Short answer: the Polk Audio PSW108. Both are rated 3.4/5 for sound quality (#30 and #26 of 73 subwoofers), and the Polk Audio PSW108 costs $179 against $209.98 for the Dayton Audio SUB-1000L, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Dayton Audio SUB-1000L: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 89.9 dB at 20 Hz and 110.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The catch: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects.
The case for the Polk Audio PSW108: The cosmetic and retail refresh of Polk’s legendary PSW10 budget subwoofer. Watch for: 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 Polk Audio PSW108. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $30.98 less than the Dayton Audio SUB-1000L.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio SUB-1000L | Polk Audio PSW108 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.98 | $179.00 each |
| Ranked | #26 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #30 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | Ported, front-firing port |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 89.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 100.9 dB | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.9 dB | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 108.3 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 111.9 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.7 dB | 113.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.0 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 6”H x 25”W x 15.7”D (152.4 x 635.0 x 400.0 mm) | 14.4” x 14” x 16.1” (365 x 356 x 409 mm) |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 5/3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Drivers | 10” (254mm) driver | 10” dynamic balance polymer composite woofer |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W RMS, 100W peak |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 35Hz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 80Hz - 160Hz variable |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 200Hz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | RCA line in, speaker-level spring terminals |
| 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
More top alternatives to Dayton Audio SUB-1000L:
- Dayton Audio CS1000 vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000L
- PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000L
- ELAC SUB1010 vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000L
- Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000L
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Yamaha HS8S
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 SUB-1000L: $209.98 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Dayton Audio SUB-1200 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.8/5) and the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.6/5). See every Dayton Audio Subwoofers generation.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 89.9 dB at 20 Hz and 110.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, bottom enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.
Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 152.4H x 635.0W x 400.0D mm cabinet and 12.9 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
Full Dayton Audio SUB-1000L review and specifications →
| Released | 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.0 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 6”H x 25”W x 15.7”D (152.4 x 635.0 x 400.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 89.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 100.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 108.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 111.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.7 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs ELAC SUB1010
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Dayton Audio CS1000
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Yamaha HS8S
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Jamo SUB 800
- Dayton Audio SUB-1000L vs Monoprice Monolith 8 THX Certified
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