One of the best known and most storied brands in affordable high performance loudspeakers, Polk Audio has earned its reputation not only through its pure value proposition, but how it has maintained it through many industry and economic evolutions. While it certainly lost its way a few times over its 30-plus years, losing some quality and brand equity overall (like many other specialty brands trying to expand), it has not only remained solvent, but steadfastly continued to innovate and endure. Today, it remains a positive symbol of affordable quality, and shows no signs of giving that up anytime soon.

Along with its array of loudspeaker products, Polk offers sixteen different subwoofer models that span virtually every application, including wireless and in-wall. The middle model (price-wise) in its five-model entry-level PSW series, the PSW111 ($299.95/MSRP) employs an 8-inch Dynamic Balance composite woofer driven by a 150 watt continuous/300 watt peak amplifier, within a vented enclosure utilizing a downward-firing port, intended to keep the woofer's profile as low as possible. Developed in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University, Dynamic Balance resulted from a laser interferometry research project that enables Polk to analyze the entire surface of a vibrating driver in real time, in order to determine the right composition of driver materials for the particular product. Measuring a compact 12.125 inches high by 11 inches wide by 13 inches deep and weighing in at a surprisingly hefty 20.3 pounds, the PSW111 keeps a very low profile and can be easily hidden in most home theater setups. The non-magnetically-shielded PSW111 provides volume and low pass (80Hz - 200Hz) controls, a phase control, low-level inputs via RCA (stereo or LFE/mono), and high-level inputs and outputs via pin terminals. The unit's fit and finish is good, with rounded side edges and a good quality standard grill design. The PSW111 only comes in a Black vinyl finish, and offers a solid set of feet that provide good grip.
Additional Resources

• Learn about other subwoofers at HomeTheaterReview.com
• Discuss subwoofers at HomeTheaterSpot.com
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Sound
The PSW111 delivered a good combination of speed, detail, extension, and punch given its small size, with an overall controlled approach. On movies and gaming material, it added substance and punch, and didn't sound strained too often. With its small driver, cabinet, and somewhat laid back demeanor, it sacrificed ultimate sizzle, impact, and extension for control and precision. This highly benefitted music tracks, especially when paired with smaller main speakers. In this type of setup, the PSW111 flourished, drawing an effective line between meaty and punchy. Polk used one of its more powerful amps in the smaller PSW111, an interesting choice that helps keep its slam and bang factor high, and its distortion low. Also interesting is the fact that the PSW111's price is only $50 less than the bigger PSW125, which uses a similar design, the same amp, plays lower, and offers the same connectivity and an additional finish. But size matters, and, given that the PSW111 essentially offers a smaller version of the 125's sonic profile, the extra dough pays for Polk squeezing that sound out of a much more friendly-sized box. Overall, the PSW111 delivered some very good sound given its size, while adding a tiny dose of refinement for the music lover. While some of its competitors might provide a bit more drama, the PSW111 makes up for that with versatility. The PSW111 sounded just as good away from walls as next to them, offering good placement flexibility.

Read about the high points and low points of the PSW111 on Page 2.