In this review, we will be comparing two different type 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.
PSB Alpha C10 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 3/4" dome with front waveguide Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer
- 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-120watts
- Weight:7.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 172.0" x 17-3/4" x 10"( 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm )
PSB P5 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer
- 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-90watts
- Weight:4.61kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 289.0" 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha C10 and PSB P5 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 C10 and Alpha P5 are 2-way speakers.
| 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.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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.
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. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Alpha C10 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Alpha C10.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
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
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 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 loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty 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
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Base Surface Area