PSB Alpha P3 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. It features a 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 57-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. PSB P3 has an MSRP of 279$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the PSB P3 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
PSB's Alpha Series of Loudspeakers
Alpha P3 is a member of PSB's Alpha series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
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.
Frequency Response of the PSB P3 Speaker
PSB P3 has a Frequency response range of 57-21k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 10-80 watts. With a minimum frequency of 57 Hz, Alpha P3 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with PSB P3, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Alpha P3'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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Crossover frequency of the PSB P3?
The Crossover frequency of the Alpha P3 is set to 3000Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.
Impedance and Sensitivity
PSB P3's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms but can go down to as low as
4 ohms, and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so PSB Alpha P3 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, PSB Alpha P3 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.
Minimum Impedance of the PSB P3
Even though the nominal impedance of the Alpha P3 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to PSB is 4 ohms PSB Alpha P3 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the PSB P3:
Input Type
Alpha P3 features 5-way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
PSB P3 Back View
PSB P3's 5-way post terminals
PSB P3 External Dimensions and Weight
PSB P3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8-3/4 x 5-3/16 x 7-5/16inch (223.0 x 132.0 x 186.0mm ).
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 P3 is approximately 245.5cm2 / 38.1inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of PSB P3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
PSB P3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the PSB P3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
PSB P3 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe PSB P3 weighs 2.23kg / 4.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Alpha P3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
How does the PSB P3 compare to the PSB Alpha P5?
One of the natural alternative to the PSB P3 is the Alpha P5 which is located one step higher in PSB's Passive 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 P3 and PSB P5 Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of PSB P3 vs Alpha P5 for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
PSB P3 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 P3 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 P3 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 P3 is available in Walnut and Black Ash.
Wall Mounting
Alpha P3 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the PSB P3 come with a Grille?
Alpha P3 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 P3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha P3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the PSB Alpha P3.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators 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 P3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for PSB P3
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the PSB Alpha P3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for PSB P3
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.