In this review, we will be comparing Alpha P5 and M126Be, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB P5 and Revel M126Be first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the PSB P5 and Revel M126Be 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB P5 and Revel M126Be 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Alpha P5 and M126Be are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
PSB P5 |
Revel M126Be |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 M126Be features a 1" beryllium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" DCC Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz whereas M126Be has a frequency range of 54-44k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 54Hz, the M126Be can go slightly deeper then the Alpha P5's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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 P5 and M126Be 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 M126Be's is at 86 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the PSB P5 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M126Be, 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. 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 P5 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS , 60 watts less than the M126Be.
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 P5 features Binding post type posts and M126Be has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha P5 and M126Be 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.
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 P5's and Revel M126Be'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 Revel M126Be has external dimensions of 388.0 x 212.0 x 262.0mm ( 15-1/4 x 8-5/16 x 10-5/16inch) .
Revel M126Be is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 40mm wider, 99mm taller and 8mm deeper than PSB P5.
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 Revel M126Be is approximately 555.4cm2 / 86.1inch2. The Alpha P5 requires 21% less surface area than the M126Be which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 P5 weighs 4.61kg / 10.1lbs and the Revel M126Be weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs. This makes the M126Be 117% heavier than the Alpha P5.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha P5 and M126Be'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 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 Revel M126Be?
Here are the items that come with the M126Be:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Height |
289mm
vs
388mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
436cm2 (172x254mm)
vs
555cm2 (212x262mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
4400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
90 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
54 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
44k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
PSB Alpha P5 |
Revel PerformaBe M126Be |
Brand |
PSB |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
10-90 watts |
50-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
55-21k Hz |
54-44k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
DCC Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
289.0mm (11.4") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
Width |
172.0mm (6.8") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
Weight |
4.61kg (10.1lbs) |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Walnut,Black Ash |
Walnut,Black,White,Silver |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
22-26" |
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 |