Powered & Wireless Alphas
PSB Speakers just introduced active (powered) versions of their award-winning Alpha P3 and P5 (passive) bookshelf speakers, long revered as affordable audiophile speakers. The new Alpha AM3 and Alpha AM5 powered speakers combine the same drivers as the Alpha P3 and P5, with built-in 35-watt and 50-watt Class D amps, respectively. Plus, both new speakers are Bluetooth wireless enabled for streaming music with support for aptX. Simply pair and play, or used the wired inputs to connect to a stereo, TV or computer.
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” aluminium dome tweeter with Neodymium magnet and feature acoustically transparent detachable magnetic grilles. Although hard to tell from the photos, the Alpha AM5 is about 3-inches taller and deeper than the AM3.
Versatile Setup
The Alpha AM3 and AM5 active bookshelf speakers are effortless to set up and use and can serve as the foundation of a home entertainment system or be used as PC speakers. There’s no amplifier to hook up or apps to download. Connect to a computer or TV for room-filling, or stream wirelessly. Both models even feature several sound modes allowing listeners to accentuate dialogue, 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.
Performance
PSB claims the Alpha AM3 and AM5 should standout from a crowded market of powered speakers, because they’ve been able to optimize amplification performance with digital signal processing (DSP). Not to mention, they got to apply what was already achieved with the Alpha P3 and P5 speakers. Therefore, the company believes the frequency response, bass extension and total output reveal a remarkable level of performance for such compact speakers.
“Beyond the Alpha AM’s compact size, affordability and versatility of application is a sonic performance that clearly lives up to the PSB heritage. Like all PSB speakers, final voicing was performed by founder and Chief Designer Paul Barton at Canada’s famed National Research Council.”
Joe de Jesus, Lenbrook’s Product Manager for PSB Speakers
Key Features
- Qualcomm® aptX™ Bluetooth
- Dedicated RCA phono input
- 3.5mm analogue input
- Optical input
- USB DAC
- USB power jack
- IR remote control
- Subwoofer output
Comparison
| Alpha AM3 | Alpha AM5 | |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-20Khz | 55Hz-20Khz |
| On Axis @ 0° ± 3dB | ||
| LF Cutoff -10dB | 40Hz | 36Hz |
| RMS Power | 35 watts x 2 | 50 watts x 2 |
| Tweeter | 3/4” (19mm) Aluminium Dome with Ferrofluid and Neodymium Magnet | |
| Woofer | 4” (100mm) | 5.25” (133mm) |
| Cone Rubber Surround Steel Basket | ||
| SIZE (W x H x D) | 5 1/8” x 8 5/8” x 6 7/8” (130 x 220 x 174mm) | 6 3/4” x 11 2/5” x 9 1/2” (170 x 290 x 240mm) |
| Net Weight | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) /pair | 21.5 lbs (9.75 kg) /pair |
Price & Availability
Both new powered speakers are available now in either Matte White or Matte Black finish at the following prices:
- PSB Alpha AM3 – $499/pr at Amazon
- PSB Alpha AM5 – $599/pr at Amazon
Competition
- Klipsch The Fives – $799
- Audioengine A5+ – $499
Learn more
- See more wireless speakers reviews and news
- See more PC speakers reviews and news
