In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by PSB. PSB Alpha C10 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Alpha P5 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha C10 and PSB P5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | PSB Alpha C10 | PSB P5 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 3/4" dome with front waveguide | 0.75" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene | 5.25" Polypropylene |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55-21k Hz | 55-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 15-120 watts | 10-90 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.73kg / 17lbs | 4.61kg / 10.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-3/4" x 17-3/4" x 10"
172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm | 11-3/8" x 6-3/4" x 10"
289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm |
|---|
Alpha C10 and Alpha P5 are members of PSB's Alpha series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the PSB Alpha C10 and PSB P5 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
PSB Alpha C10 |
PSB P5 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both Alpha C10 and Alpha P5 are 2-way speakers.
PSB Alpha C10PSB P5
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha C10 |
PSB P5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
3/4-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer. On the other hand, the Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Alpha C10 and Alpha P5 has exactly the same frequency range of 55-21k Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Alpha C10 and Alpha P5 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha C10 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Alpha P5's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the PSB Alpha C10 a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB P5, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Alpha C10 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Alpha C10.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Alpha C10 features 5-way post type posts and Alpha P5 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Alpha C10's 5-Way post terminals
PSB P5's 5-way post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 C10's and PSB P5's external dimensions. PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm (6-3/4 x 17-3/4 x 10inch) whereas PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm (11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch).
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 C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2 and base area of the PSB P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2. The Alpha C10 requires 162% more surface area than the Alpha P5 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha C10:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
What's in the Box of PSB P5?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P5:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card