In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by PSB. PSB Alpha T20 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Alpha iQ is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha T20 and PSB Alpha iQ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Alpha T20 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 T20 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.
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Drivers
Both Alpha T20 and Alpha iQ are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha T20 |
PSB Alpha iQ |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Alpha T20 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum with front waveguide Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Alpha iQ features a 0.75" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha T20 has a frequency range of 36-21k Hz whereas Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the Alpha T20 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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha T20 and Alpha iQ 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 Alpha T20's and PSB Alpha iQ's external dimensions. PSB Alpha T20 has external dimensions of 869.0 x 212.0 x 250.0mm ( 34-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 9-13/16inch) whereas PSB Alpha iQ has external dimensions of 246 x 145 x 92mm ( 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch ) .
PSB Alpha T20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 67mm wider, 623mm taller and 58mm deeper than PSB Alpha iQ.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha T20 and PSB Alpha iQ in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha T20 and PSB Alpha iQ 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 Alpha T20 is approximately 530.0cm2 / 82.2inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2. The Alpha T20 requires 91% more surface area than the Alpha iQ which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha T20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha T20:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feet8 Spike feet8 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideWarranty Card