In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 450 and PSW125, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB and Polk Audio. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of PSB SubSeries 450 and Polk PSW125 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the PSB SubSeries 450 and Polk PSW125 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.PSB SubSeries 450and Polk PSW125 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SubSeries 450 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the PSW125's min frequency of 32Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The PSB SubSeries 450 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Polk PSW125 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare PSB SubSeries 450's and Polk PSW125's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries 450 has external dimensions of 401.0 x 413.0 x 453.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 16-1/4 x 17-13/16inch) whereas Polk PSW125 has external dimensions of 424.0 x 413.0 x 520.0mm ( 16-11/16 x 16-1/4 x 20-7/16inch) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 450 and Polk PSW125 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 450 and Polk PSW125 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the PSB SubSeries 450 is approximately 1870.9cm2 / 290.0inch2 and base area of the Polk PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2. The SubSeries 450 requires 13% less surface area than the PSW125 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The PSB SubSeries 450 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the Polk PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 12% heavier than the PSW125.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 450 and PSW125's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB SubSeries 450?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries 450:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)Specifications sheetWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Polk PSW125?
Here are the items that come with the PSW125:
Black powered subwooferGrille (installed)8-feet Detachable power cord4 Rubber insert feetOwners ManualOnline registration cardRubber feet installation diagram
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
401mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1870cm2
vs
2147cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 High Frequency Response |
225k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
32-225 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
DB Composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
401.0mm (15.8") |
424.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Depth |
453.0mm (17.8") |
520.0mm (20.5") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |