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Polk Audio PSW125 Powered subwoofer (Cherry)

Item # 107PSW125C

11 questions - 34 answers

Item # 107PSW125C

About the Polk Audio PSW125

Loren Barstow

Add the Polk PSW125 to your home theater or stereo system and prepare for some serious bass punch. Its 12" driver and high-current 150-watt amp add plenty of bottom-end to all of your music, movies, and video games. This sub 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.

Product highlights:

  • bass-reflex (ported) enclosure
  • 150-watt RMS amplifier
  • 12" front-firing driver
  • frequency response 32-225 Hz
  • continuously variable 60-160 Hz crossover
  • phase switch
  • auto on/off
  • line-level/LFE input
  • speaker-level input and output
  • 16-1/4"W x 16-11/16"H x 20-7/16"D
  • warranty: 5 years woofer, 3 years amplifier
  • MFR # AM1222-C

What's in the box:

  • Cherry 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 PSW125

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4.5 out of 5 stars
165 reviews

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More details on the Polk Audio PSW125

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Bass Reflex
Woofer Size (inches) 12
Woofer Composition DB Composite
Firing Direction Front
Amplifier Output (watts) 150
Frequency Response 32-225 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 ---
Remote ---
Other Info
Height (inches) 16-11/16
Width (inches) 16-1/4
Depth (inches) 20-7/16
Weight 40.1 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty 5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 3 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 3 Years

Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

Driver: The Polk Audio PSW125 uses a 12" 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 PSW125 utilizes a powerful motor structure for a higher BL responses (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 a wide dynamic range necessary to recreate a life-like experience in your home.

Enclosure: The PSW125 features a bass-reflex enclosure with non-resonant MDF construction and internal bracing for deep bass impact with superior detail and accuracy. The Polk Audio PSW125 is available in a Black or Cherry finish.

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 increase its loudness.

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 PSW125 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 PSW125 offers a continuously variable low-pass filter, 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 PSW125 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

11 questions already asked

Q
I can not get it to power on?
mel  Sep 20, 2021
1 answer
A
Not understanding the question, but if it does not power on there must be damage.
calvin d.  Sep 20, 2021
Q
It's my understanding my subwoofer (sony sa-wmsp1 ) won't work with the Yamaha RN303. It was suggested I buy this one. I'd like to hear opinions, other options? Thanks
terry  Sep 05, 2021
1 answer
A
I have had numerous sub-woofers over the years, and I believe this is the best I've had in this price range. It works well with my system (all Sony). The bass is deep and easily controlled with as much depth and volume you would need in a room that's not overly large. My entertainment room is 320 sf.
don  Sep 08, 2021
Q
Why does my powered sub (Polk PSW125 from Crutchfield) have a very low audible bumping sound similar to a heartbeat rhythm? This is happening even when the receiver is off. Not sure what to do... thoughts?
joe  Jul 11, 2017
1 answer
A
Tech Support is included with your purchase from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings/connections 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.
kenneth  Jul 13, 2017 (Staff)
Q
super newb question here. does the volume on this change as you change the volume on the receiver it is connected to, or do you need to adjust volume separately on the subwoofer?
chach  Mar 26, 2017
4 answers
A
It adjusts with the volume of the system, the sub also has a dynamic range that can be set on the speaker it's self.
sam  Apr 02, 2017
A
It changes with receiver because you connect to a variable sub out
robert  Mar 27, 2017
A
The subwoofer has a volume sensitivity control on it for bass. But the master volume is controlled by the receiver. Hope that helps. It works really well in my theatre.
dallas  Mar 27, 2017
A
Goes up with Receiver Volume
sean  Mar 26, 2017
Q
Does this speaker come in the cherry version? The cherry version is shown in the pictures but not available as a choice.
greg  Mar 09, 2017
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately Polk discontinued the Cherry model in July of 2016 so at this time it is only available in Black. Hope this helps.
kenneth  Mar 11, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Do I connect my mono RCA to the left or right. What do I set the knobs to? If I use a splitter does the knobs change?
niewojt  Jan 13, 2017
2 answers
A
You can use either.
craig  Aug 23, 2020
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. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Jan 16, 2017 (Staff)
Q
IT says this is not video shielded, how close can you place this to a TV to not interfere? My 65" TV is on a stand about 3 ' high and my current sub sits next to the stand on the floor, would this be too close? Also, does my amp need to be away from the sub?
george  Feb 11, 2016
3 answers
A
Since your 65" is not a CRT you can place the woofer as close as you like. Your amp is also a magnetic source and if you sat it on top or under the sub it may affect the performance of the speaker but I doubt it. What you are asking about was serious back in the CRT days but these days it doesn't cause the same problems with LCD and LED displays.
vidsat  Feb 13, 2016
A
Not sure. My set-up is similar except that the subwoofer is about 6 feet from the TV, with no issues. I don't think it should be a problem, but I'm not 100% sure. As far as the amp, past experience tells me that if it's a few feet away, it shouldn't be a problem - I would think the same holds true for the TV/subwoofer distance.
thomas  Feb 12, 2016
A
I have a Samsung 55 on my wall. My sub is about 2 ft diagonally from it with no issues at all
tony  Feb 12, 2016
Q
Any thoughts on post-warranty repair or replacement for the amplifier section? Keeps blowing the 1.6A power input fuse.
the  Jan 18, 2016
3 answers
A
The people at Polk are amazing. Give them a call
addam l  May 09, 2017
A
Polk people are good. Just give them a call to tech support. And mention that you got it from Chrutchfield, if you did.
mikhail  Jan 19, 2016
A
Possibly not using a Slow Blow fuse.
bob  Jan 18, 2016
Q
Is it better to wire your speaker out of the receiver to the sub & then out to the speakers or just straight out of the receiver to the speakers ? And what is the difference ?
jamie  Aug 03, 2014
2 answers
A
Hello Jamie b, Not sure what you are asking. I am using a Denon Receiver. My sub is connected directly to my receiver and then my receiver controls what sounds need to be disbursed. the sub is not wired back to any other speakers. the sub is the speaker. Let me know if you have any other questions. FYI, you can always ask Crutchfield for any questions in the future. They are the ones that help me set up my surround system, price and speaker choice. Good Luck, Dan L
dan  Aug 06, 2014
A
This sub has an amp built in so you only need to connect an RCA cable from receiver to the sub. The other speakers should be connected via speaker wire to the receiver. I prefer this method because the subs built in amp was made specifically for the subwoofer. Sometimes when different brand amps are paired with different brand subwoofers there can be a faint background noise. Hope this helps
matt  Aug 05, 2014
Q
I am considering purchasing this PSW 125 in cherry and later purchasing the Polk RTi A7 tower speakers in cherry as well. This will be used in my living room and want them to match. In the pictures on the website the subwoofer and tower speakers do not appear to be the same shade of cherry. Is that correct?
brian  Nov 24, 2013
14 answers
A
I have the TSi500 in Cherry and the PSW 125 and they are real close in the same shade of cherry. If there is any difference the PSW 125 may be a little lighter than the speakers. The PSW 125 is a Large subwoofer so you will need a large area to place it in.
ronnie  Nov 25, 2013
A
That is correct. The sub is vinyl. The 7's are wood. They aren't really close at all.
paul  Nov 25, 2013
A
I think you are correct but not 100 percent sure. My Polk towers are a bit darker cherry but their also about 10 yrs old. Hope this helps.
john  Nov 25, 2013
A
Hello Brian- I purchased the subwoofer and the bookshelf speakers (not tower), but they do match an all look very nice together.... sound is wonderful as well.
andrea  Nov 25, 2013
A
I bought the same things. The Towers are beautiful, sound great & have a very nice dark cherry finish. The subwoofer arrived & it was a ugly light color that did not match the towers at all. It was also really big. I tried arranging everything to make it look right but gave up. I sent the sub back & got a small, black Cambridge subwoofer that can easily be hidden. Now I am very happy with the system.
edward  Nov 25, 2013
A
I have the cherry bookcase speakers and the subwoofer also in cherry. They aren't next to each other but I'm happy with their match in cherry. No expert, but they look good to me and we've had lots of comments that they're a good match in color.
barbara k  Nov 25, 2013
A
They are different shades of cherry. I bought Polk towers also RTi 9's and put them in a very elaborate music room that I call "The Vegas Room". I put a lot of money into the room and the stereo system. The towers and the subwoofers sound great and it doesn't matter to me that they are different shades. They're real cherry veneer and the sound is fantastic! I like things to match too, but with the quality of the product and the deal that Crutchfield has going, it doesn't matter to me that they don't match. But everyone is different. Good luck.
keith  Nov 25, 2013
A
Brian P, I have already purchased both the A7s and the 125 subwoofer.........they are different shades of cherry.....However as my 125 is to the left and back about about 8 feet, you do not notice the shade difference. You will truly appreciate the sound generated by both!!
michael  Nov 24, 2013
A
They are not the same shade of cherry. The cherry color of the tower speakers is darker than the cherry of the subwoofer.
stephen  Nov 24, 2013
A
My Polk cherry 125 subwoofer is a perfect match for my Polk towers (A3s) and my Polk center channel speaker. I pulled the grills off and they look more like furniture and even less obtrusive. I hope this helps. Oh, and they sound great too! I hope this helps - Tom
thomas m  Nov 24, 2013
A
Thank you for the help.
brian  Nov 24, 2013
A
Hi Brian: Not sure if my answer will help or not, but I have the PSW125 in Cherry, and also have the TSi500's in Cherry, and they look close to identical (one of the towers stands right next to the sub). Not sure if the finish on the TSi500 matches that of the RTiA7 or not, but if in general the Cherry towers use the same finish I don't think you'll be disappointed. John
john  Nov 24, 2013
A
Thank you for the help.
brian  Nov 24, 2013
A
The ones I bought are completely identical and color shade and everything
donald t  Nov 24, 2013
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