Both models are great performance-wise. Polk is a 10-inch subwoofer, while Yamaha is an 8-inch one, nevertheless, they have the same amount of power. Yamaha is a bit smaller, which makes it possible to put somewhere under a table where you will not see it.
If we compare the features of YST-SW012 vs Polk PSW10, we will see that Polk has an auto on/off feature, while YST-SW012 does not. Therefore, placing it somewhere under a table is not the best idea, since you will have to turn it off manually. Another feature that YST-SW012 does not have is a crossover control, just a volume control, which makes it a bit harder to balance with other speakers you have in your set up.
However, Yamaha has one important feature that Polk does not – magnetic shielding. Of course, many modern subwoofers do not have it. However, a device with powerful magnets, that does not have a magnetic shielding may affect other devices.
Another small fact in the comparison Polk audio PSW10 versus Yamaha YST-SW012 is that the Yamaha model comes with all the cables you need.
The main advantage of PSW10 is that it is flexible in terms of settings. The main disadvantage is that it does not have LFE input.
The main advantage of YST-SW012 is that it has a magnetic shielding. The main disadvantage is that it does not let you control parameters like the crossover. It has only one parameter that can be adjusted – volume. Therefore, it is hard to make it sound like an integral part of the surround sound setup.
If you need a great subwoofer for a small or middle room and you need a device that is customizable, then consider getting Polk Audio PSW10. If you do not need many features like auto turn on/off, you just need a device that gives you deep, and rich bass sound, then Yamaha YST-SW012 would be a perfect solution for you.
This model has a built-in high-current amplifier. It has a polymer cone driver that produces clear and deep bass sound. This model also features line- and speaker-level inputs. A special construction helps to avoid any resonance, which excludes any vibration of the device.
The subwoofer is connected to an amplifier via RCA cables to the subwoofer input. Once you have an amplifier (recommend Yamaha network amplifier) allows you to connect multiple speakers up to 7 depending which model you have to the amplifier - from there you can play music using Pandora or just buy a Bluetooth adapter to connect to the amplifier to play your music from your library or other music sources - with the advances in music I would use a Bluetooth adapter or buy an amplifier that has one built-in.
Specification | Polk Audio PSW10 | Yamaha YST-SW012 |
---|---|---|
Audio Performance | ||
Frequency Response, Hz | 35-200 | 28-200 |
Impedance, Ohm | 4 | 5 |
Sensitivity, Db | 85 | 80 |
Crossover Frequency, Hz | 80-160 | |
Connections | ||
Rca Outputs | ||
Rca Stereo Line Level Inputs (pair) | 1 | |
Rca Lfe Inputs | 1 | |
Speaker Inputs (pair) | 2 | |
Speaker Outputs (pair) | 2 | |
Bi-amp | ||
Xlr Outputs (pair) | ||
Xlr Inputs (pair) | ||
Controls | ||
Low-pass Filter | ||
Subwoofer Phase | ||
Volume | ||
Main Power Switch | ||
Dimensions | ||
Weight, Kg/pounds | 11.8/26 | 8.5/19 |
Dimensions (h X W X D), Cm/in | 36.5 x 35.6 x 41/16.2 x 14 x 14.4 | 29 x 29 x 32.8/21 x 19 x 22 |
User Manual | ||
Manual | psw10.pdf | yst-sw012.pdf |
Power | ||
Audio Amplifier Output Power, W | 50 | 50 |
Maximal Output Power (rms), W | 100 | 100 |
Nominal Output Power (rms), W | 50 | 50 |
Driver | ||
Port Placement | front panel | right panel |
Driver Placement | front panel | front panel |
Driver Size, In | 10 | 8 |
Driver Quantity | 1 | 1 |
Material | ||
Enclosure Type | vented | vented |
Colors | black, brown, silver | black |
Woofer Composition | polymer | polymer |
Body Material | MDF | MDF |
General | ||
Detachable Grilles | ||
Amplification Type | active | active |