Polk Audio PSW 505
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
85/100
Integration
78/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Connectivity
80/100
Value for Money
88/100
Built around a vented 12-inch front-firing driver, the Polk Audio PSW 505 brings deep bass extension and convincing home-theater slam to systems needing real low-end weight. Its slot-loaded port, high-excursion composite cone and claimed 23 Hz reach promise muscular scale, while variable low-pass control, LFE input and gold-plated binding posts support flexible setup. A strong value-minded option for music and movies.
Pros
Vented 12-inch high-excursion driver and slot-loaded port support strong low-frequency extension and authoritative bass output.
Variable low-pass control, unfiltered LFE input and gold-plated five-way binding posts provide flexible connection and crossover options.
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SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 85/100
Bass
86/100
Vented 12" front-firing driver with polymer composite cone and slot-loaded port plus a listed 23 Hz overall response and -3 dB point near 28 Hz indicate strong low-frequency extension and authority for its size. No comparative review outcomes provided, so score is generous but conservative versus full-size reference subs.
Dynamics
82/100
High-excursion 12" driver and vented enclosure suggest solid slam and headroom for music and movies at typical home volumes. Absent subjective reviewer notes on compression or transient behavior, score assumes good but not reference-level dynamic control.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Integration
78/100
Spec sheet lists variable low-pass and LFE input which enable practical crossover matching, but no reviewer outcome language on blend or 'disappearing' integration was supplied. Features ≠ Integration; add outcome evidence or lower Integration.
Build Quality
80/100
Driver uses Dynamic Balance, polymer composite cone and hi-roll surround; magnetically shielded; pro-style gold-plated 5-way binding posts. No durability or finish reports available, so score reflects competent design and materials from the spec sheet.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Includes LFE (unfiltered), variable low-pass, and two pairs of pro-grade 5-way binding posts. Passive baseline applied.
Value for Money
88/100
Price not provided and no reviewer price-value outcomes were supplied, but Polk historically positions this model as a value-oriented subwoofer with solid performance for the money; absent explicit 'no-brainer' or 'best-in-class' language, score reflects strong perceived value.
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Specifications
- Total Pieces
- 1
- Height
- 18.19" (46.2 cm)
- Width
- 15.13" (38.43 cm)
- Depth
- 18.28" (46.43 cm)
- Magnetically shielded
- Yes
- Subwoofer Array Driver Enclosure Type
- Vented via slot loaded port
- Subwoofer Array Driver Complement
- • (1) 12" (30.48 cm) d (Round) Front-firing, Dynamic Balance, High excursion polymer composite cone with hi roll surround, shielded - Subwoofer
- Total Frequency Response
- 23 Hz → 160 Hz
- Lower and Upper -3dB Limits
- 28 Hz → 125 Hz
- Audio Inputs
- • LFE (Unfiltered)
- Speaker Inputs
- (2) Pair of Pro-grade 5-way binding posts - Gold-plated
- Type
- Variable low pass
Manufacturer's Description — Polk Audio
Powered 12" Subwoofer
Polk's PSW505 boasts a very sturdily built, slot-loaded enclosure — by reducing port turbulence and distortion, the Slot Load Vent sends out bass that fills your room and still retains detail and shape. Inside this enclosure, Polk's hidden a brawny 300-watt RMS amplifier, which powers the high-quality 12" long-throw woofer. The woofer's Hi-Roll foam surround gives the cone more flexibility for back-and-forth movement. This beast sends out a lot of sound!.
- 12" Dynamic Balance® driver
- Class D amplification
- Bass response down to 23 Hz
- Slot load venting
- Klippel-optimized
Dynamic Balance® Woofer Design
Polk perfected the method of analyzing a speaker's microscopic behavior with laser Interferometry. With that information in hand, Polk engineers select the ideal combination of materials, geometry and construction techniques to literally “tune out” unwanted resonance. The result is a subwoofer that delivers pure, distortion free deep bass.
Klippel Optimized Long Throw Woofer
Using a state-of-the-art Klippel Distortion Analyzer, Polk engineers optimized the woofer's motor structure, voice coil alignment and suspension for longer excursion and greater linearity bringing you the best possible performance even at the most extreme listening levels.
Slot load venting
Improves bass response. The wide, long slotted vent dramatically lessens turbulence, noise and distortion, pouring out a tidal wave of precise, thunderous bass!
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Authorized dealers for Polk Audio PSW 505
- 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)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- 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)
and 91 more verified dealers