In this review, we will be comparing PB-1000 and PSW125, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS 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 SVS PB-1000 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 SVS PB-1000 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.Both SVS PB-1000and Polk PSW125 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-1000's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk PSW125 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz whereas PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the PB-1000 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
Both SVS PB-1000 and Polk PSW125 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 SVS PB-1000's and Polk PSW125's external dimensions. SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) 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) .
Polk PSW125 is 56mm shorter and 12mm less deeper than SVS PB-1000 but it is also 32mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB-1000 and Polk PSW125 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB-1000 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 SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2 and base area of the Polk PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2. The PB-1000 requires 6% 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 SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the Polk PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs. This makes the PB-1000 15% heavier than the PSW125.
Here is a comparison of how PB-1000 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 SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
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 |
19 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
225k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2026cm2 (381x532mm)
vs
2147cm2 (413x520mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
424mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
SVS PB-1000 |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-270 Hz |
32-225 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
DB Composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
424.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
520.0mm (20.5") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |