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Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer vs Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer

The Dayton Audio Sub-1200 is the stronger pick for most shoppers: its 12-inch woofer and 25 Hz low end dig deeper and move more air than the Polk PSW10's 10-inch driver and 40 Hz floor. The Polk PSW10 is smaller and lighter, with a front-firing port and detachable grille that suit tight spaces. Owners of both report solid value for entry-level home theater, but the Dayton is the one reviewers consistently call the better sub for the money in a medium or large room.

  • Choose the Polk Audio PSW10 if you have a small room or tight placement and want a compact front-ported sub that is easy to tuck beside a TV stand.
  • Choose the Dayton Audio Sub-1200 if you want deeper bass and more output for movies in a medium or large room.

Prices

  • Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer: $160.05 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer: $63.00 at Fairstore (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer is $97.05 cheaper than the Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Polk Audio
Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer

Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer

Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer

$160.05at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Compact cube fits small rooms and tight corners
  • Front-firing port lets you place it closer to a wall
  • Variable 80-160 Hz crossover to blend with small speakers
  • Detachable grille and non-resonant MDF cabinet
Cons
  • Rolls off at 40 Hz, so deep movie effects lose weight
  • 50 watts nominal is modest for a large room
  • No phase switch listed
Dayton Audio
Dayton Audio Sub-1200 12 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer

Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer

Dayton Audio Sub-1200 12 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer

$63.00at FairstoreChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Fairstore
Pros
  • 12-inch woofer reaches down to 25 Hz
  • 120 watts RMS gives more headroom for home theater
  • Phase switch helps integrate with the main speakers
  • Speaker-level outputs make it easy to chain from an amp
Cons
  • Large cabinet takes real floor space
  • No variable crossover listed
  • Heavier and harder to hide than a compact cube

What separates them

Polk Audio PSW10 SubwooferDayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer
Woofer size10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite cone12-inch woofer
Low-frequency extension40 Hz at -3 dB25 Hz
Amplifier power100 watts peak, 50 watts nominal120 watts RMS
Port and driver layoutFront-firing driver with front flared portPorted box, driver and port on the front baffle
Phase controlNot listed0/180 degree phase switch
Inputs and outputsLine and speaker levelRCA line level and speaker level in, speaker level out
Crossover adjustmentVariable 80-160 HzNot listed as variable
FootprintCompact cube, floor mountAbout 16-3/4 by 16-3/16 by 17-3/4 inches

Price history

$249.00$249.00
Nov 2Nov 10
  • Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer: lowest $249.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon; $249.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer

  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by my2018b-61 (99.1% positive, 12,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $160.05Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Amazon
  • Polk AudioNew

    Availability unknown

    $249.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Polk Audio

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer

  • FairstoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $63.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Fairstore
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecPolk Audio PSW10 SubwooferDayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer
Frequency Response40 Hz → 160 Hz (-3db limits)25-140 Hz
OutdoorNo—
BluetoothNo—
Connectivity TechnologyWired—
Wi-FiNo—
Speaker PlacementFloor Mount—
Audio Configuration1 + Subwoofer—
Audio HighlightsAudio Amplifier—
Audio ChannelsStereo—
Design HighlightsDetachable Grilles—
MaterialMDF—
StyleCube—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPolk Audio PSW10 SubwooferDayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer
Driver Size10"—
Driver ConfigurationVented Via Front Panel Flared Port, Front-firing—
Driver TypeDynamic Balance® driver, Dynamic Balance polyme…—
Number Of Drivers1—
Max Output Power100 Watts—
Nominal Output Power50 Watt—
Max Wattage100 Watt—
Nominal Impedance8 Ohms—
Crossover Frequency80Hz-to-160Hz—

What reviewers say

Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer

Owners of the PSW10 generally treat it as a solid value sub for small rooms and starter systems, adding noticeable low end to movies and music. More demanding listeners note it can sound boomy or strained at high volume and does not dig deep into sub-30 Hz territory.

What people mention
  • Bass outputMixedOwners say it adds real low end in small rooms but runs out of steam and definition at high volume.
  • ValuePraisedBuyers consistently call it a lot of subwoofer for the money.
  • SetupPraisedThe crossover and volume controls make it easy to blend with main speakers.
  • SizePraisedThe compact cube cabinet fits where larger subs will not.

Dayton Audio Sub-1200 Powered Subwoofer

Owners generally see the SUB-1200 as strong value for the output and depth it gives at its level. Many praise the bass it adds to movies and music for the size and class. Some note it can sound boomy or less controlled than pricier subs.

What people mention
  • Bass outputPraisedOwners say it delivers deep, room-shaking bass for movies and music.
  • ValuePraisedBuyers see it as a lot of subwoofer for the money compared with small budget subs.
  • Sound qualityMixedSome find the bass loose or boomy, especially in small rooms.
  • PowerMixedThe 120-watt amp is enough for most rooms but can run short in very large spaces.

Questions and answers

Which is better for movies in a large room?
The Dayton Sub-1200. Its 12-inch driver and 25 Hz extension produce more output and deeper effects than the Polk PSW10, which rolls off at 40 Hz.
Which is better for a small apartment?
The Polk PSW10. It is a compact cube with a front port, so it fits tighter spots and is less likely to overwhelm a small room.
Does the Dayton go lower than the Polk?
Yes. Dayton rates the Sub-1200 to 25 Hz; Polk rates the PSW10 to 40 Hz at -3 dB. The difference is audible on explosions and organ notes.
Can I connect either one to a stereo receiver without a subwoofer output?
Both accept speaker-level inputs. The Dayton also has speaker-level outputs, which makes it easier to run from a receiver's speaker terminals.
Is the Polk worth stepping down to if I have limited space?
Yes, if placement is the constraint. You give up deep bass and some output, but you get a smaller cabinet and a variable crossover for blending with small satellite speakers.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best subwoofers under $100
Bandwidth
40Hz - 200Hz (Amplifier)
—
Power output—120 watts RMS
Box design—Ported
Inputs—RCA line level & speaker level
Outputs—Speaker level
Phase switch—Selectable between 0° and 180°
Power requirements—120 VAC, 60 Hz
Woofer size—12"
Product height—16-3/4"
Product width—16-3/16"
Product depth—17-3/4"