In this review, we will be comparing Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Alpha AM3, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Sony and PSB. 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and PSB Alpha AM3 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and PSB Alpha AM3 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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Alpha AM3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 |
PSB Alpha AM3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.75, 0.5 (2)-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 features a 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Titanium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer . On the other hand, the Alpha AM3 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has a frequency range of 51-100k Hz whereas Alpha AM3 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha AM3's min frequency of 56Hz.
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
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1's and PSB Alpha AM3's external dimensions. Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has external dimensions of 209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm ( 8.25 x 7.875 x 12.875inch) whereas PSB Alpha AM3 has external dimensions of 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm ( 8.6875 x 5.1875 x 8.125inch) .
PSB Alpha AM3 is 68.2mm narrower and 120.6mm less deeper than Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 but it is also 11.2mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and PSB Alpha AM3 in scale.
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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is approximately 654.0cm2 / 101.4inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha AM3 is approximately 272.0cm2 / 42.2inch2. The Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 requires 140% more surface area than the Alpha AM3 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:
What's in the Box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1:
2 Desktop monitor speakers2 AC power cordsDigital sync cableWalkman cableUSB-C to USB-B cableRemote control2 AAA batteriesInstruction Manual
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM3?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha AM3:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 2 Grilles AC power adapter (attached 45-inch DC cord) 4-feet AC power cord Remote control (PSR-1) 2 AAA batteries 8-feet Speaker cable 58-inch Stereo minijack cable 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Connection Diagram Warranty Card