We have been waiting patiently for the new PSB Alpha iQ Loudspeakers for almost 9 months. We were very honored to participate in the global launch of the PSB Synchrony Series as the hosts of the YouTube premiere and EIC Ian White has been using the PSB Alpha P5 almost 2 years. The powered version of the Alpha P5 offer a different approach to setting up a desktop or bookshelf system and there is a lot of technology under the hood.
PSB has announced the addition of Alpha iQ powered speakers to their product line-up, promising to provide PSB’s “True to Nature Sound” in a compact system with lots of connectivity and music listening options supported by BluOS control and multi-room streaming flexibility.
PSB Alpha iQ Overview
The PSB Alpha iQ system consists of two powered speakers. One speaker serves as the primary with all of the needed connectivity and features, while the other speaker serves as the secondary. Audio signals are transferred from the primary to the secondary speaker wirelessly.
Tip: Both speakers house the needed amplifiers, so there is no need to connect the speakers to an additional amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver. However, both speakers need to be connected to AC power.
BluOS: This feature provides both wireless app smartphone control as well as wireless streaming support and the ability to integrate the Alpha iQ into a BluOS wireless multi-room music setup.
Tip: BluOS allows wireless music/audio sharing with up to 63 other compatible wireless speakers and players.
DAC: 24-bit/192kHz support as well as full MQA decoding capability.
HDMI-eARC Support: You can use the Alpha iQ system in place of a soundbar for listening to audio from compatible TVs. Both eARC and ARC audio capabilities are supported.
Phono Input: A traditional MM (Moving Magnet) Phono input is provided.
USB Input: This allows the ability to play music files from a connected USB flash drive.
Subwoofer Output: A dedicated subwoofer output allows connection to an external powered subwoofer for an even deeper bass experience. DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters are provided.
Set-Up
Setting up and using Alpha iQ Powered Speakers is easy.
- Plug the speakers into power outlets.
- Connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet, or PC and play music from streaming or other wireless sources.
- Connect and play music and other audio content from any compatible physical (turntable, CD player, etc…).
Streaming Support
BluOS: You can play music from supported streaming services such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, and Internet Radio stations using the BluOS controller app. You can also share music through as many as 63 additional BluOS-enabled components.
TIDAL/MQA: MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal.
Apple AirPlay 2 support for streaming from iPhones, iPads, and Macs
Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect.
Bluetooth: The Alpha iQ system has built-in two-way Bluetooth, with aptX-HD codec support for wireless streaming from any mobile device. You can also use Bluetooth to transmit audio to compatible headphones and playback devices.
PSB Alpha iQ Specifications
Speaker Type: (2) Powered Speakers with Rear ports (Two-way Bass Reflex Design)
Tweeter (each speaker): 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
Woofer (each speaker): 4-inch polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround
Tip: The Alpha iQ employs a DSP-based active crossover. The tweeter is placed below the woofer. This provides greater flexibility in listener position because the blend between the woofer and the tweeter remains consistent whether one is sitting or standing.
Amplifier Type: Class D
Amplifier Power (each speaker): 60 watts (Woofer), 30 watts (Tweeter) tweeter
Wired Connectivity: MM (moving magnet) phono, HDMI eARC, digital optical, 3.5 mm auxiliary, and USB inputs. Subwoofer preamp output.
Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi for connection to a home network.
Tip: Wired Ethernet connection option is also provided.
Frequency Response: 64Hz to 20kHZ (+/- 3dB On Axis)
Low-Frequency Cutoff: 35Hz (-10db)
Control
BluOS Control App: (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Kindle.
IR Learning: Select Universal remotes.
Control System Compatibility: Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC
Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri
Onboard Control: Touch controls on the top of the primary speaker allow users to change the volume, pause and resume playback.
Note: The official PSB Alpha IQ page includes a Roon Ready reference, but there is no mention in the official datasheet or any other description of this product.
Cosmetics
- Construction: MDF (Cabinet), MDF on Aluminum (Front Baffle), Aluminum (Rear Baffle)
- Dimensions (WHD for Each Speaker): 5 11/16 x 9 11/16 x 7 ⅝-inches (145 x 246 x 192mm)
- Weight: 7.36kg/16.2lbs (pair)
- Finishes (Matte): Black, White
Availability and Pricing
The PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS will be available December 2022 in the U.S. for $1,499 at Crutchfield and Amazon, as well as in Canada for $2,199 at Amazon.ca.
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Mike Cornell
September 21, 2022 at 12:41 am
Surprised it’s a little pricier (though not by much) than KEF’s LSX ii. A comparison would be interesting!
Ian White
September 21, 2022 at 12:55 am
Mike,
I already have the LSX II and that comparison will happen.
Ian White
ORT
September 21, 2022 at 1:38 am
Lost me at “Tidal” and “MQA”. FTN.
Not a fan of “BluOS” but if others are, fine. But NOT, NEVER, EVER, NO FRICKEN WAY will I ever pay for Tidal-bowl and MQA.
They could give it away and I would give it back. FTN.
ORT
Mike Cornell
September 21, 2022 at 3:04 am
Looking forward to it, Ian!