PSB Speakers Alpha P3 and P5 bookshelf speakers (check out our reviews here and here) are definitely two of the best bookshelf speakers under $500, so we weren’t surprised when we heard they were coming out with affordable powered versions.
Well, today, PSB revealed the new additions to their Alpha Series, the $399 Alpha AM3, and $599 Alpha AM5. Like the passive Alpha bookshelf models, they use textured polypropylene woofers along with ¾” aluminum dome tweeters; the AM3 uses a 4” woofer, while the AM5 has a 5.25” woofer. They also have the same magnetic grilles.
Also, like the passive models, the powered speakers are tuned by speaker design legend Paul Barton.
Being powered speakers, they incorporate amplification plus preamp duties into one of the speakers, which sends the signal to the other side via speaker wire. The Alpha AM3 has 35W x 2 amp, and the AM5 uses a 50W x 2 version.
Both models have a bevy of connections, including a dedicated Phono Input, 3.5 mm Analog Input, Optical Input, USB DAC Input, and Sub Out. They also have wireless capability in the form of Qualcomm® aptX™ Bluetooth and IR remote controls.
We can’t wait to get our hands on these speakers! If they sound anything like the passive Alpha models (which we love!), then we may have some real gems here.
The Alpha AM3 and Alpha AM5 are available immediately via psbspeakers.com and are offered in a choice of Black or White colors.
The following press release is provided courtesy of PSB Speakers:
PSB Brings Decades of Speaker Expertise to Compact Powered Speakers
Two Affordable Active Monitors, Alpha AM3 and Alpha AM5, Built on Success of Highly Acclaimed Alpha Series
PICKERING, ONTARIO, CANADA OCTOBER 14, 2020 -– PSB Speakers, long renowned for excellence in loudspeaker design, announced the immediate availability of two new affordable compact, powered speakers, the Alpha AM3 and Alpha AM5. The new models are founded on PSB’s almost 50 years of critically acclaimed speaker design expertise and the award-winning Alpha P3 and P5 introduced last year. The Alpha AM3 ($399/pr U.S. MSRP) and Alpha AM5 ($599/pr) are offered in a choice of Matte White or Matte Black finish.
Versatile Design
The Alpha AM3 and AM5 active monitors are effortless to setup and use and can serve as the foundation of a compact, home entertainment system. There’s no amplifier to hook up or apps to download. Stream and listen to your favorite music with aptX™ Bluetooth from your mobile devices – simply pair and play. Connect to your computer or TV for room-filling, crystal clear, natural sound. Both models even feature several sound modes allowing you to accentuate dialog, soundstage and more. Vinyl lovers will appreciate the dedicated RCA phono input. Where desired, use the sub output to add a subwoofer for even deeper bass. The flexible design of these Alpha active monitors makes them perfectly suited for desktop, bookshelf or stand-mount placement.
Matched Components / Unmatched Performance
Leveraging amplification expertise from our sister brands provided the PSB design team the considerable advantage of designing a speaker for a known amplifier. Add the power of DSP and suddenly the frequency response, bass extension and total output are optimized to a remarkable level of performance for such compact speakers. Where desired, it is easy to utilize the sub output to add a subwoofer, for even deeper bass. Exceptionally few powered speakers share intellectual resources of this magnitude, making the Alpha AM5 and Alpha AM3 standouts in the crowd of powered speakers.
With similar designs, the differences between the Alpha AM5 and AM3 can primarily be found in the size of the cabinet, the amount of amplifier power and the size of the woofer. Using PSB’s proprietary Alpha drivers, the AM5 features a 5.25” woofer with textured polypropylene cone and a 50W x 2 amplifier. The AM3 utilizes a 4” woofer and a 35W x 2 amp. Both utilize a ¾” aluminum dome tweeter with Neodymium magnet and feature acoustically-transparent detachable magnetic grilles.
“Beyond the Alpha AM’s compact size, affordability and versatility of application is a sonic performance that clearly lives up to the PSB heritage, commented Joe de Jesus, Lenbrook’s Product Manager for PSB Speakers. “Like all PSB speakers, final voicing was performed by Founder and Chief Designer, Paul Barton, at Canada’s famed National Research Council.”
Key Features of the Alpha AM3 and Alpha AM5:
Qualcomm® aptX™ Bluetooth
Dedicated RCA Phono Input
3.5 mm Analog Input
Optical Input
USB DAC
USB Power Jack
IR Remote Control
Subwoofer OutputAbout PSB Speakers
Since 1972, Founder and Chief Designer, Paul Barton, has been cementing his legacy as an expert in designing and building high-fidelity speakers that incorporate scientific principles in psychoacoustics. Almost 50 years later and now a strategic part of Lenbrook International’s global portfolio, PSB Speakers’ products are sold in more than 70 markets where the brand sets the standard for “True to Nature” sound and is critically acclaimed for its value-driven and non-fatiguing speaker design. With an expansive suite of products that include audiophile speakers, ANC headphones, powerful and musical subwoofers, and a family of installed speaker solutions, PSB Speakers is designed and built to bring life to recorded music at world class levels.
I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My thirst for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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