PSB Alpha iQ is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. It was released in December 2022. Alpha iQ's built-in amplifier provides 180-watt RMS. The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect PSB Alpha iQ 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 64-20kHz. PSB Alpha iQ has an MSRP of 1499$ per pair.
PSB Alpha iQ Lifestyle
PSB's Alpha Series of Loudspeakers
Alpha iQ 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 iQ Speaker
PSB Alpha iQ has a Frequency response range of 64-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 64 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Alpha iQ so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.
Here we have a comparison of how Alpha iQ's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the PSB Alpha iQ?
PSB Alpha iQ Back View
Handheld Remote
PSB Alpha iQ comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.
Bluetooth Connectivity
PSB Alpha iQ employs Built-in 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 iQ can playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz with compatible devices.
PSB Alpha iQ supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:
Supported Streaming Services
PSB Alpha iQ supports the following Streaming Services:
- Spotify Premium
- TIDAL
- Amazon Music
- TuneIn
- Deezer
Supported Wireless Streaming System
PSB Alpha iQ supports the following wireless streaming methods:
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- Tidal Connect
- Bluetooth
App-Based Control
PSB Alpha iQ can be controlled wirelessly via BluOS Controller application available on Apple iOS and Android.
BluOS Controller Wireless Control App
Inputs and Outputs
- 3.5mm Minijack Input
- USB Port: USB-A (connect a thumb drive for music playback)
- Phono Input
- Wired Subwoofer Output
- Digital Input: Optical, HDMI
- HDMI Input: eARC
- Headphone Jack: Yes
- Ethernet Port
PSB Alpha iQ External Dimensions and Weight
PSB Alpha iQ has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 9.7 x -5.6 x 7.6 inch (246.0 x 145.0 x 192.0mm ).
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 Alpha iQ is approximately 278.0cm2 / 43.1inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of PSB Alpha iQ, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
PSB Alpha iQ Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the PSB Alpha iQ 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 iQ 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 iQ weighs 7.36kg / 16.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Alpha iQ's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
PSB Alpha iQ - Top View
Cabinet type and Materials
PSB Alpha iQ has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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.
Port Position
PSB Alpha iQ 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 iQ is available in Matte Black, Matte White, Tangerine Yellow and Midnight Blue.
Wall Mounting
Alpha iQ doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the PSB Alpha iQ.
- 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.
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the PSB Alpha iQ speaker:
Official Brochure for PSB Alpha iQ
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the PSB Alpha iQ speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for PSB Alpha iQ
Warranty
1 year of parts warranty and 1 year of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.