In this review, we will be comparing A1-MR and Alpha AM3, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Audioengine and PSB. Being Powered speakers, 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 Audioengine A1-MR and PSB Alpha AM3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Audioengine A1-MR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 16-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:1.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 158.8" x 4.1875" x 7.125"( 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm )
PSB Alpha AM3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 70-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Polypropylene Woofer
- 56-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:4.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 220.7" x 5.1875" x 8.125"( 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Audioengine A1-MR and PSB Alpha AM3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both A1-MR and Alpha AM3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Audioengine A1-MR |
PSB Alpha AM3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 2.75-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
A1-MR features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Alpha AM3 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
A1-MR has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz whereas Alpha AM3 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the Alpha AM3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A1-MR's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
A1-MR has a front firing port whereas Alpha AM3 has a rear firing ports. Audioengine A1-MR's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to PSB Alpha AM3 with its rear-firing port.
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 Audioengine A1-MR's and PSB Alpha AM3's external dimensions. Audioengine A1-MR has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm ( 6.25 x 4.1875 x 7.125inch) whereas PSB Alpha AM3 has external dimensions of 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm ( 8.6875 x 5.1875 x 8.125inch) .
PSB Alpha AM3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25.4mm wider, 61.9mm taller and 25.4mm deeper than Audioengine A1-MR.
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 Audioengine A1-MR is approximately 192.6cm2 / 29.9inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha AM3 is approximately 272.0cm2 / 42.2inch2. The A1-MR requires 29% less surface area than the Alpha AM3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.