In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by PSB. PSB Alpha P5 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Alpha C10 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB P5 and PSB Alpha C10 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | PSB P5 | PSB Alpha C10 |
|---|
| Brand | PSB
Canada · founded 1972 | PSB
Canada · founded 1972 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Hard-Dome | 3/4" dome with front waveguide |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Polypropylene | 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene |
|---|
| Frequency response | 55-21k Hz | 55-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 89 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 10-90 watts | 15-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.61kg / 10.1lbs | 7.73kg / 17lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-3/8" x 6-3/4" x 10"
289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm | 6-3/4" x 17-3/4" x 10"
172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm |
|---|
Alpha P5 and Alpha C10 are members of PSB's Alpha series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the PSB P5 and PSB Alpha C10 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 P5 |
PSB Alpha C10 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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 P5 and Alpha C10 are 2-way speakers.
PSB P5PSB Alpha C10
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 P5 |
PSB Alpha C10 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer.
Frequency Response
Alpha P5 and Alpha C10 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 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 P5 and Alpha C10 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha P5 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Alpha C10's is at 90 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
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 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 P5 features 5-Way post type posts and Alpha C10 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB P5's 5-way post terminals
PSB Alpha C10'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 P5's and PSB Alpha C10's external dimensions. PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm (11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) whereas PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm (6-3/4 x 17-3/4 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 P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2. The Alpha P5 requires 62% less surface area than the Alpha C10 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of PSB P5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha P5:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha C10:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card