PSB Alpha iQ Review: Streaming Simplicity, Massive Sound!

Does the PSB Alpha iQ speaker system actually mix streaming ease with huge, room-filling sound? Find out in our full overview and see if it’s the proper all-in-one system for you.

Introduction

The PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS ($1299) reimagine the enduring but inexpensive Alpha speaker collection (which I’ve reviewed completely on this web site), reworking it right into a wi-fi, streaming-powered system. It boasts premium audio parts, integration with the BluOS multi-room platform, and maintains the “True to Nature” sound that PSB is understood for.

Background and Context

The PSB Alpha iQ represents an evolution of the basic Alpha collection, retaining a compact bookshelf design. Unlike the earlier PSB AM5 Powered Bookshelf Speakers we reviewed beforehand, every speaker has its personal amplification and connects to one another wirelessly.

It faces competitors from powered speaker programs just like the KEF LS50 Wireless II and the KEF LSXII. This system appeals notably to music lovers searching for a minimalist but high-quality setup, those that use the BluOS multi-room platform, and anybody wanting the comfort of streaming with out compromising audio high quality.

PSB Alpha iQ Review: Upgrades / Improvements

As acknowledged earlier than, probably the most vital improve to the Alpha iQ vs. PSB’s earlier powered speaker efforts is the transformation into an all-in-one energetic speaker system with built-in Wi-Fi streaming, essentially altering the Alpha expertise.

Wireless connectivity eliminates the necessity for a wire between the audio system and gives larger placement flexibility. However, every speaker should be plugged into {an electrical} outlet, which should be thought of throughout setup. PSB claims their wi-fi hyperlink can cowl any room in an average-size dwelling with out delays or latency, and I’ve to say it labored remarkably nicely in my 15′ x 20′ front room with the audio system spaced about 9 ft aside.

Additionally, the combination of the highly effective BluOS system (the identical streaming platform utilized by one in all our favourite music streamers, the Bluesound Node) permits entry to varied streaming providers and multi-room audio setups. Finally, the DSP fine-tunes audio efficiency, enhancing dynamics and scale, whereas the rear-firing ports additional deepen the bass response.

PSB Alpha iQ Review: Design and Features

The PSB Alpha iQ has a compact bookshelf speaker design, obtainable in a number of colours with a clear aesthetic and easy contact controls on the highest. There’s no IR distant, however you’ll be able to management the audio system through apps in your transportable gadget. The speaker cupboards appear fairly sturdy and inert, with a fast rap check on the facet eliciting nothing however a quick thunk.

Each smooth enclosure homes a 4″ mid-bass driver and a 0.75″ dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet. Like the remainder of the Alpha line, the tweeter is positioned beneath the woofer for a constant sound no matter your listening place.

The major speaker (the one which first handles the audio sign) has a built-in MM phono preamp and RCA jacks for connecting a turntable, an HDMI ARC port for enhanced sound with TV and films, an optical enter for a disc participant or sport console, and a 3.5mm auxiliary enter for analog sources. For added flexibility, there’s a subwoofer output.

Additionally, Alpha iQ helps Bluetooth connectivity with the aptX-HD codec for fast Wi-Fi-free connections. The BluOS app can even play music information from an exterior drive related to the Alpha iQ’s USB port.

Four highly effective amplifiers ship 180W of whole energy (60W per woofer and 30W per tweeter) for room-filling sound. The intuitive BluOS Controller app facilitates setup and manages your music sources, streaming, and multi-room configurations.

The integral BluOS community streamer presents entry to over 20 streaming providers, together with Amazon Music, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz, and Tidal. It can also be appropriate with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, permitting you to simply stream audio from varied gadgets and switch playback to the Alpha iQ.

Standout options embrace MQA decoding for high-resolution streaming through TIDAL Masters, and Roon help can also be obtainable for hardcore audiophiles.

The field contains: 2 Powered audio system – Two 6.5′ AC energy cords – 5′ Ethernet cable – 59″ Stereo minijack cable – 4 Self-adhesive rubber ft – Quick Setup Guide.

PSB Alpha iQ Review: Performance and Sound Quality

I performed music from my Tidal “Test Tracks” playlist for my sound checks, utilizing each Tidal Connect from my Samsung Phone and Apple AirPlay 2 from my iPhone. With each, the connection was fast and steady, and the playback began virtually instantaneously when initiated from the Tidal app.

Regarding sound high quality, the PSB Alpha iQ reveals a balanced, barely heat tilted sound signature with a give attention to midrange readability and dynamics, carrying on the PSB custom. The bass is tight, the midrange is easy, and the treble is well-extended. Despite the compact dimension, the soundstage is surprisingly large, with good instrument separation.

The bass can also be remarkably deep and scale amazingly large for such a small enclosure, one thing I didn’t count on earlier than my audition. These little audio system will fill a smaller room similar to a pair of small floorstanders, which is loopy if you have a look at the minuscule woofers they make use of. The thump these audio system produce is clear and articulate.

The thunderous dynamics and room-filling sound come from the spectacular DSP used within the system, and I have to say it’s probably the most skillfully employed variations I’ve heard in a pair of energetic audio system.

That means this method excels with varied music genres and might even be used to enhance the sound of your TV or laptop audio. The DSP calibration additionally helps with placement flexibility because the sound is so huge.

This additionally means the music sounds only a bit artificial generally, particularly with instrumental and vocal jazz stuff. Compared to the passive Alpha audio system, I discovered the midbass to be just a bit bit too fats on sure songs, making some drums and male vocals sound slightly tubby.

However, total, I discovered the sound fairly easy and pleasurable; there’s no hardness in anyway, and so they can play absolutely anything and sound good. On the opposite hand, if you happen to’re in search of an analytical, hyper-realistic sounding system, the Alpha iQ in all probability gained’t be for you.

Additional Thoughts

The PSB Alpha iQ presents many strengths: easy streaming setup, spectacular sound high quality for the scale, and the potential of the BluOS ecosystem. While it could not sound as pure because the passive Alpha audio system related to a superb built-in amplifier, the general efficiency is spectacular. The system is on the pricier finish of the spectrum for what it’s, however the mixture of options and PSB’s give attention to huge room-filling sound justifies the associated fee.

Conclusion

The PSB Alpha iQ succeeds in modernizing a basic speaker design. It presents a compelling bundle for these searching for a hassle-free wi-fi system with very good sound and streaming capabilities. It’s strongly beneficial for people who use the BluOS ecosystem or want a strong but compact all-in-one speaker with some give attention to audio accuracy.

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March 3, 2024 at 12:00AM