Canadian speaker manufacturer PSB launches new Powered Alpha iQ model

Classic Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer PSB has just celebrated its 50th birthday^th th anniversary and now looks to the future with a brand new pair of active streaming speakers, the Alpha iQ. The new speakers work with BluOS to create an all-in-one audio system for a modern, clutter-free audiophile solution.

Comprised of two bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers and a network streamer powered by the award-winning multi-room music platform BluOS, the Alpha iQ allows listeners to enjoy PSB’s “True to Nature” sound with more than 20 streaming services and hundreds from internet to experience radio stations. The Alpha iQ speakers have a variety of inputs, allowing users to connect sources such as a vinyl turntable, TV, CD player or even a games console. Listeners can share music with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components over a home network.

Setting up and using the Alpha iQ is easy. Simply plug the speakers into an outlet, then connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet or PC. Once that’s done, the speakers can play music from more than 20 BluOS-powered streaming services, including several that offer high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal. BluOS also offers access to hundreds of internet radio stations covering all genres of music.

The Alpha iQ has built-in two-way Bluetooth that supports the high-quality aptX HD codec for wireless streaming from a mobile device. Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows users to stream CD resolution music from any iPhone, iPad or Mac app. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are also supported, allowing listeners to pull music within the apps for those services and then stream playback to the Alpha iQ.

The left and right speakers communicate via a wireless connection instead of a passive wired connection, and the system can cover most rooms in an average-sized home, so music stays in sync and clear no matter where the speakers are placed.

Available in satin white and satin black finishes, the Alpha iQ speakers include a 4″ polypropylene bass-midrange driver with steel basket and rubber surround and a 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping.

Each woofer has its own 60W Class D amplifier, while each tweeter has its own 30W Class D amplifier, giving a total system power of 180W. Powered by powerful amplifiers, tuned bass ports and DSP-enabled bass extension, PSB’s Alpha iQ speakers are capable of delivering far more bass power than their physical size would suggest.

The Alpha iQ uses a DSP based active crossover. As with many PSB designs, the tweeter is placed below the woofer to allow for more flexibility in listening position, as the mix between the woofer and tweeter remains consistent whether the listener is seated or standing.

The Alpha iQ’s audiophile DAC supports resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and features full MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-resolution streaming from Tidal. With BluOS, listeners can also enjoy four stations of MQA-encoded high-definition music from Radio Paradise.

The Alpha iQ has an extensive range of inputs and outputs. The main speaker features a built-in MM phono preamp, RCA jacks and a ground connection so vinyl fans can hook up a turntable. An HDMI ARC port allows users to experience sound with TV and movies. There’s also an optical input for connecting a disc player or games console, as well as a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting analogue sources. Listeners can also use the BluOS app to play music files stored on an external drive connected to the Alpha iQ’s USB port.

For late-night listening, listeners can connect headphones to the combo optical/headphone jack or via two-way Bluetooth. There is a subwoofer output for enhanced bass. When a subwoofer is connected, BluOS activates a low-pass filter for the sub and a high-pass filter for the main, freeing the Alpha iQ from having to produce deep bass.

Listeners can manage the Alpha iQ’s operation with the BluOS Controller app, available for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Touch controls are located on top of the main speaker for quick adjustments without using the app to change volume and pause and resume playback. Voice control is also possible via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

Like all BluOS-enabled components, PSB’s Alpha iQ BluOS powered speakers can be integrated into popular smart home systems including Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI and URC. IR command learning is available for listeners using harmonized remote controls to control multiple A/V devices.

Prices & Availability: The PSB Alpha iQ is available to pre-order from today, priced at $1,499 / £1,299 / €1,499. Retail availability begins late November 2022.

More info: psbspeakers.com

Technical specifications:

• 4″ polypropylene woofer with steel basket and rubber surround.
• 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling.
• Fully active design with DSP crossover and dedicated amplifiers for each driver: 60W for each woofer and 30W for each tweeter.
• Matched connector and DSP-enabled bass extension for excellent LF performance.
• Low-latency wireless connection between the primary and secondary speakers for a clutter-free installation.
• Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Built-in network streamer based on the award-winning multi-room music platform BluOS.
• Built-in support for 20+ streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio.
• Music can be played through up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components.
• Audiophile DAC with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz.
• MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-resolution streaming of Tidal.
• Apple AirPlay 2 support for streaming from iPhones, iPads and Macs.
• Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect.
• MM phono, HDMI eARC, optical and AUX inputs.
• USB port for connecting an external drive with music files.
• Subwoofer output with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters.
• Support for Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI and URC home control systems.
• Support for Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice control.
• IR learning capability to operate the Alpha iQ with harmonized remotes.