadApple wrote: »

THANK YOU, ROHfan. For the past two weeks I've read many positive reviews relative to the F12, and I think you just pushed me over the edge. I will buy it new, with a (5- year !!) warranty. I guess my unfortunate PSW110 eBay experience, along with seeing too many "No Returns Accepted" policies for new and factory refurbished Polk models is nature's way of telling me: Run away !!.... RUN AWAY.....!!!

Yes, I appreciate and respect all of the comments about the small percentage of negative Polk reviews. But historically, no matter how good the odds are....I've never been a lucky guy....

Not much to do with luck, it is a matter of considering the odds and make sure they play in your favor. As an example, buying from a stranger on eBay is not some that I would consider for my self. Unless I am buying from someone I know or the price I am buying for allows for a riskier situation, I will pass. As far as refurbished, if the the seller doesn't give any warranty well, it leads me to believe there is good chances of problems.

Now, I am glad you found the confidence in one product and hope you very satisfied with it. Afterall, you took your time and did your homework. Looks like the F12 is for you.

Dude...it's on Amazon right now for $183.27 with FREE SHIPPING! ORDER IT!

Goodness, at that price you really can't go wrong. This si your time, go get it! :cool:

OneBadApple

ROHfan and Technokid....

OK, I just ordered the F12 on Amazon and you are right, how can you pass up that bottom-line price ? So free shipping means 7-10 days for delivery....who cares ? Almost all other internet sites offer it for $40.00-$50.00 more.....and they all have it on backorder, with vague promises about a shipping date.

Between the F12 rave reviews everywhere, the fact that demand far exceeds supply, and some encouragement from you guys, I think this is going to turn out damn-fine.

Of course if it doesn't, the joke's on me......HAHAHAHAHA

Thanks, guys....

ROHfan

OneBadApple wrote: »

ROHfan and Technokid....

OK, I just ordered the F12 on Amazon and you are right, how can you pass up that bottom-line price ? So free shipping means 7-10 days for delivery....who cares ? Almost all other internet sites offer it for $40.00-$50.00 more.....and they all have it on backorder, with vague promises about a shipping date.

Between the F12 rave reviews everywhere, the fact that demand far exceeds supply, and some encouragement from you guys, I think this is going to turn out damn-fine.

Of course if it doesn't, the joke's on me......HAHAHAHAHA

Thanks, guys....

Congrats on the purchase. Let us know how it sounds!