PSW404 vs PSW505

mart321

I just purchased a PSW404 with my RM series speakers. The bass is just ok, i am looking for more power and more heart pounding experiences. I have been shopping around and want to keep the Polk name in my system. However, it seems that Polk only makes up to a 12" sub (PSW505) and are soon to come out with a dual firing 10" sub with 825 peak watts. This sounds nice, but which one will actually give you more heart pounding bass? The PSW505 has a lower DB of 28 hz (frquency range of 23hz-160hz) and the new PSW1000 has a lower DB of 30 hz(frequency range of 20hz-160hz). I understand there is some port chuffing at higher volumes on the PSW505. FYI, here is a good review of this unit,

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

If anybody currently has a PSW505 in their system, feedback would help.

Thanks,

dkg999

I have actually had the PSW303,404, and 505 all together at one time! The 404 was the least impressive of the three. The 303 is actually a pretty impressive little subwoofer at the $200 price point they used to go for on sale at CC. Some have categorized it as a mid-bass driver, and it has pretty tight bass and actually works pretty well in a 2ch. rig. I am using it turned down very low with a pair of EPOS ELS-3's, and it sound real nice. For HT the 303 is best used as an entry level sub, or a second sub in the rear, which is what I was using it for. The 404 just didn't seem to have the power or the sound quality of the other two. Maybe I got a less than optimal unit, but I just wasn't real impressed with it! The 505 will work for HT, and sounds pretty good. I was running the 505 as my front sub, and the 303 as my rear sub in my main HT system. I moved up to an SVS 20-39 PC+ as the front sub, and an SVS PB-10 as the rear sub. Very substantial improvement in bass from that move, to the point of po'ing all the neighbors in my apt. bldg. if I turn them up at all! Can't wait to move to the new house! The 505 isn't very musical unless you like rap, and then it would work good. I'm currently using the 505 in my second HT system which is in the bedroom, and running real low it is all I need for that system. I would definetely recommend going to the 505.

PolkThug

The 505 is MUCH better than the 404. I have since moved on to SVS PB10.

mart321

Does the svs pb10 sound better and have deeper bass than the psw505? i noticed there is an svs pb12, but seems a bit too high in price. all i know is my psw404 isnt cutting it. i think one of my problems is that the sub is mounted on thick carpet. i am thinking of mounting it on a granite base so the sound isnt dampened as much. I was looking at the Paradigm seismic 12 at a local audio dealer, and they wanted $1,700 for it. I want to be an audiophile, but my check book thinks otherwise, HA. I just want the best bang for my buck!

Thanks,

Marty

dkg999

The 505 is not a bad subwoofer, and that's where it rates in the scheme of things. I have a local dealer that is big on Paradigm, and they do have some good subs. I would look at SVS and HSU Research subs. For music I prefer the HSU, and the Paradigm's seem to be pretty good for music. For punch you in the chest bass, go SVS. The PB10 is an excellent first "real" subwoofer.

mart321

Where is the best place to find an svs-pb10 for a low price? and why do you say the svs pb10 is an excellent "first" real sub? is the psw 505 not worthy, lol.

Thanks,

Marty