Short answer: the Dayton Audio CS1000. It ranks #12 of 73 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $199.98. The Polk Audio PSW108 ranks #30, rated 3.4/5, at $179, $20.98 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Dayton Audio CS1000 is the better-sounding option. The 10” sibling of the measured Dayton Audio CS1200, with a mineral-filled polypropylene woofer, a 180W Class D amplifier and a cabinet vented at 39Hz. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Dayton Audio CS1200, which reached 119.0dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands.
What the Polk Audio PSW108 does well: The cosmetic and retail refresh of Polk’s legendary PSW10 budget subwoofer. The tradeoff: The 50W internal amplifier is modest by modern subwoofer standards and will compress or produce audible port turbulence when pushed hard on heavy movie low-frequency effects.
Buy the Dayton Audio CS1000. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $20.98 with the Polk Audio PSW108 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Worth knowing: the Dayton Audio CS1000 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.3 to 3.9, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio CS1000 | Polk Audio PSW108 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.98 | $179.00 each |
| Ranked | #12 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) Estimated | #30 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 16”H x 13.5”W x 14.4”D (406 x 342 x 365 mm) | 14.4” x 14” x 16.1” (365 x 356 x 409 mm) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Warranty | 5 | 5/3 |
| Enclosure | ported | Ported, front-firing port |
| Drivers | 10” mineral-filled polypropylene woofer | 10” dynamic balance polymer composite woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 180W Class D | 50W RMS, 100W peak |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz low end (manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 200Hz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 109dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Port Tuning | 39Hz | - |
| Weight | 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg) | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 35Hz (Manufacturer specified) |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 110.3 dB |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 80Hz - 160Hz variable |
| Inputs | - | RCA line in, speaker-level spring terminals |
| Measurement Source | - | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 110.7 dB |
| Phase Control | - | 0° / 180° switch |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Edifier T5s vs Dayton Audio CS1000
- Dayton Audio CS1000 vs PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT
- Dayton Audio CS1000 vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000L
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Polk Audio PSW108
- PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT vs Polk Audio PSW108
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dayton Audio CS1000: $199.98 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Dayton Audio CS1200 (larger subwoofer, rated 4.1/5). See every Dayton Audio Subwoofers generation.
Pros: The 10” sibling of the measured Dayton Audio CS1200, with a mineral-filled polypropylene woofer, a 180W Class D amplifier and a cabinet vented at 39Hz. Dayton rates it to 28Hz and 109dB, and an optional wireless kit is available. It is one of the cheapest subwoofers from a line with measured results.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Dayton Audio CS1200, which reached 119.0dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands. With a smaller woofer and cabinet it should play several dB quieter.
Full Dayton Audio CS1000 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180W Class D |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 16”H x 13.5”W x 14.4”D (406 x 342 x 365 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” mineral-filled polypropylene woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 28Hz low end (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 109dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Port Tuning | 39Hz |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Polk Audio PSW108: $179.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: The cosmetic and retail refresh of Polk’s legendary PSW10 budget subwoofer. Pairs a 10-inch dynamic balance polymer composite woofer with a 50W RMS / 100W peak Class A/B amplifier and front-firing tuned port. Clean, compact black vinyl cabinet fits easily into tight living spaces or corners, providing noticeable bass fullness down to 35Hz for budget music and home theater systems. Includes both RCA line-level inputs and speaker-level binding posts for easy integration with vintage receivers lacking a dedicated sub out.
Cons: The 50W internal amplifier is modest by modern subwoofer standards and will compress or produce audible port turbulence when pushed hard on heavy movie low-frequency effects. Bass extension drops off rapidly below 35Hz.
Full Polk Audio PSW108 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS, 100W peak |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (Manufacturer specified) |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.3 dB |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 80Hz - 160Hz variable |
| Dimensions | 14.4” x 14” x 16.1” (365 x 356 x 409 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” dynamic balance polymer composite woofer |
| Enclosure | Ported, front-firing port |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 200Hz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA line in, speaker-level spring terminals |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.7 dB |
| Phase Control | 0° / 180° switch |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons