You can do ALOT better for 1g. Even svs's lowest model(pb-10) will play alot lower than the polk, above 30-35hz the polk will start to play louder though. I used to be a polk owner & and still visit the polk forum quite often & even the members over there will always recomend a svs/hsu over polk subs, even their top of the line. I love polk, but they just dont get it when it comes to subs for HT.
-
Get an exclusive sneak peek into our new project. >>> Click Here
Polk PSW1000 - which comparable HSU or SVS sub?
Hi,
We stopped by a local Tweeter today and listened to a few subs, and the Polk PSW1000 was our favorite. Some brief specs:
Driver Complement
Subwoofer 2 - 10" Diameter (25.40cm)
Dynamic Balance long-throw drivers with Polymer Composite cones
Overall Frequency Response 20Hz - 160Hz
Lower -3dB Limit 30Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 125Hz
Power Handling (continuous) 400 w
Power Handling (peak) 825 w
Crossover
(subwoofer) 50Hz - 140 Hz
At a cost close to 1G, how much better could we do by ordering directly from HSU or SVS at a similar price point, or what lesser cost models from these manufacturers would equal the Polk in performance (it would be helpful to know if you have actually listened to the Polk or if your opinion is based on feedback from other users or the specs alone)?
Also, should we interpret the specs to mean that the Polk goes down to 20Hz or 30Hz?
Thanks,
Frank
We stopped by a local Tweeter today and listened to a few subs, and the Polk PSW1000 was our favorite. Some brief specs:
Driver Complement
Subwoofer 2 - 10" Diameter (25.40cm)
Dynamic Balance long-throw drivers with Polymer Composite cones
Overall Frequency Response 20Hz - 160Hz
Lower -3dB Limit 30Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 125Hz
Power Handling (continuous) 400 w
Power Handling (peak) 825 w
Crossover
(subwoofer) 50Hz - 140 Hz
At a cost close to 1G, how much better could we do by ordering directly from HSU or SVS at a similar price point, or what lesser cost models from these manufacturers would equal the Polk in performance (it would be helpful to know if you have actually listened to the Polk or if your opinion is based on feedback from other users or the specs alone)?
Also, should we interpret the specs to mean that the Polk goes down to 20Hz or 30Hz?
Thanks,
Frank
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
They said it right there, the lower bass limit is -3dB at 30Hz, which isn't that impressive really.
The 20Hz figure might be at -10dB, -20dB or whatever. I would assume that it's -10dB which is typical of marketing literature.
The question is: unless there is evidence that Polk is very conservative with their specs, any of the $600-700 Hsu or SVS products should be able to match the Polk in performance.
Since I'm the resident Mirage pimp around here, I'd say you be better off buying TWO 300W (1200W peak) Mirage S12 for $399 each (which is rated down to 19Hz +/-3dB).
disclaimer: I've never heard the Polk, but I've heard Hsu VTF-3 and own a Mirage S12
The 20Hz figure might be at -10dB, -20dB or whatever. I would assume that it's -10dB which is typical of marketing literature.
The question is: unless there is evidence that Polk is very conservative with their specs, any of the $600-700 Hsu or SVS products should be able to match the Polk in performance.
Since I'm the resident Mirage pimp around here, I'd say you be better off buying TWO 300W (1200W peak) Mirage S12 for $399 each (which is rated down to 19Hz +/-3dB).
disclaimer: I've never heard the Polk, but I've heard Hsu VTF-3 and own a Mirage S12
Quote:
I'm curious, which of the Hsu subs would you say the Mirage S12 is on par with, the STF-2? How didi it compare to the VTF-3?
| Originally Posted by warpdrive Since I'm the resident Mirage pimp around here, I'd say you be better off buying TWO 300W (1200W peak) Mirage S12 for $399 each (which is rated down to 19Hz +/-3dB). disclaimer: I've never heard the Polk, but I've heard Hsu VTF-3 and own a Mirage S12 |
Quote:
The S12 is on par, if not better than, the STF-3 based on Tom Nousaine's S&V review (he actually compared the Energy 12.3 (twin of the S12) to the Outlaw LFM-1 (designed by Hsu with same specs as the STF-3). The Energy scored better in bass output and linearity. The VTF-3 reaches deeper than the Mirage at higher volumes.
So, if you really do have $1000, there are lots of options. I'd definitely consider a VTF3 (with high output option), two S12's, or one of the monster PB12ISD/2. All of these options will roll over the Polk and leave it gasping.
| Originally Posted by edster922 I'm curious, which of the Hsu subs would you say the Mirage S12 is on par with, the STF-2? How didi it compare to the VTF-3? |
So, if you really do have $1000, there are lots of options. I'd definitely consider a VTF3 (with high output option), two S12's, or one of the monster PB12ISD/2. All of these options will roll over the Polk and leave it gasping.
I wasn't able to find Nousaine's review, but did find this one which does compare the S12 to the VTF-3:
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equi...e_omni_s12.htm
The reviewer seems to say that the S12 is equal if you don't need really high SPL, which I unfortunately do with my nightmare of a 6000 cubic foot space.
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equi...e_omni_s12.htm
The reviewer seems to say that the S12 is equal if you don't need really high SPL, which I unfortunately do with my nightmare of a 6000 cubic foot space.
I reviewed the PSW505 for Secrets. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...er-4-2005.html
The PSW1000 will not provide any deeper extension (it has a -3 dB rating of 30 Hz vs. 28 Hz for the 505), but it should have about a 3-4 dB advantage in output over the 505 due to its dual 10" woofer config.
I wouldn't go so far as a 6 dB advantage because it doesn't have twice the power, woofer area, enclosure volume, or port area.
The PSW1000 will not provide any deeper extension (it has a -3 dB rating of 30 Hz vs. 28 Hz for the 505), but it should have about a 3-4 dB advantage in output over the 505 due to its dual 10" woofer config.
I wouldn't go so far as a 6 dB advantage because it doesn't have twice the power, woofer area, enclosure volume, or port area.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
