There are many high-quality subwoofer audio systems on the market, and recently, the PSW108 and PSW10 are much sought after. But which one is the best?
Our experts have reviewed these two products to help you find the best one for your needs. It’s time for a PSW108 vs PSW10 comparison — let’s see what sets them apart and which one is worth it!
PSW108 or PSW10?
- Rich, detailed bass
- Front-firing port
- State of the art Klippel technology
- 50W RMS/100W dynamic power
- Rich, deep sound
- 10-inch dynamic balance woofer
- 50W RMS/100W dynamic power
- Sleek detachable grille
Features of PSW108 and PSW10
Design and Build
When it comes to design, both look almost the same, from the color to the materials used in their construction and shape.
The primary material is wood, and the main color is black. They are equipped with a sleek detachable grille in front, with multiple lines and speaker-level inputs and outputs, a power saver on/auto switch, independent volume control, and a toggle phase switch on the back panel.
Both have a simplistic design, which does not stand out with anything unusual, and by that, it can easily find a place in your home.
Even though their shapes look the same, their size is a little different. PSW108’s size is 12.4″ × 9.4″ × 10.2″ while PSW10’s size is 12.4″ × 11.4″ × 12.4″. Both speakers’ size can be annoying sometimes, and the design looks outdated to the current technology unlike SVS SB-1000 with beautiful appearance that can match all types of interior. If you have enough space in the house to store both, the PSW10 seems to be the better choice in this PSW108 vs PSW10 comparison.
PSW108 and PSW10 Sound Quality
Sound quality is the main criteria to consider when choosing a subwoofer. Listening to low-quality audio will ruin even your favorite songs.
Fortunately, they are both top-performing budget subwoofers that provide high-quality audio, with a front-firing sound output direction. The speakers’ size helps it easily reproduce very low frequencies without distortion, which is very good when watching movies or listening to music.
A con is that the speaker-level input and output are directly connected, meaning that the low-frequency components are passed to your speakers in addition to the subwoofer.
Our team tested these specs in this PSW10 vs PSW108 comparison, and concluded that PSW108 offers better sound quality, with deep and precise bass tones.
Amplifier Output
PSW108 and PSW10 have different amplifier classes. The first one uses a Class AB amplifier while the second one has a Class D amplifier.
The difference between Class AB and Class D is that Class AB amplifiers provide the most significant amount of output power with the least amount of distortion. In contrast, Class D amplifiers are switches that are more efficient and produce less heat than Class AB.
Considering these differences, our audio experts picked PSW108 as a winner of this category.
There are other subwoofers with powerful amps, you can also check our review of the top subwoofers below 500 here.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is also an essential factor in choosing the right subwoofer.
Fortunately, both PSW108 and PSW10 have a good frequency response just like what you get from high-performing 8 inch subs in the market. The difference between the two is that PSW108 has a frequency response between 35 and 200 Hz, while PSW10 has a frequency response between 40 and 200 Hz. The only difference between the two is the minimum frequency response [1].
According to our team of experts, the lower frequency response is linked to better sound quality. Therefore, the winner of this category is PSW108.
Connections
Similar to other top speaker sub under 200, both PSW108 and PSW10 have high-quality connectivity, using preamp-level inputs that let you connect the subwoofer directly to your receiver’s subwoofer preamp output. Both have inputs 2x Speakers, RCA in, and outputs 2x Speakers used to play the best sound possible.
However, none of these models have wireless connectivity. You will need a subwoofer cable to connect the subwoofer to the rest of the sound system.
PSW108 and PSW10 Price
Since PSW108 is the older version of these Polk subwoofers, naturally, it is cheaper than PSW10. Combined with the better sound quality, the winner of the price race is PSW108 — budget is an essential factor when buying audio gear such as a subwoofer, whether it is an active or passive sub.
PSW108 and PSW10 Warranty
Both subwoofers have a 3-year warranty for parts and labor for the amplifier and five years for the drive, so you can use them without being afraid it will break. Or you can have it repaired when you see signs of a blown or faulty subwoofer. Again, no winner for this category.
Overall Winner: PSW108
Considering the sound quality and other features, our experts picked an overall winner in the Polk PSW108 in this PSW108 vs PSW10 comparison.
Although this is the older model of the series, the clear and rich bass tones, the overall audio details, and the elegant design make this subwoofer the absolute winner of the Polk subwoofers battle.
Are you looking for an ideal subwoofer for your car audio system? Here is our list of the best 12-inch subs for your car’s sound system.
