PSW650 vs PSW111

[domflane]

I'm having trouble finding a newer model Polk sub thats similar in performance to my PSW650. A good friend of mine loves my sub and I want to get him a similar one for christmas. It doesn't have to be new, but I don't want to spend any more than the $200 I gave for the 650. The 111 has similar specs, but only has one 8" driver compared to two 10" 's in the 650. Will this smaller sub compare to the 650? Or is there another sub in the $200 - $300 range that will outperform my PSW650? If I could find something better, I would give him my sub and keep the better one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Dominic

[rallyshark]

Have you taken a look at the PSW505? It can be had new for $250 with free shipping from Newegg. It has very similar if not better frequency response, more power, and comes in a smaller package. I've never heard the PSW650, so I can't comment on the comparison other than specs, but it seems like that would be your best bet if you wanted to go new anyway. It's a smokin' sub for the money. You can also find a lot of good deals hiding out there on Craigslist to though. Good luck!:)

[bassaholic]

I have a 650 and home trialed a 505 for a few days. I'd take the (2) 10"s on the 650 over the 505's (1) 12" anyday. Not to mention the piano gloss finish on the 650 looks sweet.

[domflane]

Thanks for the replies guys. I really love the PSW650, for the $200 I paid for it locally, I dont think I could have found a much better sub. I thought about picking up a 505 actually and giving up my 650, but I just don't think I'm ready to part with my sub. There are some new PSW111's on ebay going for about 175 shipped, but they're selling like crazy. Keep in mind that this really isn't for me, its for a friend that'll be pairing it with some choady acoustimass system. He's so used to his Bose garbage that he thinks my sub is the end all of subs . . . I think the 111 will be more than enough for his rig.

[cnh]

I find the PSW111 to be a more ''musical" sub than a pounding HT one. In a small room though it should do OK. At 175 that's almost half-price....otherwise I would go with the 505--more volume for movies.

cnh

[polkie4life]

I owned both the 505 and the psw650. The 650 beat the 505 senseless imo, it dug deeper and was much tighter.

I found the 505 quite hard to integrate, and it seemed to me to have no kick. After a week of playing around i ended up returning it to the shop...

[domflane]

I haven't owned any other subs, but the 650 has really impressed me so far. Thats why I'm gonna find it so hard to part with it. My next sub will either be a PSW1000 or bigger or I'm going to try and find an affordable SVS or Sunfire. Everyone says the Polks subs are lackluster, but I've never found any faults with mine. I just cant wait to go huge and get some real SPL.

[Serendipity]

I find the PSW111 to be a more ''musical" sub than a pounding HT one. In a small room though it should do OK. At 175 that's almost half-price....otherwise I would go with the 505--more volume for movies.

cnh

+1

I recently demoed the PSW111 and it sounded very good for music.

[rallyshark]

I owned both the 505 and the psw650. The 650 beat the 505 senseless imo, it dug deeper and was much tighter.

I found the 505 quite hard to integrate, and it seemed to me to have no kick. After a week of playing around i ended up returning it to the shop...

Yeah, I would think the 650 would be better for music with the smaller drivers, and likely much more efficient. My experience with the 505 had a lot to do with placement, but once I found the right spot, I was/am pretty happy. Much of the decision would come down to room size/layout and HT or music to.:)