PSB Alpha AM3 is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. It was released in 2019. 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.
PSB Alpha AM3 Lifestyle
PSB's Alpha Series of Loudspeakers
Alpha AM3 is a member of PSB's Alpha series of Powered speakers. Alpha is PSB's entry-level range, Canadian-designed speakers that deliver strong value, now including the powered Alpha iQ. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
PSB Alpha Series Speakers
PSB Alpha Series Speakers
Frequency Response of the PSB Alpha AM3 Speaker
PSB Alpha AM3 has a Frequency response range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56 Hz, Alpha AM3 will provide an average bass depth. Unfortunately, the PSB Alpha AM3 speaker lacks a subwoofer output, making it impossible to connect a subwoofer and enhance the bass response of your system.
Here we have a comparison of how Alpha AM3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
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:
Inputs and Outputs
- 3.5mm Minijack Input
- USB Port: microUSB
- Phono Input
- Digital Input: Optical
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 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 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe 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
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
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:
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
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the PSB Alpha AM3.
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
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.