In this review, we will be comparing Genelec G Two 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 Two and PSB Alpha iQ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Genelec G Two Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Dome Tweeter
- 4.1" Cone Woofer
- 62-20k Hz Frequency Response
- N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
- Weight:3.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 242.0" x 5.9" x 5.6"( 242 x 151 x 142 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 Two 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 Two and Alpha iQ are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Genelec G Two |
PSB Alpha iQ |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.1-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Genelec G Two features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.1" 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 Two has a frequency range of 62-20k Hz whereas Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the Genelec G Two can go slightly deeper then 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 Two 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 Two's and PSB Alpha iQ's external dimensions. Genelec G Two has external dimensions of 242 x 151 x 142 mm ( 9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6) whereas PSB Alpha iQ has external dimensions of 246 x 145 x 92mm ( 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch ) .
Genelec G Two is 4mm shorter and 50mm less deeper than PSB Alpha iQ but it is also 6mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Genelec G Two and PSB Alpha iQ in scale.
Comparison image of Genelec G Two 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 Two is approximately 214.4cm2 / 33.2inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2. The Genelec G Two requires 23% less surface area than the Alpha iQ which gives it a small advantage 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 Two 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 Two weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs and the PSB Alpha iQ weighs 7.36kg / 16.2lbs. This makes the Alpha iQ 130% heavier than the Genelec G Two.
Here is a comparison of how Genelec G Two 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 Two?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Genelec G Two:
Genelec G Two 2-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker (Polar White, Single)Iso-Pod Stand5.9-feet Power Cable
 Woofer Size |
4.1 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
62 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
242mm
vs
246mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
214cm2
vs
278cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1050USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 App-Based Control |
Apple iOS, Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 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 Two |
PSB Alpha iQ |
| Brand |
Genelec |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
62-20k 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 |
4.1" |
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 |
242.0mm (9.5") |
246.0mm (9.7") |
| Width |
151.0mm (5.9") |
145.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
142.0mm (5.6") |
192.0mm (7.6") |
| Weight |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
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 |
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 |