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 iQ is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha C10 and PSB Alpha iQ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Alpha C10 and Alpha iQ are members of PSB's Alpha series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha C10 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.
Drivers
Both Alpha C10 and Alpha iQ are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha C10 |
PSB Alpha iQ |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
3/4-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-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 iQ features a 0.75" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha C10 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz whereas Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha C10 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 Center Channel class in our database.
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.
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 Alpha iQ'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 Alpha iQ has external dimensions of 246 x 145 x 92mm ( 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch ) .
PSB Alpha iQ is 306mm narrower and 62mm less deeper than PSB Alpha C10 but it is also 74mm taller.
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 Alpha iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2. The Alpha C10 requires 312% more surface area than the Alpha iQ which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.