Polk PSW505 subwoofer

Capitol Performance - Sub bass from DC and beyond

By Max Christoffersen

March 2004

Polk PSW505 subwoofer. $1299

It was in 1987 somewhere in Maryland that I first saw Mathew Polk's creations in person for the first time.

I was holidaying in 'DC' - that's Washington DC - on my first overseas excursion and among the highlights of seeing the Smithsonian, The White House and endless monuments were the high-end audio stores.

While they were few and far between, there were some carrying what was soon to become a world famous brand. Life-size cuts outs of Mathew Polk adorned audio shop floors wearing the same Stereo Review advertisement style: the lab coat, the somewhat academic scientist stance and the 'I'm a friend in alien territory' look that personified the speaker brand.

Later I came to appreciate what a shrewd marketing move the life-size cuts outs were, as Mathew Polk soon became the Michael Hill jeweller of mainstream stereo. You know the personable pitch before you see the product and you know the face even before you've bought the brand.

At least that's the way it was in the late '80s when Polk and Co were branded as the new audio scientists of American hi-fi, complete with lab coats and measuring tools designed to put a new spin on the development of audio products.

But unlike others making the same claim, Mathew Polk was on the level. In the intervening 17 years since that walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, the company has continued to prosper in a very competitive market. And deliver.

I can't say I've liked all their speakers, but I sure like this one: The PSW505 is an active 12" subwoofer that immediately lets you know what it's about.

Car audio comes home?

From the outset the new look of this sub was enough to make me think I'd walked into a car audio store by mistake. This otherwise normal 12" sub had a blown up bike tyre surround typical of car audio subs that are sometimes more cosmetic than sensible. And yet here was the same 'look-at-me' driver surround that is more at home in a boot than a beautiful wood cabinet (!) subwoofer.

On the back was a lengthwise horizontal 'post-office box slot' port designed to aid the driver's ability to go low efficiently without the sound of port chuffing as it nears the edge of its performance envelope. Crossover and volume controls are also rear mounted.

So, it looks the business and the challenge was laid down: How low does it really go? A quick read of the owner's manual confirms a stated frequency range of 23Hz to 160Hz powered by a 300 watt continuous (460 watts dynamic peak) amplifier. Total weight a respectable 19kg and smallish dimensions at 410x380x440mm. A phase control is standard as are auto power on and two (stereo/mono) RCA line level inputs and speaker input five-way binding posts. Missing from the manual was an excursion peak-to-peak specification for the driver.

Set-up as always requires some work. Polk anticipated the need for experimentation by providing a handy subwoofer set-up tips page. Any subwoofer can gain from time spent selecting the right position.

The rule of thumb has always been that a subwoofer is working at its best when you don't know it's on. And this is a good advice after you've done your initial set-up.

The character of the PSW505 was immediate on start up - it has a firm grip on bass but a very obvious airy quality that dominates the quantity and quality of its work.

Some will like the sense of air others may find it says 'I have a port, would you like to see?' too often for comfort. I found myself somewheres in between - liking immediately the sense of bass weight and what seemed to be a level of power that would drive low and loud if required.

A quick check indicated a lack of protection circuitry, but given the ample power, that outrageous driver surround and a good dose of 'what the hell' factor and the Polk was rocking with the Metallica Black DVD-Audio disc with a fine sense of extension, tactile impact and all round bass weight and authority. Not bad! And even better when you check the price.

Polk deserves a second look - they've stood the test of time in audio. And while Mathew Polk has hung up his lab coat in favour of a more Georgetown look with slacks and sweater, the company's products continue to be beautifully built with audio to match.

Next time you're in DC say 'Hi' to Mathew for me.

For your nearest Polk dealer