In this review, we will be comparing Alpha iQ and Alpha P5, 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 P5 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 P5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Alpha iQ and Alpha P5 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 P5 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 P5 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha iQ |
PSB P5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-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 Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz whereas Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha P5 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 P5 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 P5'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 P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm ( 11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) .
PSB P5 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 27mm wider, 43mm taller and 62mm deeper than PSB Alpha iQ.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha iQ and PSB P5 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha iQ and PSB P5 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 P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2. The Alpha iQ requires 36% less surface area than the Alpha P5 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 PSB P5 on a Media Console
What's in the Box of PSB P5?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card