In this review, we will be comparing Alpha iQ and TUK, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Kanto. 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 Kanto TUK 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 )
Kanto TUK Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 130-watt RMS( 260-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 1.0625 x 1.375" AMT Tweeter
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 50-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- Weight:4.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 277.8" x 7.06" x 10.9"( 277.8 x 179.4 x 276.2mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha iQ and Kanto TUK 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 TUK are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha iQ |
Kanto TUK |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1.0625 x 1.375-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 TUK features a 1.0625 x 1.375" Folded ribbon AMT Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz whereas TUK has a frequency range of 50-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the TUK 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 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.
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 Kanto TUK'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 Kanto TUK has external dimensions of 277.8 x 179.4 x 276.2mm ( 10.9 x 7.06 x 10.9inch) .
Kanto TUK is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 34.4mm wider, 31.8mm taller and 84.2mm deeper than PSB Alpha iQ.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha iQ and Kanto TUK in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha iQ and Kanto TUK 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 iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2 and base area of the Kanto TUK is approximately 495.5cm2 / 76.8inch2. The Alpha iQ requires 44% less surface area than the TUK which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an 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 Alpha iQ and Kanto TUK on a Media Console