PSB is a high-quality, high-value audiophile loudspeaker manufacturer that recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary. Named after its founder, Paul Barton, PSB subscribes to the belief that speakers should look good, sound even better, and withstand the test of time. But don’t let the brand’s vintage fool you – PSB is doing some really forward-thinking things within the active/powered speaker space that will most certainly appeal to a younger, tech-savvy subsection of audiophiles. PSB recently sent Future Audiophile a pair for review of their first WIFI-connected bookshelf speakers, the PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers with BluOS (buy at Crutchfield), and I simply couldn’t wait to dive in.
Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the high-quality look and feel of these nearly $1,300-per-pair powered speakers. They are quite compact in size, at just under six inches wide, 10 inches tall, and eight inches deep – yet, despite their diminutive presence, the PSB Alpha iQ Powered Speakers felt hefty and well-constructed. There is also something very familiar but fresh about their boxy modern design. After a relatively stress-free setup process via the BluOS app, I was ready to fire these bad boys up for some critical listening.
Did they fit the bill as a new contender for the best compact, Wi-Fi 33-connected powered bookshelf speaker pair on the market, with built-in BluOS being the class-leading cherry on top – or are they just another competitor in the overcrowded Sonos-inspired, connected speaker multiverse? That’s what we are here to answer …
What Makes the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers So Special?
- The PSB Alpha iQ Streaming powered speaker features a two-way design with a four-inch polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround, and a .75-inch aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling. Interestingly, PSB decided to position the tweeter below the woofer, which was intended to improve both phase timing of the woofer and tweeter, but also to maximize high-frequency dispersion when physically placed above the listener. I noticed no adverse effects when listening right at ear level (they even sounded great when slightly below me on a desk), so this is an interesting approach that will definitely be appreciated by audiophiles who plan to place these high on a bookshelf above their dedicated listening spot.
- The PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers have plenty of built-in Class-D power – 180 total watts to be exact. PSB employed a fully active design, with DSP crossover and dedicated amplifiers for each driver – 60 watts for each woofer and 30 watts for each tweeter. They had no trouble filling my small and medium-sized listening spaces with high-quality, full-range sound with convincing stereo imaging.
- The PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers are a streaming audiophile’s dream, featuring every connection option under the sun. First and foremost is the integration of the excellent, multi-room BluOS platform, which allows you to connect up to 64 BluOS components, and can utilize over 20 music streaming services, such as QoBuz, Tidal, and Amazon Music. BluOS also allows integration into smart-home systems, such as Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC, and they are Roon-ready. And if you aren’t already invested in the BluOS platform, the PSB Alpha iQ Powered Speakers are also Apple Airplay 2-compatible, and feature support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice assistants. Physical connections are plentiful as well, and include Ethernet, Wi-Fi 33, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, optical, moving magnet (MM) phono, and auxiliary inputs.
- Bass performance was surprisingly competent for such a physically small loudspeaker. The PSB Alpha iQs regularly reached down into the mid to low 60Hz frequency range, thanks in part to their beefy internal bracing and rear-ported design. Bass is managed well by the Alpha iQ’s internal DSP, which helps keep low end clear and confident, despite their small size cabinet size, without extending too far or too much. Audiophiles seeking more bass are in luck, however, as the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers do have a subwoofer output, with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters.
- If you’re looking for a powered speaker with multiple finish options and a traditional boxy speaker design, PSB has you covered. There are five color options: Matte Black, Matte White, Dutch Orange (my pick), Tangerine Yellow, and Midnight Blue. You won’t find any curved edges here – PSB kept things simple with the visual aesthetic of these speakers, but did just enough to give them a high-end look and feel. Subtle touches nudge the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers into high-class territory, such as the beveled metal trim accent that runs up and down the front and back of each speaker, as well as the sharp geometric texture of the woofer. The tweeter is proudly adorned with the PSB logo, which gives it some additional panache, and the sleek, simple control bar at the top of each panel speaker blends nicely with their overall understated look. These compact speakers would visually integrate seamlessly into any listening space, and their small size provides nearly limitless placement options (more on that later).
- The PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers feature an audiophile-grade DAC with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. I was able to stream hi-res and lossless selections from QoBuz with ease, which makes a notable difference in sound quality, especially important for discerning listeners such as myself, who demand the best out of all their audio products and streaming systems.
- The PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers are easy to move, place, and connect. Each speaker only requires a power source – no connecting wires or tethering between the left and right speakers needed. Once synced together via the BluOS control app, the speakers remain paired permanently. Weighing just 8.2 pounds each, they are lightweight, versatile, and easily moved. Sound quality remained consistent, even when they were placed on my highest bookshelf, 12 feet apart. Surprisingly, they seemed to open up even more than when on my desk below ear level, producing clear, open sound even at higher volumes in my medium-sized, rectangular living room.
Why Should You Care About the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers?
The PSB catalog is extensive, ranging from the ultra-budget $250 Alpha P3 bookshelf speakers to the impressive PSB Synchrony T800 (read the review), priced just under $12,000 per pair. This demonstrates PSB’s ability to design speakers that cater to a wide range of customer needs and wants. Since BlueSound and PSB are owned by the same parent company, Lenbrook International, it makes total strategic sense for PSB to integrate BluOS into their new wave of powered speakers. This integration enhances the speakers’ overall appeal, distinguishing them from other powered speaker options on the market. BluOS is one of the top music management software ecosystems, so having it built into these speakers is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for additional Bluesound Nodes. Even without BluOS compatibility, these speakers look and sound incredible -but the added technological advantage of BluOS integration is particularly beneficial for those already invested in the BlueSound ecosystem, or for those planning a whole-home streaming setup.
Some Things That You Might Not Like About the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers
- According to PSB’s website, the warranty for the Alpha iQ Powered Speakers is only one year. I have heard nothing but good things from those in the industry who own or have owned PSB products, but I expected better coverage for a speaker in this price range and from such a storied brand. By comparison, KEF offers a five-year warranty on its drivers, and two years on its electronics and accessories. I expected something similar from PSB. They do offer a 60-day money back guarantee, however, which can give customers a little time to audition these speakers before making a permanent decision, but a heftier warranty would certainly convince prospective buyers that their $1,299 investment would be protected long-term, especially given the fact that powered speakers have a lot more going on internally, making them slightly more likely to have problems down the road, compared to passive speakers.
- The look and feel of the PSB Alpha iQ powered speaker is fantastic, and the color choices are a lot of fun, but some audiophiles might prefer more refined finishes. A wood grain option or two, or a few muted/décor-friendly color choices (sage green, anyone?) would enhance their universal appeal and potentially make it easier for some audiophiles to obtain spousal approval to place a pair in the den or living room. Additionally, the absence of a front grille option could be a minor drawback for some customers. Thankfully, the matte black and white options are subtle enough in appearance, and would look just fine in almost all listening spaces.
Listening to the PSB Alpha iQ Powered Speakers …
I chose “Cause I’m a Man” from the album Currents by Tame Impala as my first test track to experience the open and transparent sound of the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers. From the moment the track began, I was mesmerized by how the speakers captured this track’s smooth, shiny sound. Stereo imaging was excellent, creating an almost phantom center channel effect that made it impossible to pinpoint where the sound was coming from as it filled my small room. The PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers also handled the track’s punchy bass line with remarkable ease and poise, even without a subwoofer connected, which genuinely surprised me. Even after just a few listens to this track, I was instantly convinced of the PSB Alpha iQ’s ability to deliver a rich, immersive audio experience. What’s even more impressive is how powerful and expansive they sound, especially considering their small footprint and compact dimensions.
The track “Take Your Mask Off” from Tyler the Creator’s 2024 album CHROMAKOPIA is rich with sonic information, making it a perfect demo song for the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers. These speakers showcased their excellent ability to smoothly reproduce mid-bass and detail, with Tyler’s vocal track sitting front and center, which remained clear and forward throughout. The catchy vocal chorus also stood out, allowing me to separate the fun and loose harmonies that framed the track. Additional brass and electronic piano flourishes were easily identified, and came forward more than on other speakers that I have tested recently, giving the track a full-range sound profile. This demonstrates that the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers can handle just about every genre of music thrown at them, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any audio setup.
Will the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers Hold Their Value?
10 years ago, I would have said even the best small powered speakers were highly unlikely to hold much value in the long run. Things have really changed in today’s market. More and more brands are embracing powered, connectable speakers that sound better than the entry-level competition (e.g., Sonos) and can be implemented into whole-home streaming systems. Given the PSB Alpha iQ’s exceptional build quality, brand reputation, and handsome looks, I am confident that these would sell well somewhere like Facebook Marketplace or eBay in a few years’ time.
The big question mark for me remains – how quickly will technology advance, and will the features packed in these impressive speakers ever become obsolete? There is speculation that USB-C will eventually (possibly sooner than later) take over HDMI, and that optical/Toslink is on its way out. But given the fact that auxiliary connections have been around for almost 70 years, and are one of many connection options on these speakers, I think it’s safe to say that these and most other modern powered speakers are relatively future-proof. Time will tell, but I’d bet my money on them lasting a generation or two at minimum.
What is the Competition for the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers?
The KEF LSX II (buy at Crutchfield) is $1,399 per pair Wi-Fi 33-enabled powered speaker that features Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and a glut of physical analog and digital connections. Like the PSB Alpha iQ powered speakers, they too feature HDMI ARC and come in a variety of interesting colors. KEF’s four-and-a-half-inch Uni-Q driver is renowned for its accuracy and wide room dispersion, and is paired with a capable, dedicated 70-watt Class-D amplifier, while the .75-inch vented aluminum dome tweeter gets 30 watts of power from its own internal amp. These speakers are a solid choice for anyone who appreciates KEF’s distinctive look and impressive audio performance, and aren’t solely invested into the BluOS ecosystem.
The $699 (per speaker) Bluesound PULSE 2i (buy at Crutchfield) is more of a tabletop streaming or whole-home audio product, but can definitely hang with more expensive speakers, thanks to its better-than-expected sound quality and ease of integration within the BluOS ecosystem. The PULSE 2i features two five-and-one-quarter-inch woofers and two one-inch tweeters per speaker, each receiving 65 watts and 10 watts (150 total watts) from separate internal amplifiers, respectively. Two Pulse 2i speakers can be paired and played in stereo so, for under $1,400, you’ve got a serious powered HIFI setup that would also be right at home in a dedicated listening room, on a kitchen countertop, or as part of a whole-home streaming system.
The Kanto TUK Premium powered speakers (read my review) feature fewer streaming and connectivity options, but sound incredible, which is remarkable, given their modest $799 per-pair price tag. Kanto’s proprietary Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter used in the TUK shines with its high-frequency brilliance and accuracy, and the five-and-one-quarter-inch aluminum woofer puts out impactful bass that few speakers in this price range can even come close to touching. They are an older model of powered speaker, however, with no HDMI or Wi-Fi___33, so you will likely have to work around their lack of modern-day connectivity options. I would suggest pairing them with a tabletop streamer such as the Bluesound Node ICON or something similar, but even without this, their incredible sound quality is more than enough to justify the purchase.
Final Thoughts on the PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers …
The PSB Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers with BluOS (buy at Crutchfield) offer an impressive blend of high-quality sound, advanced features, and sleek design. Their compact size belies their powerful performance, which includes excellent mid-bass reproduction and detailed stereo imaging that can fill both small and medium-sized rooms with ease. Innovative design choices, such as inverting the traditional positioning of the tweeter and woofer, and their robust 180-watt Class-D power configuration, and a surplus of modern-day connectivity options highlight PSB’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what compact speakers can achieve without reinventing the wheel completely. Add in the awesome capabilities of Bluesound’s BluOS, and you’ve got a tiny speaker that can do just about everything – and do it well.
Whether you are an audiophile wanting to add a pair of streaming speakers to your whole-home system, or a newcomer looking to buy into the BluOS ecosystem and forego the purchase of an external amplifier – I cannot think of a more capable compact powered speaker on the market today. I have a feeling BluOS-integrated powered speakers like the Alpha iQ are going to be the next big chapter in PSB’s story – and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for audiophiles next.
