Keep the PSW 450 or get the 505?

trend1
trend1 Posts: 36
edited May 2004 in Speakers
I'm thinking about replacing my PSW 450 with the 505, my question to you guys/girls: is the 505 an upgrade from the 450? The 450 sounds fine but was wondering if the 505 will make my system sound better.

Thanks!
Mains: Polk RTi 12 (Bi-Wired)
Center: Polk CSi 5
Surrounds: Polk FXi 3
Rear: Polk FXi 3
Sub: Polk PSW505
Receiver: Denon 3805
Power Amp: 2 Outlaw M-Blocks
Post edited by trend1 on

Comments

  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited May 2004
    The 505 appears to be an "upgrade" ... lower range ... lower freq before roll off ... more power.

    I would also consider thinking outside the Polk "box" ... i.e. HSU, SVS etc for subs.
  • idealty
    idealty Posts: 24
    edited May 2004
    Truth be told, while the specs of the psw505 seem better on paper than the 450's, there really isn't going to be that much of a difference between the two. They have the same size driver, so the only advantage the 505 has is that it can go a little louder than the 450. But how much? Well think about this: it takes twice the amplifier power to allow a human being to hear a 3db increase in volume. On paper, the 505's RMS wattage is 300W compared to 150W on the 450. But notice that the 450 can reach up to 300W (dynamic power) and the 505 can reach 460W, which is not double to the power. So on average, the 505 may be close to double but not necessarily all the time. And I can assure you that even with double the power, a 3db difference is not very noticable (but u can tell). So, I'm not downing the 505 at all. It's a great sub!! I would say if you can sell or trade in your 450 and get the 505 for a fraction of it's MSRP, then GO FOR IT! But the difference isn't worth buying it full price. By the way, I also own a PSW450 and have heard the 505 once. Hope this helps
  • Ceruleance
    Ceruleance Posts: 991
    edited May 2004
    The information on SPL's, amplifier power, and perceived volume have been misquoted and are rather butchered. In effect however the bottom line is the same, there is a performance increase but it is not substantial.

    If I had the 450 I would not upgrade to the 505. If you really feel like the subwoofer is not doing it's job well (it sound like that's NOT quite the case), save up for a sub in a different price class than the 450 and the 505.
  • trend1
    trend1 Posts: 36
    edited May 2004
    Ceruleance, idealty & PolkWannabie. Thanks for your input. I'm very happy with the 450 I thought going to the 505 would be like night and day compaired to the 450 but obviously thats not the case. Next time your in Jersey (exit 117 on the Garden State Parkway) the beers are on me:D

    Tony
    Mains: Polk RTi 12 (Bi-Wired)
    Center: Polk CSi 5
    Surrounds: Polk FXi 3
    Rear: Polk FXi 3
    Sub: Polk PSW505
    Receiver: Denon 3805
    Power Amp: 2 Outlaw M-Blocks
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited May 2004
    (exit 117 on the Garden State Parkway) the beers are on me

    Hey I'm around there from time to time doing Installs.I like cold beer ;)

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.