Many audiophiles agree that while Polk Audio makes decent powered subwoofers, they cannot match the quality and performance of other manufacturers’ home subwoofers. The Polk PSW125, while attractive, is large and bulky compared to the best subwoofers on our lineup. Plus, despite its imposing size, it has a relatively weak amplifier. To see the home subwoofers in our lineup with the best features and broadest frequency response, check out our reviews of the BIC F-12 subwoofer and the Emotiva Ultra Sub 10.

Polk Audio’s PSW125 home subwoofers are powered by a built-in amplifier that operates at a continuous output of 150 watts, with a peak output of 300 watts. Even with its relatively low wattage, it is capable of producing a maximum volume output of 118 decibels, under the right conditions. Essentially, the maximum volume output of powered subwoofers is dependent upon the size of the room in which they are located. So, if your stereo is set up in a smaller room, this sub can probably produce enough of a driving low-frequency undertone to meet your needs. If your stereo or home-theater sound system is set up in a larger room – for example, a room that is 20 feet square with eight-foot ceilings – the PSW125 will probably seem weak and ineffective.

Polk PSW125 home subwoofers have a limited frequency-response range of 32Hz - 225Hz. They cannot reach nearly as deep into the low-frequency spectrum as the best subwoofers in our lineup. Since the whole point of subwoofer speakers is to carry the load of the lows, that the woofers in speaker towers cannot, the PSW125’s limited low-end frequency response calls its value as a sound-system component into question.

One of the best aspects of the PSW125 is the design of its cabinet enclosure. The front-firing subwoofer cone is recessed in the center of the cabinet’s front panel and the speaker is shielded by a rounded circular grill that is reminiscent of speaker enclosures during the age of radio in the 1920s and ‘30s. PSW125 home subwoofers are available in two finishes: a sleek, modern-looking glossy black and a more vintage-looking cherry varnish that reveals the wood grain beneath it.

Polk Audio designs home subwoofers that perform equally well for movies and music. The PSW125 can be used for either application, but it works best in small or medium-sized rooms, especially if it is being used as a component in a home theater sound system. If it is used in a room that is too large, it will start to sound thin and weak.

The Polk PSW125 home subwoofers have a signal-sensing automatic on-off function coupled with an LED power-mode indicator. Its controls include adjustable volume and crossover-frequency dials and a phase switch. If your AV receiver has a sub out port, you can connect it to your sub using the left and right LFE or sub in RCA ports. There are also two left and right speaker-level input terminals and two left and right speaker-level output terminals.

The PSW125 home subwoofers are covered by a five-year warranty for the speaker and a three-year warranty for the amplifier. The Polk Audio website has a FAQs page, user forum and PDF product manuals that you can download. You can contact technical support by phone or email. We contacted them by email, which they responded to quickly and answered all our questions.