I realize that this forum is more for high-end subs, but thought I'd pose the question and try to get some opinions.

I'm chosing between the Velodyne VX-10 and the Polk PSW10. Both were $99 today at Fry's and Circuit City respectively. I have the Velodyne and the Polk is being shipped. I only plan on keeping one.

Disclaimer: I'm replacing my old JBL HTiB speakers for our home theater. In no way am I an audiophile and I don't have the budget for higher end speakers. I have a Sony STR-DE985 receiver with Polk R50s as front speakers, R300s as rears, and a Sony center channel speaker (not sure of model number). The room is 13' wide x 14' deep.

I haven't read many good things about Polk subs in general (besides the glowing reviews on Amazon.com ;) ), but was wondering if it would match better with the speakers I have than the Velodyne.

Thanks,
David

Aesthetically, the Polk might "match" well with the speakers you have. I think the Velodyne is a better subwoofer. For $99, the Velodyne is a great deal. I have a VX-10 (not in my HT, but in another room used for TV watching and some music) and it does fine. For a small room like yours, I'd think the VX-10 would be ok. It won't give you a lot of impact for movies, but I'm sure you already figured out that for $99 you won't be getting very powerful bass. If you can spend closer to $200-250 you'll find MUCH better subwoofer options that can actually go relatively low, but if all you need is a boost in the mid-bass between 35hz and 80hz, the VX-10 will do well for you. I don't have personal experience with the PSW10, but pretty much everyone on these forums tends to recommend avoiding Polk subwoofers at all costs. I've heard them and been struck by how boomy and annoying they can sound, though admittedly they've usually been hooked up and terribly calibrated in a big box store. Still, if you can listen to both, great, but I'd definitely give the thumbs up to the VX-10 over the Polk.

I would go for the VX10 which is basically the same as the VRP 1000 but is being sold for under cost as a loss leader. I have two in my small den and properly calibrated they shake the walls. The newer ones are more input sensitive and perform better. PM me if you need any set up help, I have mine extending down close to 25hz with both ruining and balanced.

Ian