PSB Speakers Revamp of Alpha Series Best Yet?

PSB Speakers launched an all-new range of their Alpha series of speakers at 2019 CES Expo show last month. Like their predecessors, the newest iteration of the Alpha line deliver a remarkable value to performance ratio. The new lineup will consist of four models in all: 2 compact monitors P3 and P5, a center channel C10, and a tower model T20.

PSB introduced its first Alpha speaker range in 1991 with a clear purpose: create an affordable speaker that is focused on performance first. By leveraging the research conducted at the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) over many years by PSB’s founder Paul Barton, these early Alphas went on to win many awards. By popular request, PSB has now revisited its Alpha offerings with four models that are “clean sheet” designs, while maintaining Paul Barton’s original intent. Today’s Alphas benefit greatly from improved materials and production techniques, not to mention an additional 30 years of experience.

The PSB Alpha speakers were among the most popular speakers we have ever made so we have had constant requests from the market to design an updated and improved range. The original Alphas were quite good for the time, so this was a tall order. However, by leveraging new materials and design techniques as well as advanced manufacturing capability, these Alpha models are a substantial improvement over the original ones with respect to looks, performance and value.

- Paul Barton, founder and Chief Designer of PSB

Improved Drivers and Materials

For the new Alphas, PSB developed two new woofers; a 4 1/2” and 5 1/4” both employing dual layer voice coils with powerful magnet structures to provide low distortion and high output levels. The cones are made from a special textured polypropylene compound that prevents cone breakup and extends frequency response for a smooth integration with our tweeter.

A new 3/4” tweeter was designed and is used in all four models. The tweeter is ferrofluid cooled and features a Neodymium magnet for high sensitivity and power handling. A wave guide on the front of the tweeter helps match the response of the tweeter near the crossover point with the woofer for a seamless transition. Of note, the tweeter is placed below the woofer on some models.  When asked, PSB told us that this layout helped provide a uniform sound field whether the listener is seated or standing.

      

The P3 and P5 are classic two-way bookshelf designs that are both compact and versatile.

Both speakers use the newly developed 3/4" aluminum dome tweeter and feature a custom 4.5” woofer for the P3 and a 5 1/2" woofer for the P5.

The T20 tower adds an additional woofer in a larger floorstanding cabinet yet occupies a small footprint.

A complex fourth-order Acoustic Linkwitz-Riley filter design is used for the crossover which should keep distortion very low even at high sound pressure levels. A crossover this sophisticated is unusual for speakers in these affordable price points.

PSB even re-engineered the cabinets of the new Alpha series of speakers. Each model has a unique combination of wall thickness and bracing to help control resonances for the drive units. Notably, the internal damping material was developed over many years on much more expensive PSB models.

The C10 center channel speaker

High quality precision machined cabinets in simulated Black Ash and Walnut finishes combine with magnetically attached grilles and give the speaker a nicely finished look that should fit into any decor. The $199/pr P3, $349/pr P5, $299 each C10, and $599/pr T20 are all currently shipping. If PSB took their insight from their $7,500 T3 tower speaker and applied that technology to this lineup you really are getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.