PSB's Passif 50 review: SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE loudspeakers

[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) All comments here are moderated by a third party 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome 3) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please

[@jamesm90]

The KLH model 5 would be a nice comparison.

[@PSB-900]

I'm finally setting up a dedicated listening room after raising my kids, sending them on their way and retiring from my job of 40 years. It's a spare bedroom, 12'x14', and after listening to a bunch of speakers that would be appropriate in size for this space, the PSB's are hard to shake from my head. Staying within a certain price point of $1,500 - $2,500 USD, I keep coming back to the PSB Passif 50's. Steely Dan never sounded so good. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but soon,... soon.

[@PSB-900]

Update - I finally ended up with Vandersteen 1Ci+ speakers on a dealer closeout for $1,570 shipped to my door. Love them!

[@bellrobert1978]

Purely on looks the PSB and the new NAD anniversary amp would be a gorgeous setup.

[@ethimself5064]

Or Bryston

[@ZappaTime]

Well, you absolutely convinced me….I need a larva lamp, I couldn’t take my eyes off it (but I was listening!)

[@darrenmorley7453]

Hello. I demo’d the Lintons this weekend along side the PSBs. The Lintons were on first and I thought I don’t need to listen to the PSBs I’ll take the lintons . I changed my mind after 5 seconds of the same song. The PSBs were fantastic. I couldn’t stop smiling. They look even better in the flesh, but that’s just my opinion. Thanks for the reviews Darko.

[@JaccoSW]

I kind of like the look of them, like halfway between a tower and a bookshelf on a stand. The Linton's are around half or even one third the price of these around here in Europe though. $3000 vs €1250 is quite the difference.

[@cammmm99]

I had the opposite experience, what amp & type of music ?

[@mikemitrook3599]

Another review well done! I appreciate the comparisons, even at the different price points. I also enjoy the fact that you use different types of music for your review process. Your comment on speakers being furniture hits a truth, even more so that other components. MB Quart even use to have a saying about their speakers “der unterschied zwischen box und klangmobel” the difference between a box and musical furniture.

[@jacquesracine9571]

Love, from Canadia.

[@Lucaf_2008]

Hope you're health is improving John

[@hanSolo508]

John, your music selection is great! I appreciate your wide genere spectrum from rock trough new wave to variety of electronic and techno acts. Thanks to your recommendation and testing selection I got a lot of new albums in my collection (for e.g. conforce - dawn chorus). Thanks!

[@ld4974]

I agree. I came to the conclusion awhile ago that if it does not look good to me, I'm not going to be happy with it sitting in my living room. Unfortunately, not a piano black fan so that has knocked several things off my list that are probably top tier (like a REL sub) but that's just me. Recently upgraded to the Klipsch Heresy IV's. Beautiful "pieces of furniture that make sound" indeed.

[@TedHull]

Another great video! Don’t apologize for speaking about differences in amps - that’s what I’m here for! Seriously, I think you discount your knowledge of different amps and system pairing too much - most of us don’t have a shelf on the side full of amazing amps in all categories. Of course, I understand the need to focus the video on the speaker. Just a quick shout out, love what you do, please keep it up!

[@normanmorrow4897]

Great vid as always, cheers John, love the channel

[@bryanherr1093]

Those are tasty looking. The PSB's and the 50th anniversary NAD Integrated would be a lovely looking combination. Thanks John

[@stephenjon3502]

Like em. I am slowly moving up speaker size hoping my Mrs won't notice. Currently onto L82s and these could be the next one up until I finally have a pair of La Scalas sitting there as she looks confused whilst I point towards the wine bottle in the corner. 😁

[@allenbrixey1122]

The classic looking NAD integrated would be nice to test these on.

[@callthelaw898]

Love the mid mod look of these and the latest klh (forget the name). Klipsch is also offering some of their speakers with similar cloth grill.

[@edwardheynes3880]

John, I like your attitude towards high end audio mate! Great content. I love PSB loudspeakers. Pairs super well with my amplification of choice - NAD.

[@alfredoj1349]

for somebody like myself, a newby (neophite music lover, let alone audiophile) your reviews are just perfect, enough tecnical details and at the same time really understandables. kEEP GPOING!

[@tigs2576]

Love your work John. One of the more exciting aspects I look forward to in your videos, is getting introduced to music and artists I would ordinarily never ever get exposed to (like Fabien Tell). Thank you.

[@joshua85100]

Who cares about "audiophiles" that considers technno and electronic music as a "musical affront" .... They know nothing about the emotions that this genre can give (especialy at thome), about the specific musicality and aesthetics of it, as well as richness of composition. And they won't allow their "audiophile" ears and system to experiment those huge, thick, and bold masterings and super wide soundstage. And thats their problem, not ours =) One love, and salute to the worldwide electronic music enthusiasts !

[@JeffHeon]

Thanks for the review! I am Canadian, but ironically the first review of the Passif is coming from oversea 🙂P.S. Awesome camera shots!

[@flohmann]

If you're not done with your coverage of the vintage-look speakers, I hope you'll consider adding the Wharfedale Linton to your future auditions. At $1500/pair with stands, a favorite of mine and many others.

[@michaelbooth6007]

I much prefer the looks of the PSB speakers compared to either the 770's or the Klipsch that you had for your in house comparison. I also thought the stands looked rather neat although I wondered just how stable the PSB's are when sited on them.

[@trucchuong1726]

Another great review John! Like your style, and love the "cutthroat" joke 😂. For the comparison part, I am not 100% sure that you've reviewed or experienced to KLH model 5, Spendor A5R, and Wharfedale Linton (they're all in $2-3k range), I love to hear your opinion on them vs the PSB Passif. Thanks so much and have a great day Sir!

[@JaccoSW]

That's the weird thing with speakers, prices can vary wildly depending on where you live. The KLH model 5 is €2600, The Spendor A5R is €3000, the Whardfedale Linton is €1250 with stands and the PSB Passif is €3000. A Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 XD sits at €4150 and a pair of Genelec 8040 would be €1600. It makes it hard to place some of the comparisons sometimes.

[@cammmm99]

Great looking speakers for sure. I recently listened to PSB Passif 50's, Wharfdale Linton & JBL L100. I preferred the Linton's then JBL, then PSB's. I really wanted to like the PSB's but I found them lacking in detail and too relaxed.

[@meneer_kooi4466]

Oh man, I can just see the fun in your eyes John! Another awesome video and these speakers are now definitely on my list :)

[@TheIpadfanatic]

Way back when I was a retail salesperson, I tried very hard to only recommend products I would own myself. I was reminded of this when I believe you said in the Mission video you were going to find a way to keep them. Although you maybe reluctant to tell us in every video whether you would purchase a product you are reviewing, your voting with your Deutschmarks carries weight and I am sure others would find it interesting. Just a thought.

[@cyclopstrack]

I've been waiting for a review of these, thank you !

[@RonTalksRock]

I could not agree any more John … to me, I see the truth in aesthetic with gear as why I chose albums and cds vs streaming Music. It’s the entire package that I enjoy. Great to see you, cheers🤙

[@carolineleonard8214]

Mr JD. I like an affront, musically. It makes me listen to new material by new artists (to me.... I subscribe to the all music is new if you haven't heard it before.. no matter when it was produced/written) Techno is not really my bag, but I've listened to an enormous amount since you brought it into my lexicon again. Some MEH some makes it to my Techno playing. Who'd have guessed for someone firmly rooted in the rock/indie/alternative/punk area. On the looks front I've done my time with vintage speaker looks in the 70/80s... today, I love the KEf LS 50/60 + sub/Blade looks (ie very modernist, but 2nd to sound of course). Similarly with amps plus sources, as I simply cannot be done with oodles of cable spaghetti. Once again fabulous channel and posts, look after your health and remember quality over quantity will keep us all happy.

[@joshmcgowan4]

I have always been a big fan of PSB speakers. I think they have generally always offered really good bag for the buck. As always another great video!!

[@thewaygokid3135]

Great review John! I had to laugh when you mention “Berlin has a lot of techno”. That’s like me saying “Alabama has a lot of country”. I would really like to here this speaker though.

[@chrisr1897]

I played Regis album, my wife thought the stereo was broken🤔 I have to admit that I was confused.

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Good video, John. Love the look of the PSB, and the fact that there is a passive radiator instead of a port.................BTW, thanks for the Regis recommendation.

[@idkisaidit]

Badly need Darko’s take on the KLH Model 5. Or at least the Linton’s for god’s sake, i cant make up my mind!!

[@vinny1577]

So true. I would limit it to KLH Model 5 and PSB Passif 50. Lintons are very light on bass.

[@drummerboy4476]

You are possibly the only person in the world who has put those words together in a sentence “Lintons are very light on bass”. Every review i’ve read has stated the exact opposite.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@vinny1577 that is your ROOM talking

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks John , love how manufactors are going for that Vintage flare , I would love to see Pioneer bring back the HPM 100s Maybe with some TAD 💘 Since their the same company 😆 Yes looks matter Why i love me 🔺 40th comete in Santos rosewood venner geez their gorgeous

[@leon23leon]

Thank you for adding another word to my lexicon… Punctilious readers will know which one.

[@figit090]

NICE! I dislike the grilles and their similarity to old Advents, I never cared for that veneer color and a lighter woven cloth, but perhaps it's better in person. With them off though, oh MAN they look great! Love the golden rim around the drivers and seamless cabinet face, the magnets and clean (no screws) driver mounting is so clean. I enjoyed this review and the music choice, I'll check out that band. You popped up in my google feed and I'm glad you did! Subscribing. BTW your bloopers are cool but please reduce the cut beeps. It's WAY too loud especially on my phone.

[@eugeniodinardo3881]

Thank you so much for another great review.

[@anthonyhopkin]

Thanks, John, for this review. You introduced us to Spatial Audio some years ago but I don't think you have done a side by side review. Would love to see what you think of the newer models. Greetings to you and yours.

[@salreda7470]

John can you talk about your plants again? They look happy in the background.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Methinks these look fantastic. Maybe it's my age. Being Canadian I did not know these were Canadian (sorry ... I had to say that). I've listened to 3 reviews (today) on these speakers and the general message is basically the same.... (neutral?) Could these be the dream speakers to team up with the Willsenton 300B? I love this schiit (and I use their Dacs) and yes, looks are important.

[@bengleason508]

Which of the three speakers would you prefer at lower volume levels?

[@lindsaywebb1904]

Yep, that's super important to me too

[@D1N02]

Would probably be a good match for Sansui mid to late seventies amps

[@dailycrittersinmyyard4849]

I’ve tried to tell the old fogies on the Hoffman forums that your taste in electronic music is impeccable and that you also listen to more than just that. They constantly go on about your taste in music and I very recently read there that you listen to broken washing machine music.

[@Django44]

At 1:57: include CAD $3300 (give or take) - it is a (revered) Canadian company after all.

[@davemazar]

Do you plan on reviewing PSB’s new active speakers? I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@KITFLETCH1]

Excellent. I’m sold on the differences. The design is cool. Mission 700s and Wharfdale Lintons are still in my sights. Know you haven’t had them to compare but they are similar price. Any chance?

[@davidbolt8256]

Great review John. One question springs to mind, the tweeter offset, does it make a difference to sound stage when the speakers are swapped and the tweeter placed to the outside?

[@jamesm90]

I'm glad speakers are looking like they did 50 years ago, I much prefer that to some modern designs. My Wharfedale Linton's look lovely and that's very important.

[@1959ludo]

For me usebillity is way back more important than design even in my living room. So for hifi gear it is same, the sound quality and price are by far more important than looks. The same with cars or TV ore furniture. I do like a good sounding system and I love all sorts of music. Kind regards, Ludo 63 year old Belgium

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Nice review! I was hoping for a KLH model 3 or 5 comparison...

[@harold6583]

Yup, I'm guessing thats by design

[@rickg8015]

It would be interesting to know your thoughts on the NAD’s UcD modules + PSB’s titanium tweeters combi..

[@ecyfoto]

Punctilious? Really, John? Good stuff as usual.

[@m.m.8497]

I am waiting for the Buchardt A700. Is it still planned?

[@herme99]

I like the pull tab idea. I have 2 pairs of Harbeths and I’ve never removed the grills because it’s too awkward.

[@jazzlouise]

Nice review, I get the language description and narrative.

[@666chew]

Eagerly awaited a review on this PSB Passif 50. Wonder if they'd work on some Wharfedale Litton Stands (17"). Present speakers are JBL 4319 and the PSB may be the antidote to the too clean and sometimes hard sound of the JBLs yet retain the speed, air and ambience that I can't give up. Have to keep that texture down low as well and this sounds like a maybe......

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Need a speaker battle between these and klh model 5

[@JeffHeon]

I would be curious about this too; they are practically the same price in Canada. I'd throw in the small Mission 700 also.

[@weust2672]

Great note on looks. Any component can be as awesome for the price/budget it can be, but if I think it's ugly I'm not buying it. As with you, it's in front of me all the time. I don't want to irritate myself by looking at something ugly, even if it is just from the corner of my eye.

[@angi733]

Hi John, after being disappointed by the Mission 770 on audition and buying something else, I have not heard these, but feel confident that they would be more up my street. I found the mission just way too polite and steady for my liking. I have the PSB Imagine bookshelf speakers in my office and love those, Paul Barton is a bit of a wizard. The PSB is also £1000 cheaper here in the Uk, probably due to where it is produced. Why do I make this point…? Well so many rave reviews of the Mission lately, but the “use your ears” should always apply, many might actually prefer the PSB or something else!

[@mkemp01]

The problem with Techno is that it’s so hard to whistle along to. Nice vid cheers.

[@solomonstewart1025]

So very true about the looks of speakers.

[@peterlynn3190]

I doubt Those wooden stands would bring the best out of 50's. Informative, funky and fun review as ever.

[@jonathanmcvennon4108]

Hi John, thanks again for the PSB speaker talk you got there. Still not convinced about it in comparison to the Mission. This is older ears speaking. Musicwise I wonder if you had got into Binkbeats, Snarky Puppy, Tortoise, oh you can see where I'm coming from!

[@MikeYoungeasytravel]

Hi John, I would be really curious if you would test these 3 speakers with the Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 (which I know you have). Take care.

[@chawonytube]

Great video. Nice pairing with the Peachtree.

[@billd9667]

These remind me of the old Rectilinear and Genesis speakers of the 70s in their shape and stance. I do like the idea of a taller and narrow old school loudspeaker, though I doubt that I’d like these. I’m not big on “accurate”, but prefer “romantic”, at least with my M10. On the bass end, I’m not sure about depending on a smaller driver’s back wave to motivate a large passive radiator. It seems to me that lower volumes wouldn’t have enough energy to provide the desired bass levels.

[@JaccoSW]

Well, you just sent me down the rabbit hole of Discogs and Japanese sellers with that suggestion John. So Regis and Sugar Experiment Station - Ultramonotone are now on their way here. I wonder what you would think of something a bit more new age/ambient/jazz like Forgiveness - Next time could be your last time. It's my go to relax album at the end of the night lately.

[@Zzyyxx22]

I prefer the look of the psb’s to the missions (from my phone screen).

[@anthonystephenson7659]

My cat would use those.speakers as a scratching post and those grills would get destroyed day one 😆

[@Kah0ona]

ooh yeah that's a thing to consider! was dreaming about speakers like this, but my two maine coons here next to me... would 'use' them.

[@MrMrpony]

Pro tip- I got a thick threaded rug and they stopped sharpening on anything else, horizontal or vertical

[@RennieAsh]

🐈➡️🗑️

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

My cats are the same...discriminating.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

@@MrMrpony TBF my cat is pretty good at just using the scratching posts for actual scratching. But... when he wakes up he'll find the nearest vertical object (even if it happens to be my leg) stick his claws in it and have a good old stretch!

[@carefortops8976]

Hi John, another lovely review. Would the 80 Wpc Powernode be good enough to feed them? It would make a nice small system.

[@toneswinger]

I see johnny loves Nick Cave. Lovely Creatures was a great album in terms of music and the remastering was outstanding especially the 3 disc version. I was looking for a vintage look speakers with the modern sound these Passiff might be the ones. How do these compare to the KLH model 3. Would a top tier NAD vintage amp be enough to power these PSB

[@reestyfarts]

Can you review the Yamaha NS 5000?

[@ilianstoimenov6619]

Actually the esthetics of audio gear is on par with the sound quality. Sorry, that's reality. And these look great, I would live with them for sure. Will try to get a deal on them 🙂

[@matthewhoult1350]

I love the look of the PSB’s over and the mission’s which are just too garish the white front baffle is too much but I wished they had made the PSB stands in the same wood finish as the side panels to retain an even more retro look

[@kjltube]

They could be veneered easily enough especially as they disassemble easily

[@QQQ80804]

Time to review the new PSB T65s? I think they may be able to best speakers 5x their price!

[@adotopp1865]

Hey what's all this about audiophiles being horrified about your choice of music you like? I like a wide diverse collection of stuff . I am in no way surprised or horrified about techno. Thanks for your suggestions. Great video!

[@syanhc]

I’d still go with the Mission.

[@fredericktennant9151]

The usual bang-good review I suspect that the speakers are built for a quality tube amp to bring out its best

[@off2geo]

Basically, just like my father's Realistic speakers from the 70s/80s

[@scottmichaels1764]

Sure, just like those.

[@malco49]

i have a nice pair of PSB Image B25 bookshelf speakers which i really enjoy. it seems that i don't hear that much about PSB speakers in general.

[@richardmurphy9006]

very attractive in an almost frank sinatra aesthete

[@atom7nine]

You're absolutely right, looks is extremely vital. Just like girlfriend

[@tommccarthy3385]

In the US, the Missions are also twice as much as the PSBs ($500 more than the Fortes, actually).

[@lsaideOK]

You paint a very nice picture of these speakers. Much more to my taste than the Forte IV's or mission speakers from what you say. And much less expensive. I don't have to give them a good look

[@gregh4292]

Thanks John, another great vid. I’ve just bought some Tannoy Legacy Eatons, yet I avidly lapped up this speaker reviews. I also love techno, and more broadly a varied palette of electronic music, plus Steely Dan, NY*, Bob and most things on Mr. Bongo, Soul Jazz and Awesome Tapes From Africa labels, too. It’s great to see your passion for music, in its many forms, as evinced here. Which is, after all, the whole point of these reviews and your channel’s majestic mission, I think. Peace etc * liked that your Neil Young album choice was Trans! Very apposite.

[@KeithHeinrich]

Oooh the Passif and the LE. Now you're talking.

[@markh3088]

Great looking speakers, especially for that retro look. No mention of the JBL L100 Classics, another retro offering with a modern sound?

[@diasalex]

Hi John, greetings from Portugal. Great review as always. Are the stand stable. Looks like the speaker wobbles a little when you took the grill off. Would use them directly on the floor?

[@wills681]

I enjoyed this, even though I'm not in the market for the product reviewed. Which is just one reason I enjoy this channel. By the way, may I ask if that is a Halliburton attaché case lurking under your lava lamp? 🙂

[@MIKERU974]

John, am french and first time i heard about the original PSB was in 77 as a speaker from Canada with good listenning capabilities but a lot of "pleasant" coloration kind of a Celestion ditton 44 . I never listenned a pair by myself because there no PSB in France ! As you describe the new model on your video it must have absolutely nothing to do with the original model except the exterior design. The performance and neutrality must be a thousand time better.

[@dougg1075]

Absolutely love it.

[@5strngbass]

Do you think these speakers would fare well in an even smaller room than yours? Say 3m x 3.5m (10ft x12ft).

[@discokoning]

Love this review mister Darko. Pieces of furniture that make sound! I like the retro look. Is it possible you compare these speakers with the JBL retro L100's? I'm trying to make a choice between the JBL's and Dynaudio speakers (because my dad always had Dynaudio's) Thank you for all the great info in your videos! Berlin is a great city! Do you know the band Jazzanova? They are from Berlin too.

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Can you please try a steel stand with Passif 50? I think the sound will improve.

[@pauldhoff]

Sound doesn't care about LOOKS. I have a pair of Imagine X2T - Towers and love them.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

Your comparisons are actually more price appropriate than you may have thought. The American made speakers cost more in Europe than they do here and the Missions are MUCH more expensive in the US than in Europe. Klipsch Forte IV is $5,000 in the US whereas the Mission is $5,500. And with as widely distributed as the Klipsch Heritage modes are, it’s not too difficult to score a modest discount whereas there are only a couple of US distributors of the Mission. Gear prices don’t yet seem to reflect the sea change in currency conversion rates of late. Absolute parity (1:1) between the dollar and Euro and only about a 10-15% premium for British Pound sterling vs US dollar.

[@khoi83]

Passif is French :) 😀 Canada has (officially) two languages: English AND French.