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Polk Audio PSW111 Ultra-compact powered subwoofer

Item # 107PSW111B

Add impact to your favourite movies and full-bodied bass to your favourite tunes with a sub that's barely larger...

Add impact to your favourite movies and full-bodied bass to your favourite tunes with a sub that's barely larger...

Item # 107PSW111B

Shop all Polk Audio Powered Subwoofers

About the Polk Audio PSW111

Loren Barstow

Tiny but mighty

Add impact to your favourite movies and full-bodied bass to your favourite tunes with a sub that's barely larger than a cubic foot. The PSW111's high-current, 150-watt amp effortlessly drives an 8" woofer for dynamic low-frequency effects. And this compact subwoofer sports a new, more powerful driver design to deliver deeper, louder, and punchier bass than previous Polk subs. Special circuitry inside the amp and a solid MDF cabinet with internal bracings ensure clean, detailed lows, even when you crank up the volume.

Tiny but mighty

Add impact to your favourite movies and full-bodied bass to your favourite tunes with a sub that's barely larger than a cubic foot. The PSW111's high-current, 150-watt amp effortlessly drives an 8" woofer for dynamic low-frequency effects. And this compact subwoofer sports a new, more powerful driver design to deliver deeper, louder, and punchier bass than previous Polk subs. Special circuitry inside the amp and a solid MDF cabinet with internal bracings ensure clean, detailed lows, even when you crank up the volume.

From our hands-on review of the Polk PSW111

"But the overwhelming sense I had from early listening was one of warmth. The low mid-range, the place where male voices, cellos, and trombones live, suddenly came alive. I could hear all this ambience I wasn't hearing before in movies and TV shows — street noises, intakes of breath, footsteps. Sure, you could take this sub to the slamming max if you want, but the main takeaway I have from adding this component into my system is that things have been put into balance again."
— Woody Sherman, Crutchfield A/V writer

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Product highlights:

  • bass-reflex (ported) enclosure
  • 150-watt RMS amplifier
  • 8" front-firing driver
  • frequency response: 38-250 Hz
  • continuously variable 60-160 Hz crossover
  • phase switch
  • auto on/off
  • line-level/LFE input
  • speaker-level input and output
  • 11"W x 12-5/16"H x 14-15/16"D
  • warranty: 5 years woofer, 3 years amplifier
  • MFR # AM1145-C

What's in the box:

  • Black powered subwoofer
  • Grille (installed)
  • 8' Detachable power cord
  • 4 Rubber insert feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online registration card
  • Rubber feet installation diagram

Customer reviews for Polk Audio PSW111

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Average review:

4.5 out of 5 stars
226 reviews

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More details on the Polk Audio PSW111

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Bass Reflex
Woofer Size (inches) 8
Woofer Composition DB Composite
Firing Direction Front
Amplifier Output (watts) 150
Frequency Response 38-250 Hz
Connections
Preamp-Level Inputs Yes
Speaker-Level Inputs Yes
Speaker-Level Outputs Yes
Wireless No
Controls
Low-Pass Crossover Freq 60-160 Hz
High-Pass Crossover Freq None
Phase Switch Yes
App Control No
Remote No
Other Info
Height (inches) 12-5/16
Width (inches) 11-1/16
Depth (inches) 14-15/16
Weight 20.3 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty 5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 3 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 3 Years
The Polk Audio PSW111 replaces these items:

Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

Driver: The Polk Audio PSW111 uses a 8" Dynamic Balance composite cone driver for deep, accurate response with low distortion. For a smoother response and improved durability, the woofer utilizes a rubber surround.

Klippel Optimized Woofer: By using a state-of-the-art Klippel Distortion Analyzer, Polk is able to optimize the woofer's motor structure, voice coil alignment and suspension for the best possible performance even at extreme listening levels.

Motor Structure: The PSW111 utilizes a powerful motor structure for a higher BL response (the measure of the motive force applied to the cone) that results in louder, deeper and punchier bass.

Compression Circuitry: The woofer's Compression Circuitry limits distortion at high volume levels.

Amplifier: The subwoofer is powered by a high-current amplifier producing 150 watts RMS/300 watts dynamic power that supplies clean power for loud bass and the wide dynamic range necessary to recreate a life-like experience in your home.

Enclosure: The PSW111 features a bass-reflex enclosure with non-resonant MDF construction and internal bracing for deep bass impact with superior detail and accuracy.

Down-Firing Port: The powered subwoofer's downward firing port allows the woofer to be extremely efficient and provides more bass impact for your home theater experience.

Not Video Shielded: The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, so it is not recommended to place it next to tube TVs and video monitors. Though LCD, DLP, and Plasma televisions are not affected by magnetism you should allow at least 18" of space between the subwoofer and any TV.

Placement: You may place the subwoofer anywhere in your room, but it will perform best when it's on the same side of the room as your system's front speakers. Also, placing the subwoofer near a wall or in a corner will reinforce the output.

Controls

3-Way Power Switch: The subwoofer has a 3-way power switch on the rear panel. You can select Auto, which turns the unit on automatically when an input signal is received and off 15 minutes after the signal stops; On, which keeps the unit on and Standby, which turns the unit off. The LED power indicator glows green when the unit is on and red when the unit is off.

Volume Control: The PSW111 has a rotary volume control to adjust the volume of the subwoofer relative to the other speakers in the system.

Phase Switch: The subwoofer's phase switch allows you to select 0-degrees (normal) or 180-degrees (reverse). If the bass sounds muddy or unclear, toggling the phase control can sometimes strengthen the bass attack.

Low-Pass Filter: The PSW111 offers a continuously variable low-pass crossover, adjustable from 60-160 Hz. There is an LFE position for use with the filtered LFE output from a receiver or preamp.

Connections

Line Inputs: The subwoofer has gold plated left and right RCA line level inputs for use with receivers having subwoofer or stereo preamp outputs that do not contain their own low-pass crossover. Using the Line Inputs allows PSW111 to do all the low-pass filtering. If your receiver or processor only has a single subwoofer line output, connect it to the Right line input jack.

LFE In: The right channel RCA input doubles as the LFE input; if your receiver has an LFE output and a built-in crossover, use this input and set the low-pass filter dial to LFE.

Speaker Level Input/Output: The subwoofer has spring clips for the speaker level inputs and outputs. The subwoofer's low-pass filter sends bass frequencies (based on the setting of the filter) to the subwoofer. The speaker level inputs and outputs are shorted together, so the output is not crossed over. You should set you receiver's front speaker setting to Large.

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Customer Q&A

14 questions already asked

Q
Does this sub woofer work well with ceiling speakers?
emoorehhi  Sep 14, 2020
1 answer
A
If all the parameters of this persons home audio wiring is correct, following all other rules for connections from the receiver to the related components and ohms law isn't violated...YES---Flip the switch and walla, MUSIC TO THEIR EARS! Smile while you enjoy your installation!
william  Sep 15, 2020
Q
My psw111 stopped working, it still turns on I just dont get sound?
andres  Oct 11, 2019
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Oct 21, 2019 (Staff)
Q
I have an older receiver with no subwoofer output. How does this hookup?
stephen  Dec 29, 2017
2 answers
A
You will need a crossover arrangement to attenuate the hi freqs. I am not sure it would work to just plug it into a speaker out. I am very happy with this speaker. My receiver does have a sub woofer out.
don  Jan 05, 2018
A
This sub has speaker inputs and outputs meaning you hook the speakers directly into the sub then the receiver speaker jacks into the inputs on the sub.
billy  Jan 05, 2018
Q
Is there a schematic diagram available for the electronics board (PCB) for the PWS111?
john  Dec 23, 2017
1 answer
A
I have no idea about a schematic for this woofer. I just used a RCA cable to my amp and turned it on. It sounds great.
norman  Dec 27, 2017
Q
My PSW111 keeps blowing its fuse (1.6Amp)...cannot identify any burnt parts on the PCB, and I suspect a bad component, such as a diode. Can you advise the defective component so I can replace it? John in Monterey
john  Dec 23, 2017
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer, or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Dec 27, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Can I get a wireless kit for this subwoofer?
michael  Sep 19, 2017
1 answer
A
Michael, I purchased the iFinity wireless audio transmitter/receiver kit on Amazon. It works great.
tracy  Sep 19, 2017
Q
Can I hook this up directly to my TV? I have a digital optical out line which I would need to convert to analog RCA line out jacks
scuba437  Sep 05, 2017
1 answer
A
Yes you can. Just make sure to go into your televisions settings and recognize your external subwoofer.
troy  Sep 05, 2017
Q
Does the variable crossover also control the speaker level out or is there a built in crossover for just speaker level outputs, like the def tech 800?
james  Apr 07, 2017
1 answer
A
The details for the Polk Audio PSW111 sub show that the speaker-level outputs are not crossed over; and if you use that connection method, it's recommended to set you receiver's front speaker setting to "Large" (when applicable). If you would like to discuss further, feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
david  Apr 14, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Can this be speaker be used in an outside patio application where it would be covered from the elements but exposed to humidity?
cleber  Mar 22, 2017
3 answers
A
It could but it is not made for those conditions. It would likely be fine for many years. As with most subs the box is made of MDF (compressed sawdust) that absorbs moisture readily!
ryan  Mar 23, 2017
A
This is a great little sub, but I believe that it is strictly an indoor speaker. I would probably not risk it.
charles  Mar 23, 2017
A
Yes. I have these in my work van doors and they are exposed all of the time daily.
spider  Mar 23, 2017
Q
Can this work for a bass guitar?
melody  Dec 23, 2016
1 answer
A
No, This sub can't handle the volume and frequencies that a bas will put it out. You should get a guitar bass amp.
cris  Dec 24, 2016
Q
what type or class wires with how many fittings are needed to connect the Polk Audio PSW111-BK 8" 150-watt Compact Powered Subwoofer to a Yamaha RX-A3050 AVENTAGE MusicCast + Dolby Atmos receiver, what terminals to use on amplifier and subwoofer? Item #022RXA3050
lawrence  Dec 25, 2015
1 answer
A
The Polk Audio PSW111 subwoofer has gold plated left and right RCA line level inputs and the right channel RCA input doubles as the LFE input; so you would use that and connect a mono subwoofer cable to the subwoofer output on your Yamaha RX-A3050 receiver. Here's a Monster Subwoofer cable we have that would work well: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_119140711/Monster-Cable-400sw2-12-feet.html
david  Dec 30, 2015 (Staff)
Q
I've got a inbox samsung system which sounds good buy lacking bass...I've got one speaker wire running to the sub can I split the speaker wire and run it into this sub and be safe and it work correctly?
james  Nov 18, 2014
1 answer
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: I strongly recommend you follow the manufacturer's instructions, which will be found on page 8 of the owner's manual. However, only ONE subwoofer should be used this way and that would be the Polk sub. The sub from your Samsung system will need to remain disconnected or you could have an impedance problem that would shut down your receiver/amp. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Nov 28, 2014 (Staff)
Q
I'm going to Egypt. Can this product handle 220/240 volts without any adapters?
marcus  Aug 23, 2014
2 answers
A
No it can not. The PSW111 has a 120V power supply. If you connected it directly to 220V it would fry the circuits. You would need to use a 220V to 120V step down transformer.
david  Aug 06, 2015
A
Can I hook it up straight to the back of my tv? Thx!
ozzie  Aug 26, 2014
Q
can I add couple speakers to this subwoofer in the back? I just did but I don't hear any thing out of it.. How it work ??
jorge  Dec 16, 2013
1 answer
A
The amplifier in this subwoofer is only to power the sub. Other speakers will require another power source such as a receiver. For more info on setting up your system I'd recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone or online chat.
jeff  Dec 16, 2013 (Staff)
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