Short answer: the Elemental Designs A7S-450. It ranks #33 of 97 subwoofers by sound quality at $499; the Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE ranks #34 and costs $4995, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE offers: Published CEA-2010 specifications list 114.7 dB at 20 Hz and 122.3 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) through 40-80 Hz. The ported, bottom enclosure with 2x 15” (381mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room. Watch for: The 1143.0H x 469.9W x 571.5D mm cabinet and 73.5 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.
What the Elemental Designs A7S-450 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.4 dB at 20 Hz and 122.3 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 18” (457mm) driver delivers formidable upper-bass output for movie effects and music. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 565.1H x 565.1W x 565.1D mm cabinet and 63.5 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Buy the Elemental Designs A7S-450. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Specifications Side By Side
| Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE | Elemental Designs A7S-450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4995 | $499 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #34 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #33 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | sealed |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 114.7 dB | 103.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.7 dB | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 114.7 dB | 115.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.3 dB | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 124.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 122.3 dB | 123.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 122.3 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) | 122.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 45"H x 18.5"W x 22.5"D (1143.0 x 469.9 x 571.5 mm) | 22.2"H x 22.2"W x 22.2"D (565.1 x 565.1 x 565.1 mm) |
| Weight | 162 lbs / 73.5 kg | 140 lbs / 63.5 kg |
| Warranty | 5 | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 2x 15" (381mm) driver | 18" (457mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 93.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 97.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 121.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 118.8 dB |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 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
Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE: $4995 eBay
Pros: Published CEA-2010 specifications list 114.7 dB at 20 Hz and 122.3 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) through 40-80 Hz. The ported, bottom enclosure with 2x 15” (381mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.
Cons: The 1143.0H x 469.9W x 571.5D mm cabinet and 73.5 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.
Full Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV30FSE review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 122.3 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 45"H x 18.5"W x 22.5"D (1143.0 x 469.9 x 571.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 114.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 114.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 122.3 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 162 lbs / 73.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Elemental Designs A7S-450: $499 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.4 dB at 20 Hz and 122.3 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 18” (457mm) driver delivers formidable upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 565.1H x 565.1W x 565.1D mm cabinet and 63.5 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full Elemental Designs A7S-450 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 122.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.2"H x 22.2"W x 22.2"D (565.1 x 565.1 x 565.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 18" (457mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 93.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 97.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 103.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 115.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 124.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 123.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 118.8 dB |
| Weight | 140 lbs / 63.5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples