Psw 350

jemrey81

So here's the deal... I am buying a "budget system" (it will be a 3.1) for my dad, so far it includes the R40 towers ($40 on CL) and the CS1 center channel ($69 Newegg). I am now on the hunt for a decent sub. I have been running across some Klipsch KSW-10 subs that are in the price range (I am sticking with $100. or less), but I just found a PSW350 for sale in my area. I have the 550 in my house and think it is a great sub, but it is out of the price range for what I am doing. Anyone know about this Klipsch model? It looks like it is a 10" downfiring sub, but I don't think that is the best option for his house.... it is hardwood in the tv area and tile everwhere else, and a huge wall that is all window.

How is the PSW350? What years was it manufactured? Should I be concerned about anything with used subs? Worth $100?

ikolbyi

jemrey81 wrote: »

So here's the deal... I am buying a "budget system" (it will be a 3.1) for my dad, so far it includes the R40 towers ($40 on CL) and the CS1 center channel ($69 Newegg). I am now on the hunt for a decent sub. I have been running across some Klipsch KSW-10 subs that are in the price range (I am sticking with $100. or less), but I just found a PSW350 for sale in my area. I have the 550 in my house and think it is a great sub, but it is out of the price range for what I am doing. Anyone know about this Klipsch model? It looks like it is a 10" downfiring sub, but I don't think that is the best option for his house.... it is hardwood in the tv area and tile everwhere else, and a huge wall that is all window.

How is the PSW350? What years was it manufactured? Should I be concerned about anything with used subs? Worth $100?

Your in luck, I own the PSW 350 - overall analysis, it is a very good sub for the money. It is forward firing with non-filtered input. The sound quality is good (average to above average) with good tone coverage. I would recommend it as a budget sub (less than $400)

I have had mine for 10 years and it is still going strong. (daily use with on average 1-2 hours a day)

To put in comparison, my DSW crushes it to pieces though.

jemrey81

Well, I would hope that the DSW 1000 would crush it! Good feedback though, I appreciate it.... Is the non-filtering input common? Worth the $100 or so, in your opinion?

ikolbyi

The non-filtered feature is typically found on more expensive units, helps prevent a double filter scenario. For $100 it is worth the price. I have heard new subs for about $200 sound worse than my 10 year old PSW 350 so it has held its own over the years very well.

jemrey81

Cool, thanks!

ikolbyi

Also, keep in mind, PSW 350 was a very popular product from the product line: PSW 250 (8" - 50W); 350 (10" - 100W); 450 (12" - 150W)

URL of product: http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw350/

The above link also has all of the customer's reviews that echo my same thoughts on the product....very reliable, great sound for the price.

The 550 and 650 are different products, not from the same product line. I originally purchased the 250 and returned it to the store the following day because it was very lacking in power and sound. The 350 did a much better job in all categories and I have been happy since.

The DSW does put it to shame, but that is to be expected since since it is not the same class of sub.

jemrey81

Very nice, I have been looking through all of the reviews... I emailed the seller to see when it was purchased (if it's the original owner)... I get a little concerned with the age of the amps when it comes to used subs, 10 years is a long time if they bought it when it first came out. He is local though, and I think the size of it is a good match for my dad's application. We'll see! Thanks again!

jemrey81

I got an email back from the seller, and I am going to pass on this one right now... the search continues!

danger boy

my first sub was the Polk PSW350. Used it for about 3 years before I upgraded.. decent enough sub for a budget system

jgido759

Still using mine 9 years later, works perfect in my 11' x 22' living room.

Pappy1

Wow Jemrey - you are a busy man! That is neat that you are helping out your Dad. If mine was still alive I would be doing the same. Best wishes for a successful search.

Pappy

jemrey81

Thanks Pappy! It's funny, my brother had all of his equipment at my parents house (paradigm and marantz... very expensive, but not worth it in my eyes) anyways, he just moved it out and my dad was missing having some sound other than the tv speakers. He was going to wait until he could afford some stuff like my brother has... I decided to jump in and show him that it isn't necessary to spend thousands of dollars to get good sound. I told him that I will get him a nice sounding budget system and if he still wants to save up for nicer stuff he can, but I told him his first investment will be a nice receiver (it will make a huge difference with the equipment I am getting him, rather than getting bigger speakers that won't make a difference with his current receiver). He is really happy so far, and he only has the R40s! His CS1 center speaker will be delivered today, hopefully I will have time to set it up for him this weekend.... I for one can't wait to see how it performs, and see how it will do with the R40 speakers. Still looking for the right sub, I have time though.... just have to wait for the right deal to pop up. Sorry to hear about your dad, my dad is late 50's (I am a young'n), so he has quite a bit of life left him (age wise, of course we never know) so he needs some good sound that will last. I did give him the notice that if he decides to upgrade, this stuff comes back my way

Pappy1

Hi Jemrey!

Sounds as though your Dad and I are contemporaries! I always found the time that I could spend with my father to be very special - particularly when the two of us could be "doing" something together. I would imagine that he is really enjoying just being with you.

Thanks again for the help and advice that you gave me. I have not purchased anymore equipment, and still haven't finished tweaking everything. Like you, I'm not satisfied with the placement of my PSW 505, or with where I have to put my left front Monitor 70. The physical layout of the room (small grand piano, couch, etc.) and the fact that the room opens into the dining area, kitchen, and hallway limits where I can place the speakers. I have looked into replacing my current speaker cables, but haven't been able to make a decision yet.

Best wishes to you and your father for the rest of the weekend!

Pappy

AVR - Pioneer VSX 9040TXH
Subwoofer - Polk Audio PSW 505
TV - Samsung HL-T6756W DLP
BD - Panasonic DMP-BD605
Cable - CableOne HD DVR
Center - Polk Audio CS2
Fronts - Polk Audio Monitor 70s
Rears - Polk Audio Monitor 60s