Subwoofers
This product is a vintage Polk model and is not available for sale, but it may still be available in some stores as a closeout or used product. The following text is taken from the original sales brochure for this product and does not reflect current availability. If you happen to have any question or concerns about this product, or any other Polk Audio product, feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm EST
f you don't want bass that's going to send the neighbors screaming for cover; don't want to shake your home theater to the foundation with each explosive effect; and don't want bass that puts the band right in your living room, then you definitely don't want the gargantuan PSW1200 Powered Subwoofer, 'cause it's the biggest, baddest bass you've ever seen or heard.
Hey, it's big. What else can we say? LOTS!
The PSW1200 is big -- with two huge 12" drivers and a commanding 350 watt power amplifier, it stands over 26" tall (and that's taller than some people!) -- but it's also responsive (unlike some people).
With enough hook-up options to fill a chart, every conceivable input and output, adjustable phase alignment control, and variable high- and low-pass crossovers, the PSW1200 gives you unprecedented control over your bass. Match it to your room, your program material, or to your taste.
The PSW1200 packs up more of the extreme rumble you expect from home theater, combines it with even more of Polk's famous ability to convey incredible musicality and depth, and ships it Special Bass Delivery straight to the reptilian bass sensors in your spine.
Features:
- Two 12 inch direct radiating, smooth-response subwoofer drivers for the very biggest, deepest bass, period.
- The mother of all Power Port bass ports for high acoustic efficiency with low distortion.
- High-current 350 watt RMS power amplifier.
- 7 low-level input channels -- left front, right front, center, subwoofer, LFE, left and right rear. You can connect every channel output you've got to the subwoofer! Never again question whether or not all the bass in your recording is getting to your sub.
- Front panel volume control.
- Variable low-pass crossover and variable phase controls allow you to optimize the performance of the PSW1200 to match your audio system, room acoustics, and program material.
- Auto "movie detect" and bass boost: when the center channel input senses a signal, it automatically boosts the overall subwoofer level by 3dB.
- Auto on/off circuit that automatically turns your subwoofer on when it senses a program signal. When no signal is present, the amplifier turns off within 15 minutes.
- Unfiltered LFE input for use with low pass filtered subwoofer output jacks
- Speaker and line level inputs and outputs.
- Switchable high-pass filters. (When passed through the PSW1200, main channel signals may be high pass filtered at either 40Hz or 80Hz from both line and speaker level outputs.)
Specifications
Driver Complement
2 - 12" (30.5cm) drivers
Subwoofer Dimensions
26½" H x 18 ¾" W x 23 ¾" D
67.3cm H x 47.6cm W x 60.3cm D
Overall Frequency Response
20Hz - 140Hz
-3dB Frequency Response Limits
22Hz - 125Hz
Lowpass Crossover Frequency
adjustable 40Hz - 120Hz
Phase Control
variable 0º - 180º
Inputs
speaker, line (filtered),
LFE (unfiltered)
Outputs
speaker and line level
Finish
black woodgrain
Subwoofer Amplifier Power
350 watts, dynamic
225 watts, continuious
High Pass Filters
Line Level Outputs: Switchable 40Hz or 80Hz, 12dB/octave
Speaker Outputs: Switchable Flat, 40Hz or 80Hz @ 4 ohms, 6dB/octave
Port Type
Power Port
Enclosure Type
direct radiating, vented
Driver Complement | |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 12" (30.48cm) |
| Type | Dynamic Balance long-throw drivers with Polymer Composite cones |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Total Frequency Response | 20Hz - 140Hz |
| Upper -3dB Limit | 22Hz - 125Hz kHz |
Amplifier Specs | |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 30 - 120Hz |
| Continuous Average Output | |
| Ohms | 8 |
| Watts | 230 |
| Amplifier Type | Subwoofer |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 26 1/2" (67.31cm) |
| Width | 18 3/4" (47.62cm) |
| Depth | 23 3/4" (60.33cm) |
| Enclosure Type | |
| Subwoofer Enclosure Type | Vented via slot loaded Power Port |
Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Unit of Measure | each |
| Total Shipping Weight | 110.00 pounds |
Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Speaker Warranty | 5 years parts and labor (original purchaser) |
Specifications, dimensions and features subject to change without notice. For more information call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.
Customer Reviews
11 reviews with an average of 4.5
Write your own reviewby Chris G, November 28, 2006
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Very tight and controlled bass. Blends very well with the other Polk products in my theatre.
Weaknesses:
Could you make it any heavier? Only joking. The gloss finish does reflect too much light off the screen, had to cover it. Maybe some more watts to push it louder.
Review:
I've owned this beast for over 2 years now, bought it second hand on Ebay. It has not disappointed me since I found the best spot for it in my theatre. The vast amount of set-up options makes this sub easy to incorporate into almost any system. Although I had to "rattle proof" my room after I calibrated the whole system. I even had to go as far as remounting my projector through the ceiling onto the First floor joists, because the ceiling was vibrating so much. Scary Loud!! Recently I got ambitious and bypassed the amp section of the cabinet, and hooked the speakers up to a Carver PM 1.5 (pro series amp - rated 600/channel @ 8 ohms). If you think this cabinet was a beast before, you should hear it with 1200 watts of clean power!! Hope you don't have any loose fillings. So if I were to change anything about this speaker, I guess some more power would be the answer. But for normal people who don't want a 3000 watt surround system, this bad boy will do you just fine.
by Chris S., February 18, 2007
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Kicks you in the guts, grabs your chest, and pounds you relentlessly. Great reliability and performance from both of my units. Highly adjustable, and with plenty of hookup options.
Weaknesses:
Unflattering cabinet finish, and the cabinets could probably have used just a little more corner reinforcement. Meh...
Review:
I own two of these puppies. I am currently employing only the prettier one until my dedicated theater room is built, and the one working alone can provide far more visceral grunt for movie soundtracks than my smaller temporary room can use. The second unit suffered terrible abuse in shipping (ebay) and after a couple years of fantastic use, I had to reinforce the cabinet at the corners where the seams had come unglued (during which improvements, I bought the second). Otherwise, reliability of all components has been perfect. When I get the new room built, and hook up the second, I don't care where you are, you'll know it.
by wes bogdan, April 3, 2002
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
BEST sub there is period!Hookups/amount of settling your house will do!!L.O.L.!!(laughing out loud)-on 10 generally stay at 4-5
Weaknesses:
size,(small table)weight(a hefty 100+pounds GET HELP LIFTING IT)..mabe price but you do get what you pay for so only if on a budget if so do an instalment plan/charge it(trust me) (it's that good)
Review:
First thanks for creating this beheamouth..i got it at chruchfield when i got the RM 7500 + PSW 1200 though on the site it came with the psw 650. I checked the price diffrence and with the save 200 deal you had my NEW sub only ran me $555.00!!(vs $500.00 for the psw 650) SHORTLY thereafter the site didn't carry it anymore. For HT purposes DTS is a better sound than the half-master grade Dolby 5.1(DD EX is closer to DTS'S FULL master grade audio) Let me just say when first hooked up i was playing with the beach scene in the DTS version of saving private ryan and when company came over the 2nd AND 1st floor were vibrating!! (I did have the sub on 10 as well as the reciever WAY WAY UP PAST NORMAL COMFORTABLE listinging-testing the dinamic range for"how far can i crank this thing before i hear distortion-there WASN'T any in either my PSW 1200 or my RM 7500 speaker set!!!!!!!) I use the system for DVD,XBOX/GCN,PSX 1/2 DC and older gaming systems though XBOX is the best because all you need is in the "BOX"(GCN and PSX-2 will REQUIRE you to spend almost $200.00 MORE for memory cards,modems,HD,multi- taps-psx-2 VS xbox which HAS a BUILT IN HD, MODEM,4 CONTROLLER PORTS-gcn also has 4 ports) Though most inportantly with either a HD or advanced a/v pack(19.95 sold seprately) you'll get DD 5.1 in game!!For dvd playback you'll need a dvd remote$29.99 sold sepratly. The modem/HD bumped dvd out though i'd rather pay $350ish vs $500+ games/controllers extra!! (Not a REQUIRED feature by microsoft though MOST developers ARE making games with full 5.1) Even on gaming systems the PSW 1200 performes exzemporoly-though i've got an analog-digital converter that sends all phono jack audio into my reciever through a toslink output giving it full 44.1 klz cleaner/clearer sound quality! No other sub offers so many controls +all chanels WILL get the proper amount of BASS! BOTTOM LINE:BUY IT YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!!! Even at $1300.00 it's a MUST HAVE Special note if you have th infra-red sensor pluged in a prontopro using jvc-1 will control your XBOX can't say if the plain pronto can but havn't got a prontoneo to work with it.
by frank baker, May 6, 2002
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Power, power, and more power Very clean too best ive ever heard especially for the money from crutchfield. This thing will rattle things loose in your house .
Weaknesses:
Polk dont make it anymore but i got mine hehehe... large it is an end table. It could use a remote controle for the level controle . If you live in an apartment don't even think about it you need your own house for this monster too bad for you ....
Review:
This thing is more than I expected. Stupid powerfull ...I kock stuff over in other rooms with it. Have it set up with SDA 1's in front cs350ls in center and some awm3II on the sides and some truck boxes behind my couch for rears. all with alot of power driving through my lexicon and this thing still scares me with its raw output of clean deep bass. I can literally feel ripples across my clothing sometimes . If you can still find one buy it ...come on polk start making thease again !!!
by D. Nathaniel, May 30, 2002
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Nice looking enclosure, side fireing.
Weaknesses:
Horrible sound, bass distortion, and wattage drops from 350 to 225 during continuous usage such as with DVD's or Video Games.
Review:
I have had this sub for over 2yrs and have had nothing but problems. After replaceing both drivers 2x (melted voice coil and bad gaskets)and the amp 1x (undetermined problem)I am still dealing with polk to try to get this resolved. Polk will not replace the unit entirely, only pieces. I have delt with polk tech support, all the way up to the director of technical support. I have to ship this 100+ lb. beast all the way to Polks HQ in Baltimore, MD so they can have their so called experts examine the problem. I have a pair of JBL 412s 200 watts each and an old KLH 300 watt sub and even the KLH puts the Polk to shame. Nothing but chamber rattleing and distorted bass from the Polk. This is my first purchase of a Polk product, I have purchased JBL, BOSE, Paradign, Klipsche, Onkyo, and Sony Home A/V gear before and never had any problems like I am experienceing with Polk. This sub is not worth the time, or money that I invested. If you want a big reliable sub with a lot of clean, clear bass I would think twice before purchaseing from Polk.
by SJS, October 22, 2002
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Bass is awesome. Works well on music.
Weaknesses:
Very big and heavy. Ships poorly.
Review:
It has got to be felt, not heard, to be believed. It moves the air, the furniture, the walls, the house. I don't think it moves the planet but I swear I saw the moon move in the opening of Independence Day. If you want to feel the sound effects not just hear them--this one is for you.
by N. Mall, March 31, 2003
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Visually stunning, side fireing.
Weaknesses:
Unreliable, distorts, drivers bottom out on high volume, rattles from chamber enclosure, wattage is split between 2 woofers, thumps when turned on, and Poor unclean sound overall.
Review:
Nice looking, Poor sound quality. Very loud, but distorts and rattles. Not Clean bass production. This sub looks good on paper the specs are great, but I have been playing with this headache for quite some time and can't get it to sound right. I have it wired to a Denon AVR-4802 via Monster sub cables streching 12' and have played with every setting possible on the Receiver and Sub, it sounds like junk. I have tried 3 other subs since purchaseing this one and all have sounded great with no headaches. I would recomend a Velodyne1012 or JBL Studio series Sub if you want a good reliable sub over this thing any day. I had since stopped purchaseing anything made by Polk Audio since their tech support has been less than knowledgeable or helpful on fixing this problem, though they did try and did spend time on the phone with me. I have since sold the sub to some poor fool and fixed the problem once and for all by just getting rid of it. Similar products used include JBL S412, Velodyne 1012, Klipsch Synergy and Reference Series, BOSE, Denon, Onkyo, and Polk Rt2000i.
by angusbeef, February 10, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Tons of bass Adjustable to your heart's content The best sub I've dealt with for HT
Weaknesses:
Very big cabinet
Review:
If set up properly, this is probably Polk's best home subwoofer sans the SRT. Incredibly low distortion, pounding output, and all kinds of HT options. I'm running this connected to a Denon AVP-8000 via LFE. It works perfect with perfect, tight bass on any material. For HT, this sub just shines. I own or have owned Pinnacle, Infinity, Velodyne, and Sunfire subs over the last few years. This sub compares favorably to any I've owned and has been reliable from day one. A nice looking, albeit large, box. Plenty of adjustability for nearly any application...and I'm guessing a source of problems for some that can't get it dialed in properly.
by Paul C., February 17, 2004
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great cabinet finish & design, adequate amplification, very good low end under 40hz.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Review:
I just bought this Mint PSW1200 Subwoofer from someone who used it for four years in Alaska. I had a PSW650 and sold it once I heard this PSW1200 in my living room. I have been selling retail electronics for over ten years and frankly don't understand why users of subwoofers think they should turn the volume all the way up and not use the correct crossover point and then complain about how bad it sounded and how awefull a product is, god did not make the speaker ,people did and sometimes things are not perfect. To anyone who burns up voice coils and uses a sub for purposes as the previous bashing reviews on this speaker I can only say that you need to learn how to use the equipment first. Also many powered subs roll in at a different frequencey,some in at 20HZ varying up to 35HZ, a powered sub capable of 20hz is going to have more vibration than a sub whos specs start at 35HZ or higher,so this is why some seem tighter than others as well. Any volume control on a powered sub should first be set at half way and use bass managment setup through your receiver GUI to set it to maximum output and lock it in at that max. Then the sub will work to it's peak performance without any problems, Any sub on the market when mis used or not set correctly will sound less than perfect. As for my second hand Polk PSW1200, it beats anything I ever heard in that price range. Too bad it's production was short lived.
by Jeff L., November 6, 2005
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Best value out there new or used (in my opinion). Outstanding flexibility & the ability to merge with any system large or small. Impressive sound for music as well as movies! Best BANG-FOR-BUCK period!
Weaknesses:
Size and the fact that they didn't make it very long (too bad)!
Review:
I bought mine new almost 5yrs ago on a close-out for $750, it was the third sub that I’d purchased & I wanted it to be the last! For those who couldn’t get theirs to sound good, you must have gotten a defective unit! I’ve never turned mine up past 6 and I’ve been nothing but awestruck by the amount of clean tight bass! Keep in mind that my gear is set up in a basement with paneled walls & a carpeted floor & drop ceiling! It doesn’t get much harder than that to excite a room with base & I can’t imagine what this thing will sound like if I ever move it to a ‘normal’ room! Subwoofer set-up & placement is a very critical & painstaking process (for most of us anyway) and if you just drop it in a corner with the level on max & the phase ‘wherever’ you’ll probably not be very happy with ANY sub. For me it’s all about quality & bang-for-buck and let me tell you I can’t imagine getting a better sounding sub without having to spend several times the price! Yes they make subs that put out quality sound in a smaller package & are very impressive but they also have 1000+ watt amps and a hefty price tag! When a friend of mine came over to here my system he ended up going out & buying a SECOND M&K sub for his system and he already had more money tied up in it than some people have in their whole house!
by Shep, September 22, 2007
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
More base than you will need, very crisp even when at high levels.
Weaknesses:
It is bigger than an end table, but your buying it for bass not compactness. I have gotten complaints from neighbors in a couple of the places i have lived. I actually rattled plates out of a cabenet in my neighbors townhome in college.
Review:
One word...WOW! I have had this for 6 years now. I have some audiophile freinds, no one's sub or subs beat this one. This thing has a dial on the front that goes to 11, controlling the level of bass. When listening to rap, techno, or a movie, i cant tolerate anything over 5-6, simply because it is too much bass. It will hit hard and crisp all the way up to 11 (sometimes you may have to tweak your reciever or EQ) but i dont know why you would want to rattle apart your house. I had this thing going once testing its capability and everytime the bass hit it shook me, honestly made my eyes blurry because i was being vibrated. This thing is probably overkill unless you own a club, but if you are an audiophile, you will love it.
Vintage Product
This product is considered a "Recent" or "Vintage" Polk Audio model. It is not a part of our current product lineup. It may still be available in some stores as a "close out" or "used" product. Information provided here about this product may not reflect current realities and does not imply availability. If you happen to have a question or concern about this product, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 M-F 9am - 5:30pm EST. Chances are we remember it.
PSW1200 Media
PSW1200 Literature
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