In this review, we will be comparing Alpha iQ and Active 200, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Q Acoustics. 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 Q Acoustics Q Active 200 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha iQ and Q Acoustics Q Active 200 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 Active 200 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha iQ |
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
2 x 2-1/4-inch |
|
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 Active 200 features a " Tweeter , a 2-1/4" Midrange and 1 x 4.5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Alpha iQ has a frequency range of 64-20kHz whereas Active 200 has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Active 200 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 Active 200 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 Q Acoustics Q Active 200'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 Q Acoustics Q Active 200 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 172.0 x 291.0mm ( 11-3/16 x 6-3/4 x 11-7/16inch) .
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 27mm wider, 39mm taller and 99mm 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 Q Acoustics Q Active 200 is approximately 500.5cm2 / 77.6inch2. The Alpha iQ requires 44% less surface area than the Active 200 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The PSB Alpha iQ weighs 7.36kg / 16.2lbs and the Q Acoustics Q Active 200 weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the Active 200 2% heavier than the Alpha iQ.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha iQ and Active 200's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics Q Active 200?
Here are the items that come with the Active 200:
2 Powered speakers Two 6-feet AC power cords 2 Foam port plugs Important Safety Informtion and Warnings Wireless hub USB/AC power adapter with US connector EU/UK/AU AC adapter plugs 40-inch USB-C to USB-A cable 5-inch HDMI cable Remote control 2 AAA batteries Quick Start Guide
 Height |
246mm
vs
285mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
278cm2 (145x192mm)
vs
500cm2 (172x291mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 Headphone Output |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your headphone |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
| General |
PSB Alpha iQ |
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 System |
| Brand |
PSB |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered stereo speakers |
| Frequency Response |
64-20kHz |
46-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
180-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
280-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
192 kHz |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
|
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
2-1/4" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
246.0mm (9.7") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Width |
145.0mm (5.7") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
192.0mm (7.6") |
291.0mm (11.5") |
| Weight |
7.36kg (16.2lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black,Matte White,Tangerine Yellow,Midnight Blue |
Black, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm |
No |
| USB Port |
USB-A (connect a thumb drive for music playback) |
Update only |
| Phone Input |
Yes |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
mono-RCA |
| Digital Input |
Optical, HDMI |
Optical |
| HDMI Input |
eARC |
ARC |
| Headphone Jack |
Yes |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |