In this review, we will be comparing Alpha iQ and Alpha P3, two Bookshelf speakers by PSB The main difference between these two speakers is that the PSB Alpha iQ is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the PSB P3 is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha iQ and PSB P3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Alpha iQ and Alpha P3 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 iQ and PSB P3 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 Alpha P3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha iQ |
PSB P3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
Alpha iQ features a 0.75" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Alpha P3 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz.
Frequency Response
Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz whereas Alpha P3 has a frequency range of 57-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Alpha P3 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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha iQ and Alpha P3 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 PSB P3'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 PSB P3 has external dimensions of 223.0 x 132.0 x 186.0mm ( 8-3/4 x 5-3/16 x 7-5/16inch) .
PSB Alpha iQ is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 13mm wider, 23mm taller and 6mm deeper than PSB P3.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha iQ and PSB P3 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha iQ and PSB P3 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 PSB P3 is approximately 245.5cm2 / 38.1inch2. The Alpha iQ requires 13% more surface area than the Alpha P3 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 PSB P3 on a Media Console
What's in the Box of PSB P3?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card