I just picked up a pair of Polk Audio speakers (RTIA7) and they came with a free subwoofer (Polk Audio AM1055-A 10" Subwoofer).

I currently have a 12" KLH subwoofer that was a friend's who passed away. Not sure how much he paid or where he got it but I think it's a 12"..likely this one:
http://www.amazon.com/KLH-ASW12-200-200-Watt-Front-Firing-Subwoofer/dp/B00004YJYN

I was hoping to sell the POlk Audio sub since it is brand new in the box..and put that $$ towards the purchase of the speakers, but a friend who has the same speakers and sub says this sub is GREAT and says I shoudl try it out at least. I don't want to open the box however or I may not be able to sell it for as much.

Just wondering what the experts think? Would the PolkAudio be much better? One other consideration is that we have a young toddler and a baby so I rarely get to use the bass anyways (I try to compensate with my bass shakers in the seats).

THANKS!

I have heard Polk subs and they are not good. Not sure about the other one but if its comparable to the Polk I would sell both and buy something new depending on your price range. Just my opinion

neither is perfect to be sure but having a similar polk that I also got for free (and btw it wouldn't be worth very much anyway--you might get $50 for it) and it works ok down to about 40hz in a small room--helps to even out the bottom end but is by no means explosive--definitely a few steups up from teh klh (my dad has one or two of those sitting in his basement).

I have a 12" Polk (forgot the model number) and its pretty weak. I'm currently waiting for Epik to start taking orders for the Tower again - its probably a little overkill for my needs, but at least it future proof's my current setup.

The Polk tends to have a pretty bad port chuff - it does fair with music, but movies don't exactly come alive at the bottom end. Period. Granted, I have an odd shaped room that is totally open on the left side to the kitchen, with a ceiling that slopes up to 19" and a 45" angle fireplace to the right of my 52" Samsung - but I don't think the Polk would be enough for a small size room.

I say, sell them both and go with plan C. What? No plan C? Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Ok, cheesy jokes aside, I hope this helped you in your decision to do like I did and ditch the Polk before you waste the time and effort to take it out of the box. It will be easier to sell if its still factory sealed.

Please don't take my reply above as a ding on all Polk speakers. I absolutely love my Monitor 70's, CS2 center channel, and rear surrounds. And also my R50's in the bedroom. They truly are a joy to listen to and I plan on hanging on to them for a long time (just wish the monitor 70's were a big smaller).
Polk subs on the other hand. Bah. From your current setup, a 12" Velodyne would probably suit your needs very well. It would be a huge step up for around $500.

Thanks guys..this does help.

Considering I can barely use the sub I have (young kids and agry wife) I might as well just stick with the one I have..especially if the Polk isn't a huge step up.

Thanks guys..you helped me decide for sure.

Plan 'C'..new sub..maybe one day. For now I'll just enjoy the fact that I have upgraded my 30 year old Bose 501's and enjoy that huge leap.

plan c = sell angry wife for velo supersubs?:p

I actually think teh polk would be a step up from the klh--you could also run them together!!! ( I run 2 velo splr 1200's in my room)

Haha Denophile..was that an offer? ;)

Hmm..I do have my sub line split so it also runs to my bass shakers...although it could maybe run to a powered sub...that has speaker outputs...that instead of going out to speakers go to my bass shakers.

Nah I'll just sell the new one...if it won't sell then I'll think about how to implement it.