In this review, we will be comparing Alpha AM5 and R-15PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Klipsch. 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 AM5 and Klipsch R-15PM 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 PSB Alpha AM5 and Klipsch R-15PM 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 Alpha AM5 and R-15PM are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
PSB Alpha AM5 |
Klipsch R-15PM |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Alpha AM5 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the R-15PM features a 1.0" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
Alpha AM5 has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha AM5 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-15PM's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 Alpha AM5 and R-15PM 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 AM5's and Klipsch R-15PM's external dimensions. PSB Alpha AM5 has external dimensions of 292.1 x 171.5 x 279.4mm ( 11.5 x 6.75 x 11inch) whereas Klipsch R-15PM has external dimensions of 317.5 x 177.8 x 250.8mm ( 12.5 x 7 x 9.875inch) .
PSB Alpha AM5 is 6.3mm narrower and 25.4mm shorter than Klipsch R-15PM but it is also 28.6mm deeper.
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 AM5 is approximately 479.2cm2 / 74.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-15PM is approximately 445.9cm2 / 69.1inch2. The Alpha AM5 requires 7% more surface area than the R-15PM which gives it a small disadvantage 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 PSB Alpha AM5 weighs 9.75kg / 21.5lbs and the Klipsch R-15PM weighs 4.67kg / 10.3lbs. This makes the Alpha AM5 109% heavier than the R-15PM.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha AM5 and R-15PM's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha AM5:
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 Klipsch R-15PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-15PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)68-inch AC power cordRemote controlCR2025 3V battery (installed in remote)16-feet Length of 18AWG speaker wire (bare tinned wire on each end)6.5-feet USB-A to USB-B cable6-feet Stereo RCA cable5-feet Optical digital cable8 Self-adhesive rubber feetInstruction BookletWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
292mm
vs
317mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
USB Port |
microUSB
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
445cm2 (177x250mm)
vs
479cm2 (171x279mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
USB Port |
Type-B
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 |
General |
PSB Alpha AM5 |
Klipsch Reference R-15PM |
Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
55-20k Hz |
62-24k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
48 kHz |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1.0" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1800Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
292.1mm (11.5") |
317.5mm (12.5") |
Width |
171.5mm (6.8") |
177.8mm (7") |
Depth |
279.4mm (11") |
250.8mm (9.9") |
Weight |
9.75kg (21.5lbs) |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
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 |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
3.5mm |
3.5mm, RCA |
USB Port |
microUSB |
Type-B |
Phone Input |
Yes |
Yes |
Subwoofer Output |
No |
Wired |
Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
HDMI Input |
No |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |