In this review, we will be comparing Genelec G Three and Alpha iQ, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Genelec 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 Genelec G Three and PSB Alpha iQ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Genelec G Three Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Dome Tweeter
- 5.1" Cone Woofer
- 54-20k Hz Frequency Response
- N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 299.0" x 7.4" x 7"( 299 x 189 x 178 mm )
PSB Alpha iQ Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 180-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Polypropylene Woofer
- 64-20kHz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- App Control Feature
- Weight:7.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 246.0" x 5.6" x 7.6"( 246 x 145 x 92mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Genelec G Three and PSB Alpha iQ 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 Genelec G Three and Alpha iQ are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Genelec G Three |
PSB Alpha iQ |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.1-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Genelec G Three features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.1" Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the Alpha iQ features a 0.75" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Genelec G Three has a frequency range of 54-20k Hz whereas Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the Genelec G Three can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha iQ's min frequency of 64Hz.
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
Both Genelec G Three and Alpha iQ have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Genelec G Three's and PSB Alpha iQ's external dimensions. Genelec G Three has external dimensions of 299 x 189 x 178 mm ( 11.8 x 7.4 x 7) whereas PSB Alpha iQ has external dimensions of 246 x 145 x 92mm ( 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch ) .
PSB Alpha iQ is 44mm narrower and 53mm shorter than Genelec G Three but it is also 14mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Genelec G Three and PSB Alpha iQ in scale.
Comparison image of Genelec G Three and PSB Alpha iQ 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 Genelec G Three is approximately 336.4cm2 / 52.1inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2. The Genelec G Three requires 21% more surface area than the Alpha iQ which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Genelec G Three and PSB Alpha iQ on a Media Console
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 Genelec G Three weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the PSB Alpha iQ weighs 7.36kg / 16.2lbs. This makes the Alpha iQ 47% heavier than the Genelec G Three.
Here is a comparison of how Genelec G Three and Alpha iQ's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Genelec G Three?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Genelec G Three:
Genelec G Three 2-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker (Polar White, Single)Iso-Pod Stand5.9-feet Power Cable
 Woofer Size |
5.1 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
54 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1390USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 XLR Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via XLR input |
 App-Based Control |
Apple iOS, Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
246mm
vs
299mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
278cm2
vs
336cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 USB Port |
USB-A (connect a thumb drive for music playback)
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
 Digital Input |
Optical, HDMI
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
 HDMI Input |
eARC
vs
No
|
Connect HDMI sources directly |
 Headphone Output |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your headphone |
| General |
Genelec G Three |
PSB Alpha iQ |
| Brand |
Genelec |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
54-20k Hz |
64-20kHz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
180-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
N/A |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
N/A |
192 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.1" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cone |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
299.0mm (11.8") |
246.0mm (9.7") |
| Width |
189.0mm (7.4") |
145.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
178.0mm (7") |
192.0mm (7.6") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
7.36kg (16.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Aluminum |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
White,Black,Raw(Aluminum) |
Matte Black,Matte White,Tangerine Yellow,Midnight Blue |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
RCA,XLR |
3.5mm |
| USB Port |
No |
USB-A (connect a thumb drive for music playback) |
| Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
n/a |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
No |
Optical, HDMI |
| HDMI Input |
No |
eARC |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
Yes |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
1 year |