In this review, we will be comparing Alpha P3 and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB P3 and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | PSB P3 | Klipsch RP-400M |
|---|
| Brand | PSB
Canada · founded 1972 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Hard-Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 4.5" Polypropylene | 4" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 57-21k Hz | 52-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 10-80 watts | up to 50 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 2.23kg / 4.9lbs | 4.10kg / 9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 8-3/4" x 5-3/16" x 7-5/16"
223.0 x 132.0 x 186.0mm | 11.7" x 5.6" x 7.5"
298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the PSB P3 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 P3 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
| Near-field |
Average |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
No way |
(* 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.
Drivers
Both Alpha P3 and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.
PSB P3Klipsch RP-400M
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 P3 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Alpha P3 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Alpha P3 has a frequency range of 57-21k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha P3's min frequency of 57Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf 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 P3 and RP-400M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha P3 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-400M's is at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB P3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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 P3 can handle a max power of 80 watts RMS, whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Alpha P3.
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 P3 features Single binding posts type posts and RP-400M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB P3's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha P3 and RP-400M 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.
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
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 P3's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. PSB P3 has external dimensions of 223.0 x 132.0 x 186.0mm (8-3/4 x 5-3/16 x 7-5/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm (11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch).
Klipsch RP-400M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12mm wider, 75mm taller and 5mm deeper than PSB P3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB P3 and Klipsch RP-400M in scale.
Comparison image of PSB P3 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 P3 is approximately 245.5cm2 / 38.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The Alpha P3 requires 11% less surface area than the RP-400M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of PSB P3 and Klipsch RP-400M 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 P3 weighs 2.23kg / 4.9lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the RP-400M 84% heavier than the Alpha P3.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha P3 and RP-400M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB P3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha P3:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
80 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
223mm
vs
298mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
245cm2
vs
275cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
279USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
| General |
PSB Alpha P3 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
| Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-80 watts |
up to 50 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
57-21k Hz |
52-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
223.0mm (8.8") |
298.0mm (11.7") |
| Width |
132.0mm (5.2") |
144.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
186.0mm (7.3") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Weight |
2.23kg (4.9lbs) |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black Ash |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
28-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch RP-400M digs deeper - 52Hz against 57Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-400M is more sensitive (93dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | A | PSB P3 takes more power (80W vs 50W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | PSB P3 is easier to place; Klipsch RP-400M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-400M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | PSB P3 is cheaper - $279 against $399, about 30% less. |
A PSB P3 B Klipsch RP-400M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch RP-400M is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 43% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - PSB P3 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Klipsch RP-400M appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 57Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper PSB P3 much easier to justify. Match it to your room: we rate Klipsch RP-400M the better fit for near-field listening; elsewhere the two are rated the same.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.