Short answer: the Dayton Audio SUB-1500. It ranks #93 of 145 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $260. The Polk Audio PSW10 ranks #17, rated 3.4/5, at $249, $11 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Dayton Audio SUB-1500: Huge 15-inch dual-port with 150W RMS offers extraordinary value at $260. Tight punchy low bass and very good dynamics.
What the Polk Audio PSW10 gets right: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. The catch: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $250 entry-level positioning.
Worth knowing: the Polk Audio PSW10 is discontinued, though it still ranks #17 of 48 subwoofers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new.
Buy the Dayton Audio SUB-1500. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $11 with the Polk Audio PSW10 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio SUB-1500 | Polk Audio PSW10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $260 | $249.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #17 of 48 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 90.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.5 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 101.7 dB | 96.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 106.5 dB | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 111.6 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.9 dB | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 111.8 dB | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.1 dB | 110.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.2 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 19.2"W x 19.7"D (501.6 x 488.9 x 501.6 mm) | 14.4"H x 14"W x 16.1"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) |
| Weight | 60 lbs (27.2 kg) | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS | - |
| Frequency Response | 23-140Hz | - |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Warranty | - | 5/3 |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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-1500: $260 eBay
Pros: Huge 15-inch dual-port with 150W RMS offers extraordinary value at $260. Tight punchy low bass and very good dynamics. Large-room fill with control and easy setup.
Full Dayton Audio SUB-1500 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.2 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 19.7"H x 19.2"W x 19.7"D (501.6 x 488.9 x 501.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 23-140Hz |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 90.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 96.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 101.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 111.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 111.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.1 dB |
| Weight | 60 lbs (27.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Polk Audio PSW10: $249.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. Deep bass capabilities are impressive with exceptional definition/control per CNet. Reduces distortion (uncommon at this price). Good hard clean bass performs well at higher volumes. Easy setup and affordable price consistently highlighted by thousands of buyers. Polk Power Port channels airflow cleanly for tighter bass without port noise. Best for average/small rooms and apartments.
Cons: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $249 entry-level positioning. Discontinued.
Full Polk Audio PSW10 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 14"W x 16.1"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| 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 |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by ErinsAudioCorner; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
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