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PSB Alpha iQ Review
PSB Alpha iQ

Main Features

  • 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 64-20kHz Frequency Response
  • 180-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Weight:16.20 lbs / 7.36 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 9.7"x5.6"x7.6" / 246 x 145 x 92mm
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PSB Alpha iQ Review

PSB Alpha iQ is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. 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.

What are the speakers in PSB's Alpha Series?

Alpha iQ 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
Compare
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
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 iQ speaker?

PSB Alpha iQ has a Frequency response range of 64-20kHz. At a minimum frequency of 64 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Alpha iQ so depending on your intended use, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with PSB Alpha iQ, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Alpha iQ'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 iQ
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Alpha iQ
Min
Average
Max


PSB Alpha iQ Back View
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:

  • aptX HD
  • aptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

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
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 x 145 x 92mm ).

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 Real Life Body Size Comparison
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 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
PSB Alpha iQ Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The 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
PSB Alpha iQ
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
PSB Alpha iQ
Min
Average
Max
PSB Alpha iQ  - Top View
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 and Matte White.

Wall Mounting

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

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.

PSB Alpha iQ  Lifestyle
PSB Alpha iQ Lifestyle

PSB Alpha iQ Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
KEF LSX II
Compare
2-way 200w Built-in 4.2 49-47k Hz
Klipsch The Fives
Compare
2-way 160w Built-in 5.0 50-25k Hz
KEF LSX
Compare
2-way 200w Built-in 4.2 59-28k Hz
ELAC Navis ARB-51
Compare
3-way 300w Optional 44-28k Hz
SVS Prime Wireless Pro
Compare
2-way 200w Built-in 5.0 42-25k Hz
Q Acoustics Q Active 200
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.1 46-20k Hz
Kanto TUK
Compare
2-way 130w Built-in 4.2 50-20k Hz
Klipsch The Nines
Compare
2-way 240w Built-in 5.0 34-25k Hz
Genelec G Three
Compare
2-way 100w No 54-20k Hz
Genelec G Two
Compare
2-way 100w No 62-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about PSB Alpha iQ
What is the External Dimensions of PSB Alpha iQ



PSB Alpha iQ Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPSB
Full Model NamePSB Alpha iQ
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response64-20kHz
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS180 watts
TypeClass D
Watts by Driver2 x 30 (Tweeter) and 2 x 60 (Woofer)
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate192 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
Tweeter Size0.75-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Port Positionrear
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Control by AppApple iOS, Android
App NameBluOS Controller
Amazon AlexaYes
Google AssistantYes
Streaming ServicesSpotify Premium
TIDAL
Amazon Music
TuneIn
Deezer
Wireless StreamApple AirPlay 2
Spotify Connect
Tidal Connect
Bluetooth
Multi-room StreamingYes
Built-in DSPYes
Subwoofer OutputWired

CONNECTIONS
Ethernet PortYes
USB PortUSB-A (connect a thumb drive for music playback)
Aux Input3.5mm
Phono InputYes
Digital InputOptical, HDMI
HDMI InputeARC
Headphone JackYes
BluetoothBuilt-in
Bluetooth CodecaptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
Wi-FiNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height246.0mm ( 9.7-inch)
Width145.0mm ( 5.6-inch)
Depth192.0mm ( 7.6-inch)
Height246.0mm ( 9.7-inch)
Weight7.36kg ( 16.20 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsMatte Black,Matte White
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty1 year
Labor Warranty1 year
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