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.
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.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Audioengine A1-MR weighs 1.10kg / 2.4lbs and the PSB Alpha AM3 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs. This makes the Alpha AM3 309% heavier than the A1-MR.
Here is a comparison of how A1-MR and Alpha AM3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Audioengine A1-MR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A1-MR:
Wireless powered left speakerPassive right speaker6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Length of 18 gauge speaker wire6.5-feet Stereo minijack-to-RCA cable6-feet Stereo minijack cableQuick Start GuideAudioengine product brochure
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM3?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha AM3:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 2 Grilles AC power adapter (attached 45-inch DC cord) 4-feet AC power cord Remote control (PSR-1) 2 AAA batteries 8-feet Speaker cable 58-inch Stereo minijack cable 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Connection Diagram Warranty Card
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
App-Based Control |
iOS, Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
Height |
158mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
192cm2 (106x181mm)
vs
272cm2 (131x206mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Subwoofer Output |
Wired
vs
No
|
Pair your speakers with external subwoofer |
Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
2.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
USB Port |
microUSB
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
Digital Input |
Optical
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
General |
Audioengine A1-MR |
PSB Alpha AM3 |
Brand |
Audioengine |
PSB |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
65-22k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
30-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
16-bit |
24-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
48 kHz |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
2.75" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Aramid Fiber |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.75" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
158.8mm (6.3") |
220.7mm (8.7") |
Width |
106.4mm (4.2") |
131.8mm (5.2") |
Depth |
181.0mm (7.1") |
206.4mm (8.1") |
Weight |
1.10kg (2.4lbs) |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
n/a |
Matte Black, Matte White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
3.5mm |
3.5mm |
USB Port |
No |
microUSB |
Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
No |
Digital Input |
No |
Optical |
HDMI Input |
No |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |