PS Audio FR5 Loudspeakers - Speaker Set-Up & Preliminary Findings!

[@jaysaudiolab]

I hope you all are enjoying this type of content on the affordable PS AUDIO FR5 loudspeakers. I did this one for you - the least you can do is subscribe to the channel and like this video - thanks again everyone!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Good electronics help 😊

[@Romulus980]

This is so good; affordable speakers with top components; your videos are getting more interesting...👍

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you like them!

[@afanomulipola6538]

Love this type of videos Jay. Best demo video on YT of these FR5's. Appreciate the effort you put into your contents.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I appreciate that!

[@gmoney1961]

Loving the clarity and separation .. very nice...looking forward to more content like this!!!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 🙏

[@PaulSelka-b9b]

90-103

[@stevedeharde2712]

In most small to medium-sized rooms, a good set of stand mounts with properly set up stereo subs will yield a better result than towers without subs. This is because you can place the stand mounts where they image best and the subs where they provide the most accurate bass reponse.

[@sunshine242-l4y]

For sure and Sometimes the best place for the subs is not to the left and right of the speakers that you see all the time on the internet

[@stevedeharde2712]

@sunshine242-l4y exactly! I get incredible results with nearfield subwoofer placement if the subs have a variable phase control as long as thry are not crossed too high. Like on either end of your couch.

[@bigjay1970]

So true!🤔😬

[@kimigeg]

Hello Jay. I had the pleasure of listening to the FR5 at the PS Audio listening room and the first thing that the engineer that gave me the tour do is disconnect the subwoofer just to show how powerful this speaker are. This are the best bookshelf speakers that I have heard. Thank for a great video. I do enjoy this type of content.

[@audiorick841]

I agree with that concept of hooking them up to overkill equipment to make sure that the electronics are not the hold back to the speaker’s performance review. That really shows us what their maximum can be. Very few would be able to do that so I figure it’s a privilege to be able to hear that point of view. We will see plenty of reviews with “cost appropriate” electronics and wonder if any downside that is mentioned is due to the electronics or the speaker 😉

[@RennieAsh]

I'm sure you can get a fully capable amplifier for "cost appropriate" price.

[@Scoop-u4i]

Listening is the bottom line. Sam telling, formerly of stereophile, did all his reviewing by listening only, and it was great and he kept it interesting. Good content.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@robertdb5111]

Great way of doing reviews by commenting on the fly so we can kind of participate with you. Really nice👏👏👏

[@jaysaudiolab]

thanks

[@titushenson1707]

Hey Jay thank you for putting in all the work and time making this video it is highly enjoyed for me. Thank you again.

[@jaysaudiolab]

My pleasure!

[@adsph]

Thanks for this Jay

[@jaysaudiolab]

My pleasure

[@screamallyouwant]

By far your best video yet 😊

[@jonpatrick66]

Jay you've come a long way since I first started watching you. This is an excellent review from an extreme level that only you can bring to the table with your gear. Well done!

[@jaysaudiolab]

I appreciate that!

[@רויטלישראלי-נ9מ]

Great video jay and great 3d view on the lab, I love what you're doing 👍

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@steveaiello8025]

75-78 db works best for me. Agree with your approach to test with best electronics.

[@timschutte3961]

When i got my new amp this song gave me goosebumbs for the first time.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool

[@timschutte3961]

@@jaysaudiolab Yeah when i hear awesome quality i get it and mostly when it is loud haha but i also have neighbours so that sucks haha

[@robertthurston6858]

Good to see some real world stand mounts being reviewed on your channel. Mind you the expensive stuff is quite interesting too.

[@robertthurston6858]

I like to see your thoughts of intergating them wth nice subwoofers.

[@Larwiz]

Hey Jay! I'm a little late to the comment party, but better late than never! Firstly, kudos to you for taking another step forward. You know when you take those occasional steps backwards, we're all too vocal about it, so when you step in the right direction, we should let that be known just the same. I think what would be a good challenge to you would be to try to find the best amplification for these speakers that cost no nore than 2X the cost of the speakers. In this case, a 7k integrated or separate system that could power these speakers and make great sound. I think that would be a fun dive to take. You could spend a few videos auditioning amps in that price range (maybe 3-5), reviewing them, and picking a winner. It would be a temporary departure from your usual content. And then once you're done, back to regularly scheduled programming.

[@Audio-Maxi]

Kudos with your continuous feedback and review of these FR5s hooked up to the Gryphons! Great way to get the very Best out of them! 💪

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad to help!

[@byronb.]

Seeing that Jay is impressed with that tiny tweeter, it makes me even more curious about the FR-30 & FR-20. Those have large ribbon twitters and midrange. 😮 Thanks for covering Jay!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for sharing

[@RennieAsh]

Most speakers have "tiny" tweeters.

[@tomcede6428]

I like to hear your impressions. What you are showing is what happens when quality parts are used. I wonder what the difference would be if you compared to their other speakers. These speakers can a starting point for young people who live in apartments or small rooms.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Indeed

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

So the small FR5s are doing some things that the mighty Q7s cant in your space. I can relate to that, because I have had plenty of bookshelves and floorstanders and I always preferred the small ones when it comes to soundstage and imaging. You just need to be nearer to them in an equilateral triangle or sometimes even nearer. That is why they are meant for smaller rooms. 2 - 2.5 meters apart is just perfect for that immersion and holographic sound.

[@henningpetersen9183]

Nice!. i´m new to your channel. so different from other channels. Your are really testing the products hard. i like that.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Welcome!

[@enlitenaudio6517]

Video format is big fun, go for Chris' larger offering FR30 for your room/rig is our vote.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cool 😎

[@Audio-Maxi]

@@jaysaudiolab - I definitely 2nd the FR30s Suggestion! 👍

[@bobzador4038]

Jay, one of your best video's. Enjoyed the camera angles, much better sense of the size of your room. Funny that the FR5's cost far less then your audio cables. Great detailed breakdown of speaker placement and sound characteristics.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BobCoalWater]

Keep the speakers where they are and go fetch a smaller chair and put it in front of your present seating, I've had spectacular results with near field listening.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nice

[@viraljasubhai7747]

If you up the ladder then the speakers get nicer and the thump gets deeper and more outstanding. Put hosikawa bubbles and they are pin point perfect

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for watching

[@mirage.bryston]

I loved this style of video. I always listen below 80 db, I may go a couple db more on certain songs but most of the time it's way below 80 db for me.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Gotcha. Thanks 🙏

[@vpnogueira]

Jay, I believe this approach is great because it shows the potential of the speakers, without the negative effects of lesser electronics. A reference to pursue using less expensive electronics.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Great shot jay!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks man

[@mickyd3]

I am guessing the smaller speakers have a bit less reflection which could improve soundstage. You Magicos are huge, and have a lot of side surface area which likely contributes to reflections and potentially less sound stage. Just a hunch.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Fair enough

[@hindagsxr]

Jay, my ancestors had a castle, I should too and you absolutely must :)

[@bjoernarberg]

Listening to this test on my FR5, powered by Hegel H390 and Laiv Harmony dac. Absolutely love these speakers. I have them 9 feet apart, 2 feet from the frontwall and my listening position is about 10 feet from the speakers. Measures frequensy down to 35 Hz, slightly rolled of. I think the FR5 needs 150-200 hours to reach their full potential.

[@ChicagoRob2]

You’re making me jealous.

[@antoniorivera3709]

Very good job Jay, very interesting must say, all love from Stockholm Sweden to you for doing this testing... ❤❤❤👑❤️❤️❤️🙏😍

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasravnskjr6843]

Awesome Jay. Very informative and what a Journey to hear the fr5 from zero hour to now.

[@jaysaudiolab]

More to come!

[@reyperry2605]

Have to say, Jay: they're detailed and thrumming

[@alwayspushing2031]

Excellent content

[@jaysaudiolab]

Much appreciated

[@kennyyoung4477]

thanks jay! that was well worth the view and like, appreciate content that is closer to our budget :)

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brown-eyedman4040]

In my current abode, I'm using stand mount speakers instead of the 3-ways I hand in my bigger place. Both good and bad to this. No doubt the stand mounts image more precisely and with a sub go low enough. Buth the bigger speakers just take charge of the air in the room, if that makes sense.

[@betaomega04]

Thanks, Jay! Please do more of these!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Just subscribe and hit the like button and I’ll do more

[@Xp200dr-gj8lz]

When using an SPL meter use C Weighted. Most free apps do not have C until you pay however they do have Flat which you can use in lieu of A Weighting to get a better read of in room SPL without excluding deep bass which is what the default A weighting does.

[@Nefty_]

I find it interesting that you use your high end electronics. You are extracting everything that they have.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes

[@stevedeharde2712]

You are exactly right about Magnapans, other panels, and line sources exaggerating instument size. There is a not so well known acoustic reason for this that panel manufacturers will never address.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Never found this to be the case.

[@stevedeharde2712]

@carlosoliveira-rc2xt it is the main reason they still make point source speakers. A lot of people never realize it because it can be subtle, and others just put up with it because they feel the speed, clarity, and openess of planers or electrostatics is worth it.

[@stevedeharde2712]

@carlosoliveira-rc2xt it has to do with varying distances from various parts of the panel to your ears. Very similar to how looking through a concave or convex piece of glass distorts what we see. Microphones and ears are point transducers.

[@stevemd8947]

Great Video Jay. Obviously, you did a lot of work (many hours) to tune in these speakers. I subscribed because of this video. Thank you.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for the sub!

[@glenncurry3041]

Sounds like you need to try another PS Audio speaker to see if it is just that planar tweeter you are loving so much! Not just because it is in a stand mount.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for the tip!

[@hindagsxr]

The camera position is great

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks 🙏

[@j.m.harris4202]

Much more Professional Camera Angles Jay! Feels more Open and Welcoming! Great Presentation👍 💪

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks! Will do!

[@TheBTG88]

At 83.5 dB efficiency, they definitely will need power/current to sound good.

[@jaysaudiolab]

I think so too

[@RoderikvanReekum]

PS Audio Sprout 100 will do fine with these FR5's.

[@TheBTG88]

@ A Benchmark amplifier would be an excellent price comparable unit for these speakers.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

No such thing as 83.5 dB efficiency. Efficiency is described as a percentage. You mean 83.5dB sensitivity.

[@TheBTG88]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt I’m pleased that Jay understood my reference.

[@kdsellman]

Like the interaction!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@oskariveroth7363]

Hello Jay and thx for all the work you put in! How far do you have from your ears to the wall behind you?

[@jaysaudiolab]

3 feet

[@MichelLinschoten]

They are really cool, speakers can't wait to hear a pair tbh. I wonder if jay will try their bigger offers. That would be very interesting

[@scottbennett3119]

This is cool, Jay! I like this content! Thanks.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoy it! - please like and subscribe

[@scottbennett3119]

I listen at about 65 dB average and 72 peak most of the time. My wife is nearly always nearby. Otherwise It would be a little more.

[@spoonvalleyracing]

Great follow up from the previous video. Works fine with the 3 camera setup, do more with that. How do you experience the dynamics of the FR5? Usually a "bookshelf" speaker dissapears much easier in the soundstage compared to a larger floorstanding one for obvious reasons. Can't wait to this review is done, I like PS Audio but I have never owned any component from them yet. The speakers are a little different from others since they make the drivers themselves and Chris Brunhaver is a real genius designer. Thanks!!

[@jaysaudiolab]

❤

[@30DirtyThirty30]

Love this new style of presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Paul, his wife, and crew at AXPONA 2023. I believe I saw you on Saturday in passing.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@regisvoiclair]

Very good video format ! Thanks.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad you liked it!

[@Roamany-Jones]

Hi Jay, interesting video especially your comments on the TAD's at the end. FYI the Floorstanding speaker is a relatively new comer to the hifi market. It came about around the 1980's as a direct marketing choice to offer more bang for your buck. It was successful not because it was better than a stand mounted speaker, but because of the perceived value for money you get by offering what appears to be a big speaker without the cost of the expensive 'hi-fi' Stands of the time. The truth is, you can get better sounding speakers for your money by spending on better drivers in a smaller cabinet on cheaper Stands. Obviously, this rule wouldn't apply to the 'no compromise' speakers you generally use but for us mere mortals it certainly does when the cost is as important as the sound quality.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks ❤

[@skipgordon5382]

Awesome value

[@jaysaudiolab]

Yes

[@originalRoyalty1]

Great format addition! Taking the approach from the shows and the listening rooms.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for listening

[@thomassannito3528]

A ultra high end stand mount shootout would be very interesting...lt is a very popular catalog

[@7966016]

Im hearing driver stress in the vocals and a very narrow but deep sound stage. the scale is also small, which is very apparent over Utube! Enjoyed it, non the less!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Interesting!

[@TombstoneTube]

@@jaysaudiolabgreat reply :)

[@thomasnielsen5704]

Very interesting and honest test of the FR5. But will you do me a fun favor? I notice that you are sitting in the middle seat of your sofa (sweet spot) and judge the soundstage and sound image from there. But what happens if you sit in the far left or right seat? Does the entire sound image move to the left or right? Or does everything stay in its place, including the singer or instruments from the middle? On my simple system (very simple): Amphion 3S standmounts, SPL Director mk2 preamp and SPL Performer S800 power amp, EVERYTHING stays in its place, regardless of whether I sit in the “sweetspot”, on or the far left or far right of the sofa! And even though I have the speakers a good 2 feet from the back wall (up against window sections), and with a big flatscreen between the speakers, I hear a very precise soundstage and sound image with debth and width, and everything stays in its place, no matter where I’m sitting in relation to the speakers. Can the FR5 (and othet standmounts you know) do this? My Amphion 3S can!

[@martinlindberg1983]

Ha ha, yeah right! If you move as small as 2 inches to the left/right the phantom center and sound stage will always collapse. Its called physics...

[@thomasnielsen5704]

@@martinlindberg1983 Yes, this is what happens with most speakers - I think. And that’s why I want to hear Jay’s opinion on the FR5 in that regard. As I wrote: The sound stage and “phantom image” do not collaps on my Amphion’s in outermost listenings positions.

[@enlitenaudio6517]

BTW volume level will always depend on room treatment. In our reference room, 80-90db with excellent recordings typ. Lousy recordings subtract 5-10db - all are A weighted measurements.

[@liamporter1137]

Please consider trying the Platimon.

[@carlosmier4380]

Excellent approach Jay. Comments show you’ve nailed it. Congrats!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Much appreciated

[@uksaxonia]

Very nice job, Jay! Greetings from Germany!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Cheers

[@Justwantahover]

21:00 Cos small speakers have more air and less speaker blocking the waves.

[@skipgordon5382]

What db filter are you using. Filter A will generate lower readings. I use C because is takes more bass into consideration. It is 5-8 db higher than A. 85 average is a good level for me.

[@robinr5787]

Thank you, very informative about the way you setup, with explanations. And with affordable gear (for me). Liked this video and would watch more of it! And I listen as low volume as possible while still hearing full sound (or almost). Don't like high volumes!

[@berndwolfram451]

My setup ...fishhead audio 1.6 bs bookshell speakers...a denon dp59l turntable with ortofon 2m black ...ifi audio Zen phono...and denon drh 800 amplifier ...it sounds awesome....good Job jay greetz from Hamburg /Germany

[@spacejaime]

Could this be the best value proposition in audiophile land - for stand mount speakers - given enough room to let them "breath"?

[@jaysaudiolab]

it is an excellent price proposition

[@tedrubinstein2003]

Jay, since you said this has a passive radiator on the back do you think it would give more bass and possible fuller sound for somebody that could put them a couple feet off the front wall?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Absolutely

[@jennifermartin8628]

Thanks for this. What's the first track?

[@JKadison]

Even with my headphones this sounds great

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@eless1899]

I really think testing them with subwoofer would be extremely interesting. to hear.

[@jaysaudiolab]

yes but time is not on my side as i need to keep pushing forward with my channel

[@kevinstarski1598]

The most common issue I found with standmounts is they tend to image low and hardly anything goes above the speaker. I know there's some exceptions and room plays a big part, but that's where I stand. I'm speaking generally, and never heard these before. There's a reason why so many reviews say "wide and deep" soundstage only. Had to read between the lines...lol

[@jaysaudiolab]

Just get them closer to you

[@dsmdarryl]

Two of my favorite test songs: Dirk Powell - Susan's gone Melody Gardot - baby I'm a fool

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Sounds great

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@BobTrainor]

I find I get better imaging from stand mounts in my room. I’ve chocked it up to room size. I love bigger speakers but I must admit I get better imaging from stand mounts. (Try the TADs) 😂

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for sharing!

[@59christiaan]

Small speakers are usually a two-way system. And the best way is a two-way😉

[@jaysaudiolab]

yes !

[@davidparsons6517]

Good stuff Jay. Really enjoyed this video. I think I may be low on the scale. 70 to 75 DB. Up 75 to 80 is a really good recording that I really like!!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for the info!

[@rennocklodge33]

I really enjoy your selection of music can you forward your selection? The speakers seem that they're not in the room that's amazing

[@skip1835]

Not to get overly "audiophily" here - but speakers that cast a larger image do so in "scale", everything in the soundstage is scaled up - - for my taste, it's an image I prefer - - real instruments actually do sound huge - in any musical setting that's not being pumped through a PA there's only general imaging with the sound from the instruments being fully bloomed out, even a flute, without the help of a PA system doesn't sound "pin point" - the pin point thing that tends to be typical with smaller presentations comes across as "hi-fi" to my taste, to each his own, it's a preference, so imo, it's not that one or the other is right or wrong. btw - I'm absolutely loving this journey Jay has taken us on with the 5's - take away the state of the art electronics it wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thank you

[@felipencl]

I usually listen to music arround 70 to 80 dB

[@jaysaudiolab]

Wow 🤩

[@philipgardiner2003]

Great, great company and owner. Thanks for sharing this!

[@jaysaudiolab]

You bet!

[@racerex100]

90db +or - 3db is my sweet spot.

[@markphilpot8734]

Bookshelf speakers pulled out into the room do just like these did for you, they disappeared. You might try Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. That will wake things up plus it is just fabulous with bookshelf speakers as it can show their weaknesses if they have any. This is what I have, but I have ProAc EBTs and they are hungry. You wouldn’t have a problem with your amps. Like mine, I have an NAD 208 driving them. No problem whatsoever. Your amps dwarf mine so I know you wouldn’t have any issues. Some bookshelf speakers are hungry. You just have to see what they do with what you have. You have great equipment Jay so that is not an issue for you or me. Keep it up!❤

[@jaysaudiolab]

Will do

[@royli3260]

Ahh! I'm not really a big fan of 20 foot guitars and Titanic-size drum kits either - superfically impressive but not good for medium-long term listening. How big would you say the "sweet spot" is for these speakers? In case I have already mentioned this previously - this is really fun - so glad you're doing this!

[@barneyrubble9309]

try and get a listen to the Marten stand mounts..either the Oscar Duo's or the Parker Duo's

[@AverageUser1040]

Very well done, subbed!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Nefty_]

The camera angle is very nice

[@jaysaudiolab]

Much appreciated

[@ivanfilatov7913]

Very interesting...

[@jaysaudiolab]

Very!

[@kurthill7030]

I think it's because I'm thousands of miles away 😂😅😂😅 good demo jay thanks for doing it 👍

[@jaysaudiolab]

my pleasure

[@BeyondResolution]

I have had manny big and expensive floorstanding speakers.. swore to them... but i now have Egglestonworks Nico Evo standmounts.. i am never turning back to floorstanders again.. there is something magical with a good standmount.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Agreed !

[@jimmcginn2820]

Jay, Will u be adding subs? To see how far these speakers can deliver full range sound?

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Wonderful review. I'll take 2 🍺🍺. Chris B is proving his mettle in the speaker arena.

[@xsamitt]

wonderful experiment|!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks

[@poonkinsun6251]

I look forward to see more affordable hifi reviews from you. Way to go!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks, will do!

[@davidf1985]

Thanks Jay, I subscribed & watched this video from start to finish. I think I listen around 80 dB. What do you use to record the audio ? My Living room is my listening room. I have little leeway in speaker placement. The smaller FR5 could give me more leeway than my Maggie 1.7i I like what I am hearing from the FR5. I will dutifully watch your upcoming video on the FR5 pros & cons. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving .

[@jaysaudiolab]

Thanks for the sub!

[@glenncurry3041]

I listen at peaks of 81dbSPL - 83db-SPL at the listening position when possible. Or that was what my previous ap was showing me, Different, more capable ap is showing higher peaks, similar average though. But this often overheated the amp to shut down.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Interesting

[@jameschan2404]

Well done, Sir I enjoyed it very much.

[@jaysaudiolab]

Glad to hear it!

[@JR-ho5qm]

Great speakers! Would be good to have a real time decibel meter show up in the bottom corner of the screen