CES 2019: PSB Updates Its Alpha Series of Speakers

CES 2019: PSB Updates Its Alpha Series of Speakers

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(PSB) The refreshed Alpha Series is available in two finishes
(January 8, 2019) PSB has arrived at CES 2019 with an update to all four models of its highly regarded Alpha Series. First introduced in 1991 with extreme affordability and performance in mind, PSB has revisited the speakers’ original intent while delivering true “clean sheet” designs. That means new and improved materials, production techniques, and the incorporation of lessons learned from nearly 30 years of experience.

The Alpha Series is comprised of the P3 and P5 compact monitors ($199 and $349/pair), the C10 center channel ($299/each), and T20 tower ($599/pair), all of which are constructed using precision machined cabinets that feature internal damping material found on significantly more expensive PSB models. Externally, all four models can be purchased in a simulated Black Ash or Walnut finish with magnetically attached grilles.

“The PSB Alpha speakers were among the most popular speakers we have ever made so we have had constant requests from the market to design an updated and improved range. The original Alphas were quite good for the time, so this was a tall order” commented Paul Barton, founder and Chief Designer of PSB. “However, by leveraging new materials and design techniques as well as advanced manufacturing capability, these Alpha models are a substantial improvement over the original ones with respect to looks, performance and value.”

PSB says it has developed two new woofers for the refreshed series (sized at 4 ½” and 5 ¼”), both of which utilize dual layer voice coils and cones made from a special textured polypropylene compound designed to prevent cone breakup while providing a smooth integration with the tweeter. The ¾” tweeter found on all four models is also new, benefiting from a front mounted waveguide that helps blend the tweeter’s performance at the crossover point. That crossover point is managed by a “complex” fourth-order Acoust Linkwitz-Riley filter that keeps sound clean and balanced at loud volume levels.

All four speakers are available for purchase now.
 

Travis Ballstadt

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I'm liking those towers, and thinking they would be a great set for my 2-channel system...
 

Todd Anderson

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I’m going to be at CES tomorrow through Friday... the PSB/NAD room is on my list. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to give them a listen. If so, I’ll let you know what I think!
 

Matthew J Poes

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Can’t wait to get your thoughts Todd.

This is a great redesign. And you know what, what a value! 4th order crossovers on a speaker this cheap is remarkable. Many speakers in this price range are using barely competent filters that are often, at best, 2nd order with minimal response optimization. Paul’s work is always top notch. The value is unmistakable. I really think this brand is under-appreciated.
 

Todd Anderson

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Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
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Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
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JVC NX7
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Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
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Alrighty. I had a chance to sit down with Paul Barton for a very informal chat, heard a brief demo, and sized up the new speakers. I was a little surprised by their overall size. This isn't a knock on the speakers... but they are all sized smaller than I was expecting. The towers, for example, are 6 3/4” x 32 1/2” x 9 3/8”.

I heard the towers in action and they sounded really really really.... (see where I'm going)... good. Great actually. A very neutral sound that's rich and controlled. Buttery smooth bass. They threw a nice image. Sitting there listening to them, I couldn't help by keep thinking "these only cost $599 for a pair???"

Paul Barton is obviously extremely proud of his new creations. He says they're a total rebuild, benefiting from trickle-down and lots of experience. Noting that he was able to squeeze some nicer high-end touches into the speaker while keeping it affordable.

Physically, the speakers looked very nice to my eyes. All three bookshelf/tower models are rear ported. Materials look nice. The drivers have some nice visual details that make them pop and have presence.

Oh... and they were being driven by a small NAD standalone amp... the D 3020 V2... 60 Watts per channel!

From my experience, I can easily give these speakers two thumbs up!
 

Todd Anderson

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Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2

Travis Ballstadt

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
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Messages
1,080
Location
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More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Anthem AVM60
Main Amp
Emotiva BasX 5
Additional Amp
Emotiva UPA-500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X800
Front Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Center Channel Speaker
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Surround Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Reference Cinema
Front Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Rear Height Speakers
NextLevel Acoustics Angled Satellite
Subwoofers
SVS PB2000
Video Display Device
JVC DLA X790R, Lumagen Radiance Pro 4240
Screen
SeymourAV Proscenium 124” diagonal 2.40:1
Remote Control
Harmony Elite - Moving to Unfolded Circle Remote 2
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape Strato C/Terra 48TB/Compact Terra 6TB, PLEX Server, AppleTV4K, Bluesound Node2i
Streaming Subscriptions
AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max
Satellite System
They still have those?
Other Equipment
Rega Planar 6, Rega Exact2 cart, Rega Aria Mk3 Phono Stage, Jolida JD202BRC, Rega RS-5 Speakers (2-channel system)
Thanks Todd! These are now officially on my short list.
 
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