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PSB Alpha AM3 vs Kanto YU4 Comparison

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PSB Alpha AM3

Powered Bookshelf | 56-20k Hz

PSB Alpha AM3
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Kanto YU4

Powered Bookshelf | 60-20k Hz

Kanto YU4
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PSB Alpha AM3 PSB Alpha AM3
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Kanto YU4 Kanto YU4
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PSB Alpha AM3
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Kanto YU4
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PSB Alpha AM3 vs Kanto YU4 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Alpha AM3 and YU4, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Kanto. 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 PSB Alpha AM3 and Kanto YU4 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

Kanto YU4 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Kevlar Woofer
  • 60-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:2.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 220.0" x 5.5" x 7.5"( 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha AM3 and Kanto YU4 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both Alpha AM3 and YU4 are 2-way speakers.

Driver PSB Alpha AM3 Kanto YU4
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 4-inch 1 x 4-inch

Alpha AM3 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the YU4 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Kevlar Woofer .

Frequency Response

Alpha AM3 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz whereas YU4 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the Alpha AM3 can go slightly deeper then the YU4's min frequency of 60Hz.

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

Alpha AM3
YU4
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

PSB Alpha AM3
Kanto YU4
Min
Average
Max

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 Alpha AM3 and YU4 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 PSB Alpha AM3's and Kanto YU4's external dimensions. PSB Alpha AM3 has external dimensions of 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm ( 8.6875 x 5.1875 x 8.125inch) whereas Kanto YU4 has external dimensions of 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm ( 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) .

Kanto YU4 is 0.69999999999999mm shorter and 16.4mm less deeper than PSB Alpha AM3 but it is also 8.2mm wider.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha AM3 and Kanto YU4 in scale.

PSB Alpha AM3 vs Kanto YU4 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of PSB Alpha AM3 and Kanto YU4 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 AM3 is approximately 272.0cm2 / 42.2inch2 and base area of the Kanto YU4 is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2. The Alpha AM3 requires 2% more surface area than the YU4 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:

PSB Alpha AM3 vs Kanto YU4 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of PSB Alpha AM3 and Kanto YU4 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 PSB Alpha AM3 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs and the Kanto YU4 weighs 2.50kg / 5.5lbs. This makes the Alpha AM3 80% heavier than the YU4.

Here is a comparison of how Alpha AM3 and YU4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Alpha AM3
Kanto YU4
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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
  • What's in the Box of Kanto YU4?

    Here are the items that come with the YU4:
  • Remote with Batteries
  • Power Cord
  • Speaker Wire (16′)
  • 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5′)
  • 8 x Rubber Feet
  • Manual

  • Reasons to choose PSB Alpha AM3 over Kanto YU4
    Low Frequency Response 56 Hz vs 60 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Price per pair* 449USD vs 450USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    USB Port microUSB vs No USB port adds flexibility

    Reasons to choose Kanto YU4 over PSB Alpha AM3

    Height 220mm vs 220mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 266cm2 vs 272cm2 Takes less floor space
    USB Port Charge only vs No USB port adds flexibility
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Subwoofer Output Wired vs No Pair your speakers with external subwoofer
    PSB Alpha AM3 vs Kanto YU4 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General PSB Alpha AM3 Kanto YU4
    Brand PSB Kanto
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 56-20k Hz 60-20k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 70-watt RMS 70-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) n/a 140-watt RMS
    Max Bit Depth 24-bit 24-bit
    Max Sample Rate 48 kHz 96 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 4"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Kevlar
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber n/a
    Tweeter Size 0.75" 1"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 220.7mm (8.7") 220.0mm (8.7")
    Width 131.8mm (5.2") 140.0mm (5.5")
    Depth 206.4mm (8.1") 190.0mm (7.5")
    Weight 4.50kg (9.9lbs) 2.50kg (5.5lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex bass reflex
    Finish MDF, Wood-grain vinyl n/a
    Available Colors Matte Black, Matte White n/a
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs 3.5mm 3.5mm, RCA
    USB Port microUSB Charge only
    Phone Input Yes Yes
    Subwoofer Output No Wired
    Digital Input Optical Optical (2)
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack No No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 2 Years

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