Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: SubSeries 5i
Connections: Speaker-level in/out, line-level in
Enclosure Type: Vented
Woofer (size in inches, type): 10, polypropylene cone
Power Rating (watts): 150 RMS, 450 peak, BASH
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Black Ash
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 16.5 x 12.4 x 14.8
Weight (pounds): 31.1
Price: $549

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: Alpha B1
Type: Two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 0.75, aluminum dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.25, metalized polypropylene cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 6
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 10–90
Available Finishes: Black Ash, Maple
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 11.9 x 7 x 9.5
Weight (pounds): 8.8
Price: $279/pair

Speaker: Alpha C1
Type: Two-way, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 0.75, aluminum dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.25, metalized polypropylene cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 10–120
Available Finishes: Black Ash, Maple
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 7 x 17.8 x 9.5
Weight (pounds): 15.9
Price: $229

Ratings: PSB Alpha B1 Speaker System

Build Quality: 87
• Well made for a mass-market product
• New metal grille adds ruggedness

Value: 95
• High-end sensibility at a modest price
• Gives high-end in-a-box systems a run for their money

Features: 91
• Polypropylene woofer now features a metallic coating
• Tweeter upgraded from plastic to aluminum with increased high-frequency detail

Performance: 95
• Close to neutral, neither strident nor vague
• Enough bass for some to go subless
• Center way above average quality

Ergonomics: 85
• Wall mountable through threaded inserts
• You're likely to get best results with the speakers on stands

Overall Rating: 92
The old and generally well-regarded PSB Alpha monitor gives way to the Alpha B1. The new model offers greater detail than the old, while retaining the original's generous and musically adept soundstage. Altogether, you get a classic champagne-performance, beer-budget speaker system.

General Information
Alpha B1 Monitor Speaker, $279/pair
Alpha C1 Center-Channel Speaker
$229; SubSeries 5i Subwoofer, $549
PSB Speakers
(888) 772-0000
www.psbspeakers.com
Dealer Locator Code PSB