Polk Audio PSW 111
Nicely Roasted
Bass
83/100
Integration
87/100
Dynamics
81/100
Build Quality
76/100
Features Usability
84/100
Value for Money
89/100
The PSW 111 brings fuller-range weight to desktop, nearfield, and compact home-theater systems without commandeering the room. Future Audiophile found its added lower octave made small speakers more engaging, while easy crossover setup, RCA and speaker-level inputs, and a compact enclosure make this an appealingly practical bass upgrade.
Pros
Adds a useful lower octave that helps compact desktop and nearfield systems sound close to full range.
Compact, approximately 14-inch-square cabinet supplies extra bass without dominating a room.
Straightforward setup plus RCA and speaker-level inputs support easy integration with varied systems.
Cons
Low-frequency extension is around 36Hz, so it is not intended for pants-shaking deep bass or large-room impact.
No app control or room correction, and the basic grille and speaker inputs feel utilitarian.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Bass
83/100
The compact PSW 111 adds a useful lower octave and made the reviewer's desktop system sound close to full range. Its limits are clear: bass is reported to reach about 36Hz rather than truly deep, room-shaking territory, and it can lack heft on demanding low-frequency material.
Integration
87/100
In a nearfield desktop system, the added bass made the overall presentation feel substantially more complete without overwhelming the setup. The reviewer also says it can fill out smaller systems without getting in the way or dominating the room, though there is little detailed discussion of blending with a wider range of speakers.
Dynamics
81/100
On a fast-moving bassline, the sub supported the music well enough to set up the guitars and vocals cleanly. The review says little else about high-output impact, headroom, or strain at demanding levels.
Build Quality
76/100
This is described as a straightforward black-box design, with a simple rear panel and basic grille attachment. The reviewer specifically calls the speaker-level inputs plastic-y, and the finish and presentation are said to be functional rather than fancy.
Features Usability
84/100
RCA line-level and speaker-level inputs give the PSW 111 flexibility with different systems. Setup is described as ultra-easy: users simply match the crossover to their main speakers, set the level, and listen; there is no app or room correction.
Value for Money
89/100
At its cited $350 price, the reviewer presents the PSW 111 as an affordable way to supplement a system's bass without needing a large, costly subwoofer. It is recommended for smaller music and home-theater systems, although the review does not expect especially strong resale value after a few years.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Polk
Manufacturer's Description — Polk Audio
Powered Compact 8" Subwoofer
The PSW111 packs all the power of Polk Audio technology into just a little over a square foot. Experience the strongest bass you'll ever feel in one of the smallest subwoofers you’ll ever find.
- 8" Dynamic Balance® driver
- Class D amplification
- Bass response down to 38 Hz
- Downward firing port
- Klippel-optimized
Dynamic Balance®
Unique driver materials, speaker geometry and construction techniques produce clean, crisp sound and effortlessly big bass, especially when you need it most.
Klippel Distortion Analyzer
State-of-the-art optimizations to the motor structure, voice coil alignment and suspension ensure the best, most efficient performance at all volumes.
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- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sound Design — online and in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Alex Audio Video — in-store — Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
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- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
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