Short answer: the Polk Audio PSW10. It ranks #3 of 42 subwoofers at $249; the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 ranks #75 and costs $260, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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.
One note: the Polk Audio PSW10 is discontinued, but it still ranks #3 of 42 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Polk Audio PSW10 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio SUB-1500 | Polk Audio PSW10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $260 | $249.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #75 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #3 of 42 in Small Powered 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 | 19.75"H x 19.25"W x 19.75"D (501.6 x 488.9 x 501.6 mm) | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"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 |
| Power Output (Watts) | 150W RMS | - |
| Frequency Response | 23-140Hz | - |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Warranty | - | 5/3 |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
Dayton Audio SUB-1500: $260
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.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 19.75"H x 19.25"W x 19.75"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 |
| Power Output (Watts) | 150W RMS |
| Weight | 60 lbs / 27.2 kg |
- Links
Polk Audio PSW10: $249.00 Discontinued Amazon
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 $250 entry-level positioning. Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"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 |
- Buy Used
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.