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PSB Alpha AM3 Review
PSB Alpha AM3

Main Features

  • 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 56-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 70-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:9.90 lbs / 4.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8.6875"x5.1875"x8.125" / 220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm
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PSB Alpha AM3 Review

PSB Alpha AM3 is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. Alpha AM3's built-in amplifier provides 70-watt RMS. The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect PSB Alpha AM3 to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. PSB Alpha AM3 has an MSRP of 449$ per pair.

What are the speakers in PSB's Alpha Series?

Alpha AM3 is a member of PSB's Alpha series of Powered speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

PSB Alpha Series Speakers
Model Frequency Watts RMSMax Depth / Sample Rate Woofer
PSB Alpha AM3
56-20k Hz 70-watt24-bit/48 kHzΩ 1 x 4"
PSB Alpha AM5
Compare
55-20k Hz 100-watt24-bit/48 kHzΩ 1 x 5.25"
PSB Alpha iQ
Compare
64-20k Hz 180-watt24-bit/192 kHzΩ 1 x 4"
PSB Alpha Series Speakers
PSB Alpha Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Frequency Response of the PSB Alpha AM3 speaker?

PSB Alpha AM3 has a Frequency response range of 56-20k Hz. At a minimum frequency of 56 Hz, Alpha AM3 will provide an average bass depth. Unfortunately, the PSB Alpha AM3 doesn't have a subwoofer out so it is not possible to pair it with a subwoofer to extend the bass response of your system. Here we have a comparison of how Alpha AM3's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Alpha AM3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Alpha AM3
Min
Average
Max


PSB Alpha AM3 Back View
PSB Alpha AM3 Back View

Handheld Remote

PSB Alpha AM3 comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

PSB Alpha AM3 employs Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops. Alpha AM3 can playback up to 24-bit / 48 kHz with compatible devices.

PSB Alpha AM3 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • aptX

Inputs and Outputs

  • 3.5mm Minijack Input
  • USB Port: microUSB
  • Phono Input
  • Digital Input: Optical

PSB Alpha AM3 Connections
PSB Alpha AM3 Connections

PSB Alpha AM3 External Dimensions and Weight

PSB Alpha AM3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8.6875 x 5.1875 x 8.125inch (220.7 x 131.8 x 206.4mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of PSB Alpha AM3 is approximately 272.0cm2 / 42.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of PSB Alpha AM3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

PSB Alpha AM3 Real Life Body Size Comparison
PSB Alpha AM3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the PSB Alpha AM3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

PSB Alpha AM3 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
PSB Alpha AM3 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The PSB Alpha AM3 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Alpha AM3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Alpha AM3
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
PSB Alpha AM3
Min
Average
Max

How does the PSB Alpha AM3 compare to the PSB Alpha AM5?

One of the natural alternative to the PSB Alpha AM3 is the Alpha AM5 which is located one step higher in PSB's Powered Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

PSB Alpha AM3 vs PSB Alpha AM5 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of PSB Alpha AM3 and PSB Alpha AM5 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of PSB Alpha AM3 vs Alpha AM5 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

PSB Alpha AM3 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF, Wood-grain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

PSB Alpha AM3 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

PSB Alpha AM3 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

PSB Alpha AM3 is available in Matte Black and Matte White.

Wall Mounting

Alpha AM3 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the PSB Alpha AM3 come with a Grille?

Alpha AM3 comes with Magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the PSB Alpha AM3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for PSB Alpha AM3

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the PSB Alpha AM3 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for PSB Alpha AM3

    Warranty

    1 Year of parts warranty and 1 Year of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    PSB Alpha AM3  Lifestyle
    PSB Alpha AM3 Lifestyle

    PSB Alpha AM3 Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
    Jamo S 801 PM
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    Klipsch R-51PM
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    Klipsch R-41PM
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    2-way 70w Built-in 3.0 76-21k Hz
    Klipsch R-15PM
    Compare
    2-way 100w Built-in 3.0 62-24k Hz
    Kanto YU6
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    Kanto YU4
    Compare
    2-way 70w Built-in 4.0 60-20k Hz
    Mackie CR4-XBT
    Compare
    2-way 25w Built-in 4.2 65-20k Hz
    PSB Alpha AM5
    Compare
    2-way 100w Built-in 5.0 55-20k Hz
    Mackie CR3-XBT
    Compare
    2-way 25w Built-in 4.2 80-20k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about PSB Alpha AM3
    What is the External Dimensions of PSB Alpha AM3



    PSB Alpha AM3 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPSB
    Full Model NamePSB Alpha AM3
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Frequency Response56-20k Hz
    Amplifier Specs
    Watts RMS70 watts
    TypeClass D
    DAC Specs
    Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
    Max Digital Audio Sample Rate48 kHz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size4-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size0.75-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Port Positionrear
    DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
    Amazon AlexaNo
    Google AssistantNo
    Subwoofer OutputNo

    CONNECTIONS
    Ethernet PortNo
    USB PortmicroUSB
    Aux Input3.5mm
    Phono InputYes
    Digital InputOptical
    HDMI InputNo
    Headphone JackNo
    BluetoothBuilt-in 5.0
    Bluetooth CodecaptX
    Wi-FiNo
    Wi-Fi BandsNo
    Wi-Fi BandsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height220.7mm ( 8.6875-inch)
    Width131.8mm ( 5.1875-inch)
    Depth206.4mm ( 8.125-inch)
    Height220.7mm ( 8.6875-inch)
    Weight4.50kg ( 9.90 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsMatte Black, Matte White
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteYes
    Parts Warranty1 Year
    Labor Warranty1 Year
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