PS Audio has introduced a new entry into its Aspen series speaker line, the FR5.
Unlike the floor-standing FR10, FR20, and FR30 models, the FR5 is a compact stand-mounted speaker that is designed to deliver superior audio quality in a compact design that may be more suitable for small and medium-sized rooms.
What The FR5 Offers
The FR5 measures 14.5 inches high by 8 inches wide by 13 inches deep (28.25 inches high with optional stands). The drivers in the FR5 are purpose-designed and tuned for optimum performance in a two-way stand-mount configuration.
The Tweeter
The 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter is the same unit used in all aspen Series loudspeakers. It has a symmetrical push-pull design with a high-strength magnet and a diaphragm made from Teonex film, a material that provides exceptional clarity, transient response, and resolution.
Midrange/Woofer
The aspen FR5 features a newly-designed 6.5-inch cast frame midrange/woofer made from Curv woven polypropylene, a material that is drawn into thin monofilaments and woven and reinforced using a proprietary process. The high-excursion driver employs a split-gap magnet structure with dual Faraday rings and a custom suspension.
Passive Radiator
For additional support, the FR5 includes a rear-firing 6 by 9-inch passive radiator. This extends low-frequency extension down to 30 Hz.
Tech Note: The FR5 drivers are mounted on a thermoset resin front baffle that adds rigidity and minimizes diffraction effects.
Enclosure
PS Audio’s aspen FR5 utilizes a new enclosure technology, with viscoelastic damping sheets between the bracing and cabinet side walls, and around the woofer. This minimizes unwanted enclosure vibrations and contributes to the FR5’s imaging and soundstage capabilities.
Crossover
The crossover uses air-core inductors, metalized poly capacitors, and wire wound resistors to ensure maximum sonic purity and seamless driver integration.
Additional Design Notes
The FR5’s minimal, but elegant design is complemented by its optional matching stand, which has an integrated wire management system and can be mass-loaded. The FR5 comes with magnetically detachable grilles.
From Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO: “The FR5 was designed to bring the same level of uncompromising sound quality as all aspen Series speakers into any listening environment, and is ideal for living spaces where floorstanding speakers can’t be used. Although it’s small, the FR5 delivers powerful and dynamic sound with extended bass, and will play surprisingly loud even in larger rooms.”
Comparison
| FR5 | FR10 | FR20 | FR30 | |
| MSRP (pair) | $3,499 | $9,999 | $18,999 | $29,999 |
| Speaker Type | 2-way Stand-mount | 3-way Floorstanding | 3-way Floorstanding | 3-way Floorstanding |
| Color Options | Satin White Satin Black | Satin White Satin Black | Satin White Satin Black | Satin White Satin Black |
| Enclosure Type | Sealed Passive Radiator (1) 6×9″ oval rear-firing | Sealed Passive radiator (3) 6×9” oval rear-firing | Sealed Passive radiator (2) 10” side-firing passive radiators | Sealed Two-piece Sealed upper cabinet mid-tweeter module Passive radiator lower cabinet (4) 10” side-firing passive radiators |
| High-Frequency Transducer | 1 x 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm | 1 x 2.5” planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm | 1 x 2.5” planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm | 2 x 2.5” planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm |
| Midrange Transducer | 1 x 6.5” cast-frame, Curv woven polypropylene, split-gap magnet structure with dual copper Faraday rings | 1 x 8” planar magnetic with Teonex diaphragm | 1 x 10” planar magnetic with Teonex diaphragm | 1 x 10” planar magnetic with Teonex diaphragm |
| Low-Frequency Transducer | – | 2 x 6.5” woofers, cast frame, non-woven carbon fiber PMI foam sandwich cone, advanced magnet structure | 2 x 8” woofers, cast frame, carbon fiber Rohacell sandwich cone, 12 lbs advanced magnet structure | 4 x 8” woofers, cast frame, aluminum cone, 12 lbs advanced magnet structure |
| Crossover Frequency | 1,750 Hz | 550 Hz, 1,750 Hz – Linkwitz-Riley 4th order acoustic | 400 Hz, 2500 Hz – Linkwitz-Riley 4th order acoustic | 00 Hz, 2500 Hz – Linkwitz-Riley 4th order acoustic |
| Sensitivity (2.83v @ 1m) | 83.5 dB | 86.5 dB | 87 dB | 88 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 6 ohms (5.6 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms (3.3 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms (3.5 ohms minimum) | 4 ohms (3.6 ohms minimum) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 50-150 watts | 50-125 watts | 50-300 watts | 100-600 watts |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz-20kHz (-6dB) half-space; 30Hz (-6 dB) in-room | 32Hz-20kHz (-6dB) half space; 25Hz (-6 dB) in-room | 23Hz-20kHz (-6dB) half space; 20 Hz (-6dB) in-room | 28Hz-20kHz (-6dB) |
| Dimensions | 14.5″ x 8″ x 13″ (speaker only), optional stand, 28.25 x 11.75 x 14 inches | 41.5” x 11.75” x 16.25” with base (8” width not including base) | 50.5” x 16” x 18.75″ | 60.5” x 16” x 25.75” with base (10” width not including base) |
| Weight | 26.6 lbs. (12.1 kg) stand, 13.7 lbs. (6.2 kg) | 75 lbs (34.1 kg) | 133 lbs (60.3 kg) | 230 lbs (104.5 kg) |
PS Audio Designer’s Intro
Initial Impressions
The time for the release of the PS Audio aspen FR5 is interesting as it follows the recent release of the Monitor Audio Studio 89. The Studio 89 is priced almost $1,000 less per pair, but packs in a lot of tech and design elements that could be stiff competition for the FR5.
In addition, there are other strong contenders including the Focal Aria Evo X No.1, DALI RUBIKORE 2, or KEF R3 Meta.
Price & Availability
The Aspen FR5 will be available in August 2024 at a suggested retail price of $3,499 USD per pair from PS Audio or Authorized Dealers.
Tip: The optional stands will be available at $500 USD per pair also from PS Audio and authorized dealers.
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