In this review, we will be comparing Alpha S8 and Alpha S10, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by PSB. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of PSB Alpha S8 and PSB Alpha S10 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha S8 and PSB Alpha S10 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both PSB Alpha S8and PSB Alpha S10 have a single woofer setup however the PSB Alpha S8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the PSB Alpha S10 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Alpha S8 has a frequency range of 35-150 Hz whereas Alpha S10 has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Alpha S10 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha S8's min frequency of 35Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
Both PSB Alpha S8 and PSB Alpha S10 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare PSB Alpha S8's and PSB Alpha S10's external dimensions. PSB Alpha S8 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 16-1/4inch) whereas PSB Alpha S10 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 358.0 x 472.0mm ( 14-1/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-9/16inch) .
PSB Alpha S10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 65mm wider, 40mm taller and 59mm deeper than PSB Alpha S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha S8 and PSB Alpha S10 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha S8 and PSB Alpha S10 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the PSB Alpha S8 is approximately 1210.1cm2 / 187.6inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha S10 is approximately 1689.8cm2 / 261.9inch2. The Alpha S8 requires 28% less surface area than the Alpha S10 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The PSB Alpha S8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs and the PSB Alpha S10 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the Alpha S10 43% heavier than the Alpha S8.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha S8 and Alpha S10's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha S8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha S8:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha S10?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha S10:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
318mm
vs
358mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1210cm2
vs
1689cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
PSB Alpha S8 |
PSB Alpha S10 |
| Brand |
PSB |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-150 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
318.0mm (12.5") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
413.0mm (16.3") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |