Description
A TRUE ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM
https://www.techradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/psb-alpha-iq-review
Alpha iQ speakers are designed for modern music lovers – thanks to the BluOS user interface, you can stream music from all streaming services and connect TV audio and other wired sources to the system.
Just connect the power cords to the speakers and the wired sources to the other speaker and that's it.
Alpha IQ is fully multi-room compatible with all Bluesound products thanks to the same operating system.
psb Alpha IQ is EISA 2024-2025 best wireless bookshelf speaker
The jury writes as follows:
" PSB's Alpha iQ is designed to deliver both performance and ease of use. It is the first active stereo speaker system to feature the BluOS platform, making it part of a multi-room ecosystem with seamless app control and music playback capabilities. Offering a wide range of connectivity options including AirPlay, aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and MM phono, the Alpha iQ supports both wired and wireless audio sources to suit modern tastes.
The performance is as impressive as its features. The two-way drivers and separate built-in amplification in each compact speaker cabinet deliver detailed and balanced sound. Choose from PSB's black or white finishes for a discreet installation, or make the Alpha iQ the centre of attention with one of three bright colour options!
THE IDEAL WIRELESS HIFI SYSTEM
Alpha iQ is a revolutionary “All in One” system that combines a pair of speakers, a digital amplifier, streaming and BluOS with multi-room capabilities in one compact package.
ONE APP, FULL CONTROL
The BluOS control app lets you take care of everything. You can manage streaming services, system settings, and, if necessary, control the individual speakers in your multi-room system.
GREAT SOUND QUALITY
The Alpha iQ is built with quality components, including 19mm Ferrofluid-damped aluminum dome tweeters with Neodymium magnets, 100mm polypropylene woofers, and an audiophile-grade D/A converter. The sound quality is distinctive and dynamic, as you would expect from PSB.
COMPLETE PACKAGE
Alpha iQ is not just a pair of speakers, but a complete music system. With its stylish and smart design, it is easy to place as part of your home decor.
FULFILLING ALL WISHES
Stream music from countless streaming services, take your TV sound to the next level, even add a turntable to your system. You can place multiple pairs of Alpha iQs in different rooms or add dozens of different Bluesound or NAD BluOs devices to your system. The possibilities are endless.
Alpha iQ streaming active speakers with BluOS
The PSB Alpha iQ is a new generation of smart speakers: everything you need is in the same compact and stylish housing. You don't need anything else: the Alpha iQ speakers include digital amplifiers and an easy-to-use BluOS streamer that lets you control music from streaming services or your digital music library, adjust the sound and, if necessary, your multi-room system. The PSB Alpha iQ is a complete sound system for a small home or a flexible addition to a multi-room system in a large house
- 19mm aluminum dome tweeter, neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping
- 100mm polypropylene mid-woofer, steel frame and rubber surround
- DSP-assisted bass reflex tuning
- Built-in BluOS network streamer
- Audiophile-grade D/A converters support HiRes data streams up to 24bit/192kHz resolution
- AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support
Streaming active speakers
The PSB Alpha series was launched in 1991 and has been a respected name in the compact, affordable speaker segment ever since. Now, the new Alpha iQ takes the iconic Alpha speaker to the next level. Amplifiers for each speaker driver, streaming capabilities with the reliable BluOS operating system, and multi-room capabilities make the Alpha iQ the ultimate wireless speaker. In stereo!
Background on the Alpha series
The original Alpha speakers, designed in 1991, were designed with the sole goal of making a great-sounding, affordable speaker. PSB founder Paul S. Barton brought his passion, decades of expertise, and research conducted at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to the table. The PSB Alpha was born, quickly becoming one of the world's most respected affordable small speakers. In Finland, the Alpha B won the Hifimaailma magazine test in its class.
Ease of use with a single application
The BluOS Controller app makes listening to music easy. The connection to the Alpha iQ speakers is established automatically and with the app you can easily select your favorite music to play and control all functions. Music is played losslessly in up to 24bit/192kHz HiRes quality without delays and you can control functions wirelessly from any room with Apple iOS or Android devices.
Sound quality to take seriously
The sound of the Alpha iQ is surprising: how can such a small speaker produce such convincing sound? Although the sound is surprising, there are no shortcuts: it requires serious technology such as 19mm ferrofluid-damped aluminum tweeters with neodymium magnets, steel-framed 100mm polypropylene woofers with rubber surrounds, powerful amplifiers and a DSP-controlled crossover. All of the above, installed in acoustically well-designed enclosures, are a recipe for bass reproduction that feels unreal from such a small speaker.
A true All-In-One system
The PSB Alpha iQ is not just a pair of stereo speakers. It is a complete system that handles all the sound on its own: just add a TV and you have the complete entertainment system for a small apartment! Thanks to its wireless nature, the Alpha iQ can be placed anywhere: just the power cords in the wall. There is no need for a cable between the speakers, they pair wirelessly. The unique placement of the tweeter below the woofer keeps the sound quality the same whether you are sitting or standing.
A little giant with many possibilities
PSB Alpha iQ is a complete system in itself, but it can be much more than that. You can connect a TV to it if you want, and even a turntable. It allows you to enjoy countless streaming services from your sofa at home. It can be part of a larger multi-room system, which you can conveniently control with a single application on your mobile device. Best of all, with Alpha iQ, your music opens up in front of you in stereo! A real little revolution in home audio.
Features and specifications
• 19mm aluminum dome tweeter, neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping
• 100mm polypropylene mid-woofer, steel frame and rubber surround
• Fully active design, DSP crossover and separate amplifier for each speaker element: 60W for bass and 30W for tweeter
• Bass-reflex tuned enclosure and DSP bass correction for excellent low-end reproduction
• Delay-free wireless connection between two speakers, no extra wires
• Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections
• Built-in BluOS-based, award-winning streamer and multi-room system
• Supports over 20 streaming services, including many offering Lossless and HiRes content
• Music can be played on up to 64 BluOS devices simultaneously in the system
• Audiophile-grade D/A converter for up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
• MQA compatible for Tidal HiRes streaming
• Apple AirPlay 2 support
• Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
• MM turntable connection, HDMI eARC, optical and Aux line inputs
• Supports Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI and URC control systems
• Support for Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice control
• IR learning function for universal remote controls
Specifications:
Frequency response
- On Axis @ 0° ±3dB 64Hz-20kHz
- LF Cutoff -10dB 35Hz
Amplifier power
- Amplifier power (per speaker) tweeter = 30 Watts, Woofer = 60 Watts
Acoustic design
- Tweeter 19mm, aluminum dome tweeter, neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping
- Woofer 100mm polypropylene mid-range-bass element, steel frame and rubber surround
- Operating principle Bass reflex
Inputs / Connections
- Analog 3.5mm plug and turntable for MM cartridge
- Digital BluOS, HDMI eARC, Optical
- Wireless Bluetooth aptX™ HD (receive or transmit, 2-way)
Structure
- Enclosure MDF
- Front panel MDF / Aluminum
- Back plate Aluminum
Size (W x H x D)
- Dimensions 145 x 246 x 192mm
- Net weight 7.36kg pair
- Gross weight 8.27kg pair
- Shipping box dimensions 268 x 402 x 385mm
Finish
- Available finish options Painted; matte black, matte white
