PS Audio's NEW Music-First Loudspeakers Hit The Spot For Home Audio!

[@Jayiyagi]

Have questions? Join our public discord! discord.gg/Sf6XR2ZRww Speakers in this Video (some may be affiliate links): PS Audio FR5: www.psaudio.com/products/aspen-fr5-loudspeaker?srsltid=AfmBOook0pkxGhtlF0itc6LEbrmoAmMgmyFud5Kk5_hJAZuVjGSPjKxN MonAcoustic Platimon VC1: monacoustic.us/product/platimon-vc-one/?srsltid=AfmBOooPND3Oi6au4seZl1Fzhf1pwVHGMWTz-iX7dZMkerbtWgTRmVQL&v=3e8d115eb4b3&sld=nbtstudioprgmailcom MonAcoustic Platimon VC2 Module: monacoustic.us/product/platimon-virtual-coaxial-two/?v=3e8d115eb4b3&sld=nbtstudioprgmailcom Component Recommendations (some may be affiliate links): Hegel H400: www.hegel.com/en/products/integrated/h400 Axxes Forte 1: online.nextlevelhifi.com/products/axxess-forte-1-streaming-amplifier?srsltid=AfmBOoru2g2AJ1buDHNSxX5tDZ5nICmtv5H5ACX94nXAbekiqSRni4w_ Cambridge Evo150: howl.link/gmw2rhxruy087 Burson TimeKeeper GT monoblocks: www.bursonaudio.com/shop/timekeeper-gt/ Aric Motherlod Xl Tube Pre-amp: aricaudio.com/the-motherlode-xl/ Laiv Harmony DAC: www.laiv.audio/product-page/harmony-dac (use $50 off discount code: jayiyagiofficial) Aurender N20 Streamer: aurender.com/home/n20/ Aric Motherlode XL tube pre-amp Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5qYpqWalLCii5osi=qMhx2kAU_8gg2xia AGD Audion Monoblocks: agdproduction.com/product/audion/ Related Videos: MonAcoustic Platimon Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZuncmalbN2Imacsi=awJLx_6bidPBD-v0 MonAcoustic Platimon System Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3KTaKtndq55l9Usi=0bk8IPPXF-J8gywW Burson GT3 Monoblock Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIiogaV-m9mLppYsi=ixGchxCLSS5mAc1C AGD Audion Monoblock Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGfFfal5dtCffs0si=IpLphc0WAl9iYEgk Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 Introducing The PS Audio FR5 Loudspeakers 0:48 PS Audio FR5 Build Quality Review 2:37 PS Audio FR5 Sound Quality Review 4:37 How Much Power Does The PS Audio FR5 Speakers Need? 6:26 Best Amplifiers For PS Audio FR5 Loudspeakers 15:50 PS Audio FR5 Speaker Setup Guide 17:23 PS Audio FR5 Measurements 18:47 Jay's Recommendation List #hifi #audiophile #homeaudio

[@j.livingston2201]

Thanks for the review, Jay.

[@adsph]

Thanks for sharing Jay.

[@J-cd4nx]

Was nice to see some PS audio. Not many review equipment

[@hudsontannis3123]

What is there not to like I am frankly tired of those who have no taste for music critiquing of speakers like the PS FR5 I own this speaker and 45 years of audiophile experience this is the best value in speakers period.

[@markmeridian3360]

Erin's Audio Corner found that the speaker has a bump in the range of female vocals (and a dip above that) and it would benefit from equalization. Chris Brunhaver (the FR5's speaker designer at PS Audio) told me that equalization would be ok if it's done digitally. Not sure if your review picked up on that.

[@hocheye]

Don't care what they look like, it's all about sound. They are great speakers!!

[@EagleCrestVineyards]

Thanks for the long-anticipated review Jay. I agree that the speakers are easy to listen to. I find some speakers to be initially interesting and detailed, but over extended listening session, they are fatiguing. I found the FR5's to be musical and the tonality to be realistic. Same with the soundstage: realistic. I think component matching is key with these speakers. They need current and come alive at 70-80 dB levels. For hybrid integrated amps (like the Vincent 237Mk2), I think you get the right mix: warmth from the tube phono and enough current from a solid state amplifier. The generous trade-in program from PS Audio brings the speakers down to $2600 USD, which makes them a good deal for the investment, methinks.

[@kevinjeffers8056]

I was also at AXPONA and was equally impressed by these FR5 and the Alta Alyssa. You have reviewed both and wonder how you would compare them. At AXPONA the PS was in a huge room and the Alta was in a hotel room so hard to compare while I was there.

[@Pksparty2112]

Your audience woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. The negativity could drive these 83 db speakers to concert levels

[@roynusser5246]

Great review and thanks for explaining Hoffman's iron law. I learned something new today, yayyy. If I were to buy new stand mount speakers, I'd buy a pair that focused more on the upper registries and buy a good subwoofer. They seem like nice speakers, but they won't be replacing my X-LS Encores.

[@stefandebusmucke2907]

Thx Jay for taking measurements. Overall there is a nice tendency that the level goes down with the frequency if one ignores the wide and high peak around the 500-900 Hz range. This should be clearly audible as a coloration of male and female voices. It would be very beneficial if you would combine the comments of the audition with the measurements. Almost nobody does that. Keep up the good work!

[@j.livingston2201]

That’s what Erin’s Audio Corner does. He’s the only one I know of.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Seems like a very good choice for a lot of people who use their living room as the listening space. Thanks to high power class D amps, this will be relatively affordable. For me, the low sensitivity is a stake through the heart.

[@liamporter1137]

Great review. Your list is very valuable as a purchase guide.

[@jdm-uk-yank]

If you haven't heard the Kerr Acoustic speakers you need to. They were my pick at the Northwest Audio Show two years running. The only audio shows I've been to. I ended up buying the Dynaudio Heritage Specials as their tweeter is a bit more flexible with my horrible room setup.

[@martinreginald]

I so much enjoy seeing your reviews and hearing your impressions and opinions of products. I have not watched all of your published videos, but those I have viewed were enjoyable to me. Allow me to make a gentle suggestion IF this is consistently absent in your videos: Those of us who mostly view KZbin videos via streaming to television instead of computer or phone apps cannot readily open links. Because of this, I would love to see product reviews list the MSRP price at the beginning of a video, then also verbally mention it during the 'introduction phase' of an episode. It can sure help out viewers who are using reviews when shopping for a product to know if a reviewed product is even in the ballpark for their wallet. Waiting to the middle or end of the video for pricing information requires an investment of time by the viewer which they may not wish to spend while doing research. 🙂 Again, many thanks for your expertise and efforts that go behind your videos. Dave

[@vendelius]

Another Good Video... Thanks Jay

[@36karpatoruski]

Jay’s Audio Lab had the exact opposite conclusion: planar tweeter absolutely the star - hi resolution, airy, superb imaging and soundstage, amazing clarity. Weak in the bass and bass extension. A superior buy at this price point. So which Jay to believe?

[@jungtarcph]

Yeah, I was really dissapointed by the FR30 - here in Denmark, they are selling demo speakers 50% off because no one want to pay the "real" price.

[@markmallinson935]

@@jungtarcphwhat was the amplification

[@j.livingston2201]

Jay is not a legitimate reviewer. He is a media person who is friends with manufacturers and does a lot of press for them where he goes to shows and shops to interview them. I enjoy his media coverage but his reviews are not trustworthy for these reasons. IMHO.

[@EricRhodeslives]

He (JAL) compared them to Magico whom he owes allegiance to.

[@garganega]

You can hear it in the samples.

[@toddcovington1172]

I wish it came in "REL gray", that way, John Hunter could come on 10 times a day telling me not to adjust my TV's color....! Love John and Paul. Love my Rel and will buy another one. Always interested in PS Audio's offerings. Thanks for the review. Your thoughts are always appreciated and valued.

[@G3rain1]

16:37. Man you've done a number on that flooring with all the speaker spikes that have been there.

[@ohadschwartz4798]

Jay. Would be great if would do Radiant acoustic Clarity 6. 2 review and compare to the FR5.

[@lsaideOK]

Whether you recommend it or not, I'm definitely not hearing much enthusiasm on your part. Tone matters as you say!

[@streobug54]

quite a speaker all around from what I hear. Do you have any experience with the Fink Team Kim? Not too many Dealers but from youtube Videos I sounds Like a Killer. Easy Impedance Load as Well. I have been very interested in Them. Thanks For all

[@earthoid]

I loved how many different sources and amps you used and the details you noted with each. I'm not at all complaining but it would also be interesting to pair the FR5 with PS Audio's equipment, not that I can afford it anyway. My Parasound amp mated to Salk speakers still serves me well.

[@jaakvandriessche9558]

When will the arendal 1528 bookshelf be tested?

[@bingdong8571]

have you heard jtr loudspeakers? HOw do they compare with the expensive audiophile speakers u review?

[@garyedwards9617]

Why no PS Audio components ? Like how would it sound with a Stellar pre with a BK amp? PS Audio never seems to get reviews with their speakers.

[@jeffreypicciolo7706]

Jay, typically I love your reviews. But this one ....?.....You've listened to the speaker, you analyzed it, you've inspected the crossover, you've measured it, you like it. But you won't put it on your list until you've evaluated many others? That's just nutty. Put a speaker on your list if it deserves to be and modify your list over time as more worthy components come into focus. Just hate the closing of your video on a wishy washy "maybe". That's just indecisive - come on man.

[@Jayiyagi]

Sorry, I have only two speakers in each price category at all times (one for smaller rooms and one for larger rooms) for these reasons, I prefer to change it just once since I have 3-4 other speakers in the similar price range that I am testing right now. Thanks.

[@lord_haven1114]

He gave the relevant information, and there are other reviews that exist…you just have to decide for yourself. You shouldn’t need him to make the decision FOR you. And really, beyond basic stuff like price and general quality, you won’t get much certainty until you actually listen to them in the room they’re going into. This whole thing where commenters get mad when reviewers don’t say “yes buy this one!” (Until literally the next one that’s tested) is obnoxious.

[@j.wellness7771]

I bet I know what speakers he/she/they/them own

[@patfrederick7327]

@@j.wellness7771 ????????

[@jmdlt0822]

Does not seem OP wants for anyone to make a decision on their behalf. More about staying on the fence to as to whether a recommendation would be awarded based on having to put other similar speakers through evaluation. At this point, Jay’s evaluated many other similar speakers to make a sound decision as to whether he feels they warrant a recommendation or not regardless of what other speakers are pending evaluation. My comment does not take away from Jay’s great content and work.

[@christopherward5065]

It seems to be a good proposition. PS Audio are consistent and good value. Did you really decide that 2.2Ft was a distance that you had measured…? Was that 2Ft 2.4 inches. I bet you didn’t actually measure that. At least measure in metric! 66cm? Strange!

[@icyhybrid3174]

Where's the Hegel H400 review? 🧐

[@abxaudiophiles]

Let’s go!! 🎉❤😊😊

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I remember how thrilled you were when we walked in there. All the footage here turned out great. I prefer the aesthetic of the larger towers rather than the smallest towers and the bookshelf. Nice to see that H400 there! Great unit. ...also .. I like your tiny little white Christmas tree =)

[@ThomasL]

Passive radiators don't have port chuffing, don't add much unwanted harmonics compared to Ported Design. But it's more expensive.

[@1023dwest]

I never care how a speaker looks. For me, it’s all about the sound.

[@jarekstorm6331]

Big passive radiator on the back? Always preferred sealed boxes, and radiators just work, with no chuffing, no port tuning spikes, tight punchy bass.

[@MichelLinschoten]

You're still living in the 80 and 70ts

[@johndough8115]

@@MichelLinschoten Hes correct. I own Speakers that are Ported, Sealed, and that have Passives. I have owned about 30 different speakers to date. The ported speakers have a very Artificial sounding Bass response. It becomes annoyingly Droning, once you get to Medium volume levels. The most Bass Thumpy speakers Ive owned, had Passive Radiators. The non-distorting bass (even when pushed to the edge of blowing the speakers), and the luscious natural musical quality of the bass... is not even in the same UNIVERSE, compared to ported speakers. Also.. the Age argument, is also Ignorant. There has not really been any significant Audio Changes, since the 70s. You could actually pick up a 70s era Audiophile speaker, that will WHOOP the pants off of some of a good majority of the Modern Eco trash, made today. I used to own a pair of 90s era Technique 12" 3-ways... until I got hold of a pair of 70s era EPI 100v speakers. The EPIs destroy the Techs, in every Metric, by Galaxy's of difference. They also destroy the local high end stereo shops $3000 flagship tower speakers. Its not even close to being close. The only new tech that has been somewhat significant, is Planer tweeters. But that said... As far as Ive heard, Planers often project a very Narrow and Shallow depth of Field... as far as Soundstage goes. My EPIs produce one of the widest and deepest soundstages, that Ive ever encountered. But even if you compare new cone materials, and certain new drivers... you could still find comparable sound output, from older drivers... because the differences are actually so small, as to barely even be notable (most audiophiles would actually struggle to tell the difference, reliably).

[@jarekstorm6331]

@@MichelLinschoten people’s love of tube amplifiers must REALLY baffle you 🤭

[@sudd3660]

the floor stander models looked so good, but not this stand mount model. i do no like the shape and a solid color do not work here. nice looking drivers tho, no grills just beauty :)

[@arcadepiano]

what speakers do your parents actually listens to?

[@byronrose7906]

Rel 1205 mk2 review

[@funkychicken2119]

For $3500, I’d wish they spent a bit more on the aesthetics. It has that cheap Emotiva, generic Insignia, sterile look. The Quad Revela is cheaper and looks much better IMO. They at least look like they put in a little effort whereas the PS Audio looks like something you get from Temu.

[@ACM1000000PT]

looks very cheap plastic with a piece of wood of the sides?

[@mrpmj00]

I don’t care how they look because I’m not buying a TV to look at (I buy Sony tv), I also listen in the dark- I like that ps audio put most of the money into sound quality instead of aesthetics

[@whome8192]

Not crazy about the look.

[@davidhester9897]

Yeah I couldn't handle that space age look. I think Paul's kids had some influence, I saw in one of his videos the other day this awesome looking speaker prototype that they almost used for the design of their speakers and he said his kids thought it looked like an old man's speaker so they didn't go with it. Which it didn't, I thought why the hell would you ever listen to them.

[@Rob-u3c]

I hate MDF. Would you build a piano or guitar out of MDF. The speakers look nice. I miss the days when Speakers were made out of real wood.

[@johndough8115]

If you REALLY want to know what the Speakers are FULLY Capable of... get an EQUALIZER. You can bump up the bass, to get more Thump at lower volume levels. You can boost the highs, if they are a little "Tame". And you can push the Woofers to their Maximum potentials.. just shy of Blowing them up. Every AMP has its own Colorization... but using expensive Amps to do what an EQ does... is pretty Foolish.

[@johndough8115]

Im going to add, that any speaker that is Sealed, and or has a Passive Radiator, will be a little bass-anemic at lower volume levels. Thats the trade off, for a more Natural and Superior sounding Bass. Ports may be better at lower volume levels... but once you get to mid to high levels... you really notice how Artificial Sounding that Bass is. But hey... I LOVE music... and always want to play it at mid to loud voulume levels. So my sealed speakers, are flipping fantastic.. as they really come alive, and completely blow away anything that most people have ever experienced. That said, even at lower volume levels... they still sound really good. And with a little EQ tweak, you can easily fix the anemic bass levels, at lower volume levels. Its merely down to the Physics. Once you have enough energy to get those passives moving... you are going to get a fantastic bottom end.

[@mrpmj00]

Yes an no Yes, I use a parasound 2100 with tone controls as the EQ. No i disagree what u said about amps. I upgraded from my already great parasound 2125v2 amp to NAD c298 and it sounds even better.

[@bilguana11]

Please compare it to the ELAC Vela 404.2. Thanks Jay.

[@EagleCrestVineyards]

I recent ran a comparison between the ELAC UniFi Reference UBR 62's and the FR5s. I found the FR5s to be as good as the ELACs at staging and imaging, but tonally more like real instruments and live voices over the ELACs. They both require some current to show their best selves. I found the FR5s to be less fatiguing and less 'monitor-like' than the ELACS, which are precise but perhaps better in the recording studio than the living roo/listening room. I would characterize the FR5s less as 'warm' and more as 'musical." at least in my system :)

[@marklloyd4153]

Omg $3500 . I’d rather have something less expensive ,&easier to run . I’m still using my Focal Cora 806 with a pair of REL T7x’s all of which you showed me . I replaced my series I REL’s last year with the 7x’s last year . I’m using a Rotel Integrated amp with a Eversolo A8 and am so happy . Thank you so much Jay ❤🎉 oh I forgot to mention I got my RELs on sale and the Choras on clearance the Rotel was on mark down but I paid full price for the Eversolo so dirt cheap system is keeping very happy

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

The measured response @17:32 is bad. Not that you can measure correctly, but the dips and highs mean that this a far drom neutral speaker. How can you say that doesn’t affect it too much?

[@mrpmj00]

Measurements dont make the final decision…my ears do. Although my Goldenear BRX shows higher specs (35 kHz) than my PS Audio fr5 (20 kHz), the fr5 sounds better.

[@cbrunhaver]

This is only a single measurements and doesn't show the spatial response. You might check out the review in stereophile on their website to get some more technical detail on that (they average across a 30 degree horizontal window which better represents the direct sound of the speaker that you hear). When considering the off axis in the 15-30 degree range, the small dip in the 2-3 khz range fills in off axis and top end comes down. The response above 10 kHz is quite directional and so you can use toe in to adjust the extremely treble to your taste.

[@davidsykes2825]

I’m not a fan of the looks. Without the grills the tweeter is engulfed by the baffle and looks cheap. With the grill the speaker feels like it’s upside down. Black helps this but still bad in my opinion. Also, the premium material on the front and then mdf for the cabinet feels disjointed and cheap. These are design nit picks but for their asking price I feel like they need to do better.

[@newdevilman1167]

Design is very subjective thing. Many people love the white color speakers.

[@JasonLeaman]

Going to need 1kw amps to run these beasts !!

[@justasimplefox]

Only black and white 🥱

[@vicentvanmole]

not the look but if the price is right .PS has been always over price stuffs

[@lights80088]

For what it's worth, I don't care for the look. The fiberglass front baffle looks like it's just glued on and gives the look of cheapness. The sloppy workmanship on the crossover, even though it doesn't affect the sound, displays poor workmanship. I believe there are many better choices for the money. It should be said, I do like PS Audio electronics.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

I don't care for the looks, but I would still buy if the sound was really good

[@mrpmj00]

i got mine in black because i don’t want to see speakers, i just want to hear the music

[@blackhand9581]

"Music-First Loudspeakers" How preposterously redundunt. What next? Water-first drinking glass?

[@PhillioDoede]

The design and shape really bothers me. The white front baffle and white cabinet make it really hard to see where one shape starts and where another ends. Its like you can tell there is geometry and shape there but its extremely hard to tell whats going on and your eyes don't know what to focus on. It seems like most press images are of the white speakers and I assume there is a black which is probably less detracting but then probably pretty boring as well. Also I always feel like the speaker is upside down regardless of the grill being on or not. Visually its kind of a non starter for me.

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

It has to be one of the most boring looking speakers to look at ever, the white colour doesn’t help. Im sure it sound ok.

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

I am not a fan of the front baffle shape , it should of just been flat without the contour round the woofer

[@smokeonthewater420]

🙄🤔🤑

[@middleearthltd]

Erin had it at 82db sensitivity and 500 watts of Purifi amperage could not fully power them I would not have these on my need to demo list let alone buy list Anyone considering these should watch Erin’s review PS audio would be best by a MLM business model in my opinion as they have some true believers

[@mrpmj00]

my FR5 sounds wonderful with NAD c298 amp with 180 Wpc

[@johndough8115]

Moronic Response. In order to have superior cone control... you need higher strength magnetics. Otherwise, the cones may easily fail to keep up with the acceleration demands of the drivers. That leads to Micro-Distortions, and a flatter Image. The micro distortions, cause things like muddying vocals into the background instruments... when there is a lot of vocals + instruments all playing at the same time (like Jazz, or Disco). I bought a pair of 70s era speakers, that use very large and powerful magnets, on all the drivers. I hear new things in same music that Ive listened to, for several Decades. They completely Blow away my more "Efficient" speakers (Its not even Close). And while my other newer speakers could play much louder (using much less power)... they are so much more Inferior in sound quality... that I ended up putting them out on the curb, for trash pickup. There is no such thing as the "Perfect" speaker. There is always Compromises to be made. If you want superior non-distorting accuracy... you will need to pay for that, with much greater Power usage. And if you want superior Natural sounding Bass? You have to use Sealed / Passive Radiators... which causes lower overall volume levels... but, FAR superior bass, compared to Ported speakers.

[@cbrunhaver]

Well, the woofer reaches it's limits with around 150 watts so I'm a bit confused by Erins assessment there. 500 watt is a huge amount of power and there is no way this speaker will handle that at full tilt. Most bookshelves don't play much louder than around 100 dB and so are using maybe 10 watts of power before they distort a lot. Our woofer has long excursion and is designed for deeper bass response and takes a little more power but nothing crazy (most people already have a 100watt amp at least).

[@backrack01]

Why? Because they are making their youtube rounds.

[@Prometheus1979]

I like PSAudio products for the most part. But I absolutely do not like the looks of this speaker. It looked very cheap. For the price they could have offered a nicer finish. Other brands in the same price range offer a lot nicer finish. This looks cheap.

[@mrpmj00]

i got mine in black because i don’t want to see speakers, i just want to hear the music

[@36karpatoruski]

It’s oogly.

[@americanhero1234]

For $3500 frick you and frick these speakers.

[@fochtyu2694]

How comes AMT tweeter sounds relaxed?

[@NisuUuno]

Its ugly. They should offer moro colours atleast, something like a deep red or puprle would be good, perhaps with dark gold elements

[@kevinl6231]

They’re ugly as sin. Thanks for your description so based on your description their tonality is not for me.

[@EricRhodeslives]

They're ugly.

[@zachansen8293]

ps audio is the biggest purveyor of snake oil in an industry of snake oil. Don't give them your money.

[@EagleCrestVineyards]

whoa...that is quite an accusation. have you used their products? what is your system presently?

[@MichelLinschoten]

83db ?! Yah total garbage! Sorry to say so definitely a deal breaker. That's just ridiculous.. Danny Richie would burn these to the ground on a technical level lol

[@OGNewb]

Too bad that spec alone means nothing. I can think of lots of great speakers with similar specs. Just because you don’t have a big enough amp doesn’t mean it’s not good.

[@mrpmj00]

high sensitivity speakers can sometimes have a high noise floor that u can hear when the music is paused, which means that when the music is playing you will not hear the details

[@johndough8115]

Moronic Response. In order to have superior cone control... you need higher strength magnetics. Otherwise, the cones may easily fail to keep up with the acceleration demands of the drivers. That leads to Micro-Distortions, and a flatter Image. The micro distortions, cause things like muddying vocals into the background instruments... when there is a lot of vocals + instruments all playing at the same time (like Jazz, or Disco). I bought a pair of 70s era speakers, that use very large and powerful magnets, on all the drivers. I hear new things in same music that Ive listened to, for several Decades. They completely Blow away my more "Efficient" speakers (Its not even Close). And while my other newer speakers could play much louder (using much less power)... they are so much more Inferior in sound quality... that I ended up putting them out on the curb, for trash pickup. There is no such thing as the "Perfect" speaker. There is always Compromises to be made. If you want superior non-distorting accuracy... you will need to pay for that, with much greater Power usage. And if you want superior Natural sounding Bass? You have to use Sealed / Passive Radiators... which causes lower overall volume levels... but, FAR superior bass, compared to Ported speakers