In this review, we will be comparing Alpha iQ and LS50 Wireless, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from PSB and KEF. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha iQ and KEF LS50 Wireless first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
PSB Alpha iQ Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 180-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Polypropylene Woofer
- 64-20kHz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:7.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 246.0" x 5.6" x 7.6"( 246 x 145 x 92mm )
KEF LS50 Wireless Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 230-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer
- 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:10.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 301.6" x 7.875" x 13.25"( 301.6 x 200.0 x 336.5mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha iQ and KEF LS50 Wireless 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 iQ and LS50 Wireless are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha iQ |
KEF LS50 Wireless |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Alpha iQ features a 0.75" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the LS50 Wireless features a 1" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz whereas LS50 Wireless has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Alpha iQ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50 Wireless's min frequency of 79Hz.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha iQ and LS50 Wireless 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 iQ's and KEF LS50 Wireless's external dimensions. PSB Alpha iQ has external dimensions of 246 x 145 x 92mm ( 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch ) whereas KEF LS50 Wireless has external dimensions of 301.6 x 200.0 x 336.5mm ( 11.875 x 7.875 x 13.25inch) .
KEF LS50 Wireless is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 55mm wider, 55.6mm taller and 144.5mm deeper than PSB Alpha iQ.
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 iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50 Wireless is approximately 673.0cm2 / 104.3inch2. The Alpha iQ requires 59% less surface area than the LS50 Wireless which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.