Short answer: the Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II for the higher ranking, the Polk Audio PSW10 for the lower price. The Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II ranks #2 of 42 subwoofers at $499. The Polk Audio PSW10 ranks #3 at $249, $250 cheaper.
On the Polk Audio PSW10 side: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. The tradeoff: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $250 entry-level positioning.
The case for the Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II: 12-inch sealed driver reaches 111.1dB CEA-2010-A average, second only to the pricier SVS SB-1000 PRO among compact subwoofers. The tradeoff: Small sealed driver limits extension below 20 Hz and 9.5 kg compact size.
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 Polk Audio PSW10 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio PSW10 | Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 Discontinued | $499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #2 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | sealed |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 96.1 dB | 105.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.7 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 109.7 dB | 111.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.8 dB | 112.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.1 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 112.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.3 dB | 111.1 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.37"H x 14.0"W x 16.12"D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm) | 14.75"H x 14.25"W x 16.37"D (374.6 x 361.9 x 415.8 mm) |
| Weight | 26 lbs / 11.8 kg | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg |
| Warranty | 5/3 | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 95.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 100.1 dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Velodyne Acoustics SPL-1200 Series II: $499 Discontinued
Pros: 12-inch sealed driver reaches 111.1dB CEA-2010-A average, second only to the pricier SVS SB-1000 PRO among compact subwoofers. Sealed cabinet suits smaller rooms without a large footprint.
Cons: Small sealed driver limits extension below 20 Hz and 9.5 kg compact size. Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.1 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.75"H x 14.25"W x 16.37"D (374.6 x 361.9 x 415.8 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 95.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 100.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 105.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 111.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 112.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 111.0 dB |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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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.