Review! The PSB Alpha P5 Bookshelf Loudspeakers.

Hands on with the PSB Alpha P5.
Intro music by: Kit and the Calltones - Grifting in Vegas
PSB Alpha 5 Product Page:
www.psbspeakers...
Components used in the review:
AMR CD-777 CD-Player
Heed Audio Elixir DAC
AMR AM-777 Integrated Amplifier
MastersounD Box Integrated Amplifier
Parasound HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier
Heed Elixir Integrated Amplifier
Marantz PM8006 Integrated Amplifier
Iotavx SA3 Integrated Amplifier
Iotavx PA3 Power Amplifier
Loxjie A10 Integrated Amplifier
PS Audio GainCell DAC /Pre-Amplifier
PS Audio M700 Monoblock Amplifiers

[@kenrickhadley4499]

Well done Sean. I bought these speakers for the 2023 holiday because of your review. You always give me all the information i need to make my own decision based on the genre of music i like, and that for me is the most informative reviewer i can go to help me make a decision. Thanks always.

[@nickmimi3631]

So many great options at this price range nowaday’s, thank you for bringing the PSB to our attention. Your reviews are appreciated, you and others really help bring attention to so many brands that are not mainstream unless you are in-depth involved in certain communities and circles.

[@snowpuppy77]

Very nicely done. Especially the comparison with the Klipsch.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks!

[@pegun]

Haven't finished watching the video, saw this comment, smashed the Like button lol

[@MrStingraybernard]

always been a fan of PSB, have owned several pair over the years

[@brydon10]

Have you ever heard "PSB Speakers Imagine XB Bookshelf"? I can can a pair for a good price, but there's not that much info out there on them.

[@Alex55555]

Love PSB products.

[@superwiseman452]

Give a listen to the PSB CS-1000 outdoor speakers. Mind blowing sound quality.

[@macraemorse]

I have a challenging location in my living space for hifi equipment. I picked up a pair of these along with a Powernode 2i. This is a very good combination. As Sean says, they are very musical. I have been listening to everything from classical to classic rock. They are versatile but especially good for jazz. Strangely most edm also sounds good. My previous speakers were too boomy for this music. The bass from these are well controlled. Female voices like Diana Krall and Ella Fitzgerald are outstanding. They also sound decent at lower volumes which was not the case with my old kit. Thanks for the review Sean. Your comments on their performance in near field and close to a wall really were valuable.

[@abirdman53]

Thanks for reviewing PSB products. Grinning here because I'm listening through a pair of Model 40 Mk IIs (from the 80s) playing 2.1 with a well behaved PSB SubSonic 5i.

[@donaldmacgregor2545]

ZF is always quotable but now you've really done it Sean. I'm going to call my next band "Confirmation Bias".

[@kingkongz88]

Hadda laugh. I was thinking of using it for a new news channel.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Good seeing PSB being reviewed don't see enough of them. I run PSB T1s and an old NAD 3020 as one of my setups, nice pairing.

[@maccasnz3436]

i have had NAD 3020 for years and after losing my Japanese Kenwood floors, I went through a load of speakers looking for a similar sounding match of speakers. I found it with the psb Images, I had no idea that nad and psb were partners and they test nad amps with psb speakers.

[@dsnyder0cnn]

Another great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You mentioned a number of times how the P5 could be compared in value to other speakers under $500, but I think it's worth calling out the fact that they are actually under $350. :)

[@ZeroFidelity]

Appreciate it man. And hah. A whopping penny under. :)

[@wiebl5266]

Said this very often, "another great job!" CONCISE, TO THE POINT (the history is bla bla bla), the sound quality description is tight and accurate. I love the comparison to the Klipsch, it gives others a very tangible sense of how the P5 actually sounds. Thank You Sean!

[@DavidGonzalez-fh9zn]

It's amazing that the P5 speakers have that level of bass. I agree that the mid frequencies are attractive. For its price, difficult to beat.

[@rejm1161]

I really like my PSB image B25 large bookshelf speakers. Driven by an older Harman Kardon amp, the sound is awesome for a $450 US/pair speakers. Paid $125 for the kit ( used amp and speakers like new ) Sold by older people who never put the volume at more than 4 😁

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sweet!

[@lukaszczernal]

You answered a lot of comments. Not many reviewers do that. I tip my hat.

[@highcurrent1125]

I've owned a pair of PSB Gold i's for years now. Recapped, new ferrofluid...these speakers are one of the best deals there is in used audio bar none. I've recently purchased a new set of speakers that I THOUGHT would blow the Gold's out-of-the-water....nope.

[@sebastiangamble9501]

Just when I thought it was over there was more. Thanks for adding that, much appreciated. Keep up the great work.

[@mikecees2230]

Hey Sean, I once owned a very affordable pair of PSB B25. For the price they did a lot of things incredibly well. Unfortunately, paired with a rather bright sounding Cambridge amp, treble wasn't one of them. Somebody mentioned the Synchrony series...I lusted after those when they came out but refused to buy them because they were more expensive here in Canada than in the U.S. Tried complaining to the distributor but got nowhere really fast. At the time I guess I didn't understand the economics of the audio industry and the buying power of the U.S. market. So much for supporting local businesses. These P5s seem to have many of the same qualities but with a more mature sound. Just for fun...how do they compare with the Totem Sky (which I am now, for better or worse, very familiar with)? Peace

[@ZeroFidelity]

Mike - Canada isn't an easy country to do business with. Hence why most American distributors are more than happy to let somebody else handle business up there. As for a Totem Sky comparison: The Totem's are of course, the better speaker. More holographic. More forward. Quicker. More dynamic. Bigger scale. Even better off-axis performance. More refined by direct comparison.. Etc. But, I could see some people preferring the more laid back sound of the P5's. One could even argue that the upper midrange on the P5's is fuller and slightly more natural sounding. Neither speaker responds well to bright sounding components. Both are pleasing in their own way.

[@dollardbuchanan8687]

Zero Fidelity you mention Totems were better. Does that also include a desktop setup?

[@pumareyes1]

I have a small place in my heart for PSB. I still have my Stratus Silvers and C-5 Center Channel. Unfortunately, My original PSB Alpha's were in my basement closet floor when hurricane Sandy hit and were damaged. Friends and family thought I was nuts when I spent $1,400 on Silvers, $300 on Alpha's and $350 on C-5 back in the early 90's. I moved up from beloved Celestion's that I purchased in the 80's. The PSB set up was my second surround system. Before that my system was made up of 5 Celestion model 3 speakers.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

That blind test thing verses what is marketed out there.. is a serious topic. I love this history of speaker analysis and data .. to the performance of all that effort. =) .. Also,, ..Yes.. Paradigm =D !

[@kingkongz88]

Just another great review. I always feel I know what you are describing which I can't always say for other reviewers. Thank you.

[@corkydukeII5898]

Aaahhh finally, the review we've all been waiting for : D

[@greggsidwell8307]

Great review....thanks for checking out the PSB loudspeaker products

[@siliconnubian3622]

This is why I subscribe to your channel. Excellent review! That piece at the end with e rp600m comparison was much appreciated BTW. I can't wait to hear the P5 & T20 for myself. Thatnkfull one of the shops I will visit to demo the PSB's also carries the Wharfedale 225's which I presently own. This should make a direct comparison or even a blind listening test possible. Thans again for a great channel and review.... Sonus Fabor Principia 3 soon please........ Lol

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks! I hope you have a great time at the shop! And hah - It's been ages since I had a SF product in the doors. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to revisiting em'.

[@rodplanet5901]

How would you compare wharfedale 225 vs Psb p5?

[@TheDarius1968]

Thanks for this review! This speaker is a possibility for me (I own a Nakamichi CA-5 preamp/Yamaha MX-1 power amp). Also, I'm considering the PSB Alpha AM5 (the very same speaker in this review, as an active monitor incarnation!). Do you have any experience with this active speaker? Also, given my preamp/amp combo, would you personally go the route of buying the P5 speakers, or would you go the route of the active monitor solution, instead?

[@keoki82]

Great review. I'm considering a pair of these with the Rotel A12 integrated. My main system has a very forward and engaging sound, so I'm looking for a more laid-back presentation that still presents a prominent and natural midrange for my basement.

[@michaelgreco8614]

Sean, When you say these are your favorite for near field, does that include the harbeths? Looking for a desktop setup myself and these seem to be what I’m looking for

[@greggsidwell8307]

Canadians know NRC stands for 'National Research Council' a government owned scientific testing laboratory. The interesting thing about the NRC in this context is that it built an 'anechoic' chamber for testing loudspeakers, musical instruments and microphones among other things

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@Sean, When you said the Mids on the PSB Alpha P5; is comparable to the venerable LS3/5a BBC Monitor.That speaks volumes ! …. lol, NO pun intended. That, plus a very detailed Top end ??? It's obviously a Winner at It's Price Point !

[@ZeroFidelity]

It's not up there with Falcons, Chartwells, Harbeths, etc.. But for $350? It gives you a hell a lot of that natural timbre for a fraction of the cost. Real good stuff!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@ZeroFidelity- Ok Sean, that's fair enough. But you said, "As of now, these are my favorite near-field monitors." I'd say that's high praise indeed. Being in the company of various LS3/5as and it's heirs ie. the KEF LS-50 and the Harbeth P3esr at a fraction of those price points. Makes for money well spent … a great "Dollar for Dollar Value", No doubt. ; )

[@studog7851]

Good review, as always. This has really helped, was looking at the kp-600m but at 900 USD shipped (to where I live) and the P5s are 440 USD (locally available) means I will go for the P5s. Thanks for commenting on the near field listening too. I could move these to the study when (not if) I get something later on, maybe I could get the T20s... Thanks again peace.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Enjoy em'!

[@lpspinners8736]

Very nice and informative review Sean! I seriously am considering a pair of these for my office.

[@mrmaschinaadventures]

as always, great Shawn! Kudos. ..... It seems these days that whenever there's a $500 or less sounding speaker that sounds really nice it in fact really does sound really nice "near field" Even Steve Guttenberg made this comment about the KEF LS50s, they are small and they sound small. Besides my JBL 530 s, I also own a pair of Edifier R2000db active monitors, they are awesome too, ridiculously good and clean and even throwing a soundstage for $250, but again, actually, near field only, desktop only. So then, this becomes another nice addition to the list of very good sounding typical average speakers, Klipsch, SVS, Wharfedale, etc....they all do their job very well and that is the blessing of today's new world of audio.... UB5 s would probably be a "better" speaker but only if they have a high power amplifer driving them... Scale scale scale... :) Cheers, Mario

[@nc3419]

You've compared the PSB P5 and the Dali Oberon to the Klipsch, how about your thoughts on the PSB P5 compared to the Dali Oberon? They seem to have similar characteristics. Is the Oberon series better in resolution, tone and so forth? Which would be more accurate for classical, jazz, folk, blues? Thanks to anyone who has experience they can share.

[@ZeroFidelity]

The two actually sound quite a bit different. The P5 is darker, more laid back, and warmer sounding. Advantages include superior driver integration, a fuller upper midrange, and more accurate midrange timbre. The Oberon 3's is lighter, more forward, and more dynamic sounding. They are easier to drive, can lay down a wider soundstage, will give you a slightly bigger sense of scale. Overall, I think the Oberon 3's are the better speakers - but I could see many people preferring the more laid back and warm sound of the P5's. It's all about what you're after.

[@leehillman9143]

Another great review Sean thanks. I'm buying IOTAVX SA3 + AMP. Did you try Alpha P5 with this amp. For a bedroom setup not to much space for setup about 30cm from wall. I have Q Acoustics concept 20. Thanks Sean.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I tried the stack with the P5's. It was good. But to be honest, I feel like the Iotavx stack would fair better with a higher end speaker - provided you can wing it of course. My advice would be to stick with the Q Acoustics Concepts until you can step into the 1k price-point.

[@larryjenkins1256]

Thank you for the thorough review.

[@sumitdua7078]

Plz suggest between elac 5.2 and psb p5 for home theatre considering both were at same price and were to be placed on / very close to a wall

[@bigstusoccer]

I was just researching about the new psb alpha p5, wanting to purchase and then a new review pops up from my fav speaker reviewer!! Are you able to give quick difference between Polk signature s20 and the alpha p5. Same price here in Canada but it seems like the p5 gives a cleaner sound??

[@ZeroFidelity]

I can only comment on the Polk S15's. In terms of how they project sound, the Polks are brighter and more forward sounding. The PSB's, by comparison, are more laid back. The Polk's top end is tilted up and has a bit more sizzle, the midrange has more punch, and the bass hits just a little bit harder. The Polks also lay down a wider soundstage. On the flip side, the PSB's are quite a bit more balanced sounding. The midrange is more pure and honest, the treble is a touch smoother and more refined, and they sound a bit better in the off-axis. I'd imagine the S20's take on all the strengths of the S15's and adds to that a lot more bass. Good luck!

[@bigstusoccer]

@@ZeroFidelity really appreciate your informed reply. I can't listen to any of the speakers in person. So purchasing based on reviews and inputs. Thanks again!

[@mohdwaris898]

I enjoy your videos a lot. I am confused between ALPHA P5 and 3020i. I will be integrating them in my 5.1.2 home theater. But I will also use them for listening to music. What do you say.

[@simoSLJ89]

Can I ask if you made a choice? I'm choosing between these two too..

[@buttonman1831]

Never owned PSB but I know people generally like them. Although I did audition PSB's against my Silver 8's.

[@alejandroaranda5254]

Hung Lo and what’s your opinion about the PSB?

[@buttonman1831]

I can't really say for sure. I liked my Silver 8's much more than the PSBs I auditioned which were around the same price...but I also found the Silver 8's much better than the B&Ws and Totems as well. Would be interesting to hear a good setup with them with a properly match amp.

[@alejandroaranda5254]

@@buttonman1831 I see, thanks for the reply.

[@larsv6144]

Sean, now you reviewed the Triangle BR 03 as well, which one would work better as a desktop speaker, the PSB P3 or the BR02?

[@chrispytelomeres9863]

I've really come to enjoy the way you break down products. As I do steve g. That is why after watching a shit ton of your vids. I've decided to humbly requesting that you review the maggie LRS. I totally appreciate what you're doing here. Just like many others subs. Whence the humble request. Either way thanks. BTW, the channel absolutely deserves to grow. And get monetized. Truthfully, I'd watch commercials.

[@lfazio9690]

Thanks for taking the time required to present another quality review. It’s hard for me to imagine someone having the available time to prepare these reviews and I very much appreciate it. As an audiophile hobbyist for roughly 35-40 years, I find it both unique and amazing that one can actually derive a sense of performance from your efforts, and I thank you for that. I don’t believe this to be a small success but rather a focused effort and I wanted to let you know that some of us out here recognize this! Thank you! I especially appreciate your approach to identifying value and addressing commentary that attempts to claim “best performance at a given price point” - a complete non-sensical way to quantify performance of quite possibly the most subjective element in our world, sound and they way each of us here and perceive it. And i believe it’s this approach that feeds your credibility. Im working on some modest upgrades to an already modest system and was wondering if you have a website or some type of forum available for us to present questions and possibly acquire some of your feedback? If so, please advise. Once again, thanks so much for your time and keep up the great work.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks Lynn. Reading your post put a smile on my face - as Zero Fidelity truly does soak up a significant amount of my time. It's nice to know that the effort is recognized! As for reaching out: [e-mail] Cheers!

[@ralex3697]

Picking up a pair of x1 towers tomorrow, stoked

[@treyhorn5645]

Cool , Thanks for your time , great review.. Those dang Klipsch are gonna be around longer than you want.. lol..✌️

[@ZeroFidelity]

It's certainly looking that way.

[@ralex3697]

Great quality speakers I’ve owned many models and they are always top notch for the price point.

[@donalddeorio2237]

Paul had the benefit of the NRC and Dr. Floyd Toole's experience. PSB has made some great speakers. I've been a fan of dr. Toole's both at NRC and Harmon. Good video Sean as always.

[@donaldrodgers3919]

I bought the first speakers they made-PSB Beta ii speakers and paired them with another Canadian piece of hardware, Audio Design with DNF (Dynamic Noise Filter) which allowed you to set the threshold for noise-helped get rid of some of the clicks and pops. They came out around the same time as the Little David Visconic speakers which like the Beta ii were among the first to challenge the concept of big is better, like the JBL Paragon speaker, which was a pretty cool concept at the time. Bought mine at Dino's TV and Music on Main Street in Niagara Falls. A point of trivia, one of their sales reps who often went missing was the guitar tech for Rush-which explained his absences-he never told me but I later found out. Thinking of buying these to replace my very old Vivid Loudspeakers which replaced my old Bose 501's. Sorry for rambling, the old Stereo Review geek is coming out.

[@MrRambee]

If I'm using the Vista Audio Spark II, this or the QX-2 ?! I just to know which one YOU would choose. PLEASE ADVISE !!

[@RickMahoney2013]

Peace, love and Happiness !

[@lamecasuelas2]

Are the P3 any good?

[@champf1]

I still have my PSB Alpha from just over 20 years ago. Looking to get new ones.

[@trevornmartinmartin2756]

buying a pair tomorrow

[@markphilpot4981]

I really liked the comparison with the Klipsch. Things like this are so subjective so comparisons, like opinions, vary. I don’t think that I am about to let go of my Proac EBTs anytime soon. I’m sure they can be bested, but convincing my ears of that, Nah! Fat chance pal. Keep it up Sean!

[@vorpane]

Thank you for all your work. What equipment impressed you in terms of dynamics? I'm talking, super quick and controlled response to quickly changing amplitude. I can't name any, that's below $5k per device (amp or speakers). They all sounded flat and dull to me. The least expensive piecie that I heard that did it well was Sonus Faber Veneer S.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Totem Acoustic 'The One's. Used Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 5.1's. H2O Audio Signature 100 and 250 mono (Modified).

[@vorpane]

Thank you for this useful (albeit disturbingly short) list! :)

[@tlovin2]

What amp would you recommend pairing with these speakers?

[@vader540is]

Nice video! Can you review the new chane A1.5?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

When you recommend wattage you mean true clean power right ? so A over all warm presentation with detailed sound ?

[@Gary_M]

Have you ever heard the old Synchrony series? I've been stalking those on eBay lately. I enjoyed my Energy speakers and PSB has a similar sound signature, but I haven't heard the higher endl PSB stuff.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I heard the current Synch tower at this years Axpona. Otherwise, the only other PSB's I've spent time with were the Stratus Golds, Platinum P7's (I think that's the model number), and the Imagine-Mini's. In every scenario, I wouldn't consider the time spent as meaningful. It was more like a passing glance / listen. :D

[@Gary_M]

Thanks for the reply. The Synchrony One B and Two B look like they had amazing build quality and had positive reviews.

[@raffiequler7510]

The Synchrony series was discontinued years ago. The Imagine T3 speaker is their flagship in 2019/2020.

[@Bloodmoon1985]

I ‘d love to get your take on the JBL STAGE 130 bookshelf speakers they retail for $250.00.

[@traditional50shightech30]

Barnaby Snowhands I bought a pair but not set up yet would love comparison with it, I bought based on other reviews saying it was the Best Buy under 500, guess everyone claims it 🤣

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@traditional50shightech30 - The B word should be stricken from any enthusiasts vocab.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Would love to check em' out. Would be interesting to hear what JBL has come up with now that Timbers is (long) gone.

[@Bloodmoon1985]

Zero Fidelity yes between that and Samsung purchasing Harman I was very concerned. Im not sure my fears have been quelled. Yet there’s something very special about these little guys. Supposedly Harman pulled an their top engineers and challenged them to build the best affordable speakers possible. Based off my time with them I believe it

[@dougg1075]

Tell Klipsch to add a black woofer option man... do it! You have the power!:)

[@YanniEhm]

HAHAHA I hate the Klipsch woofers too!

[@studog7851]

What's worse is that the wife hates them more then I do lol.

[@YanniEhm]

@@studog7851 LOL

[@ZeroFidelity]

The hilarious thing is that .... I could possibly make that happen. :D

[@generynkewicz4871]

Thanks for the review. I really wanted a pair of these but the NHT Super one at under $200 for a pair won out.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Enjoy the NHT's! It's been ages since I last spent time with their gear.

[@findingwithterry]

I’m in the market for desktop speakers. My choices: Dream - Harbeth P3ESR Lesser dream - KEF LS50 And now possibly the PSB P5 in the affordable category. Are there other choices I should look at in the affordable range? I want passive not powered. I’m gonna get the Outlaw RR 2160 stereo receiver. I currently have Audioengine A2+ powered monitors. My latest thinking is PSB and save up for Harbeth. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@dnd6379]

Bowers and wilkins, but the biggest difference between these speakers are if they are analytical, neutral or musical sounding (depends on the treble). You have a big difference between harbeth and kefs, kef have a lot of treble, if you have good hearing you will most likely have fatigue listening to them. So I would suggest is first find out what you like, what genre of music do you listen to and what you listen in music, if you just wanna enjoy music I would not recommend kef at all, even bowers and wilkins at that point would be better even though bowers and wilkins has boosted treble as well but not to that extent. Look at dynaudio, I think you will prefer them if you want musicality, they are also probably the best engineered speakers out there because they have state of the art testing facility that other companies just don't match, that's why you'll pay extra for them (around 1500 bucks for a pair of 5,5" and a great tweeter). You might need to spend quite a large amount of money more to upgrade from that, if you'll even want to upgrade. The cost doesn't matter as much as the enjoyment of the product, even if you buy a more expensive speaker from another company it doesn't mean you will enjoy it more. If you can test any of these speakers test them out.

[@stevevigneault8923]

Nice review. Big psb fan. Haven't found anything yet that can displace my century 1000's , even at several times the price. One small correction. NRC stands for National Research Council. Cheers

[@paulgibson3259]

I went thru Klipsch, R 51 jbl studio 30’s, Tekton Lore Reference, and landed on these guys. It took me awhile to pay attention to Shawn in regards to my room acoustics, and listening preferences. I had Proac Tablets and Totem Ones in the 90s so my reference points were a bit high. But I realized I don’t want a live, forward speaker. Detailed, engaging? you bet, but if i’m reaching for the volume control all the time, then something is wrong. The PSbs just make for a pleasurable listening experience, without massive compromises. Now i am running a REL 5 i sub, so I have that beautiful REL Bass and the Iota Sa3 amp, so the PSBs do have a strong supporting cast. Now I need to listen to Shawn again and look for a good source.

[@odannyblueso]

if I have to choose between Polk Audio S 20 and the P5. I like to listen to Rock and Roll Jazz, Classical, Acoustics, Rhythm and Blues

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Great looking speakers with a great price tag. I really like the whole new PSB Alpha line. I am looking into purchasing a pair of the T20 floorstanders. Great bang for the buck!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sweet! If the T20's are like the P5's, only better, I think you'll enjoy the heck outta them.

[@Mrch33ky]

PSB gear is a great intro to hi fi. That's how I got in. :)

[@michaelhead4387]

what stand is that you are using for speakers this size? That short desktop stand.

[@rubytran202]

Great review Sean.

[@deputy3690]

Totally agree with this review. I have them paired with my Marantz 2238B vintage receiver, and find them a bit too bright. I plan to pair them with my Denon PMA 800 and my Musical Fidelity 60 wpc integrated amp and see what works best for me.

[@fernandoa4349]

Hello, are these P5 better than the PSB ALPHA B1 ??? Its an upgrade??? Thank you

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Good looking speaker...

[@kurasambalani1610]

We could really appreciate if you have allowed us to sample the sound that you're describing. As always, we are bombarded with technicalities that's difficult to understand especially for us beginners. But if we can hear the sound quality of the speakers you're talking about, we can easily decide which one is better regardless of your technical whatnots. Pls keep in mind that at the end of the day it's still the sound quality that will dictate not the specs.

[@GhostTheAssassin]

Awesome review mate! Curious question! What stand is that?

[@ZeroFidelity]

A DIY stand that I made 10+ years ago. :D

[@GhostTheAssassin]

Zero Fidelity I’m jealous of your craftsmanship 🤘 cheers for the quick reply mate! Look forward to the next video review

[@themastroiannis]

for the money.... the closest comparison, perhaps, would be with the Q Acoustics 3030i. great review! thanks.

[@YanniEhm]

Hi, do you think these speakers would make a good 1st or 2nd speaker in an A/B small studio monitor situation? When I first saw them I thought about putting them in my studio.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Yup.

[@YanniEhm]

@@ZeroFidelity thanks, that's what I thought. And then I heard you say near field and desktop in your review. I just wanted your opinion and recommendation.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@YanniEhm If you go with em', then I hope your experience mirrors my own!

[@YanniEhm]

@@ZeroFidelity I most likely will pick these up soon. I've always loved. PSB and they're Canadian. But I'm curious... what other couple of speakers do think would do well as near / mid field monitors?

[@YanniEhm]

@@ZeroFidelity I didn't get them.... I got something very different. I got a pair of Axiom Audio version of AX-5 the sealed one. They measure 25.5" H x 12.5" W x 12.5" D. 1" Tweeter 5" Woofer and a rear firing 10" Sub in each. Very very balanced... I'm in heaven, listening to Hand Zimmer's Time now. I got them for 200 Canadian dollars. They cost about 1800 in the 80s. They sound great... just some minor cabinet scratches I'll fix up. Are you familiar with these? The subs are sealed in their own sealed cube within the sealed cabinet. Listening to Massive Attack's Teardrop now.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

How do they compare to the Elac Debut 6 o5's? I found the Elac debuts quite boring...

[@cmkilcullen8176]

I hear a lot about how many watts per channel drive certain speakers like these. However nothing I've attended to deals with current, which is also something I only recently heard about but not on presentations like these. First of all does current matter? I had a pair of Wharfedale diamonds that were so disappointing to me - heavy bass, crowded and muddy - and all seemed to be raving about them. I was told that they needed some power behind them which included the right level of current. This presentation among others is the new thing.Given remarks you made about needing a certain amount of watts to truly push them (sensitivity and ohms I gather). So - please tell me. In addition to having to put some wattage behind these - is current going to matter. If so in this or other instances that you know, what amps or receivers are known to provide good wattage and current. Thanks in advance-

[@cmkilcullen8176]

@@acidoom3068 I know, right. I've come to a place where hey, I just don't like them. I want to understand but after a while matters become like a thread that goes on and on. You begin to realize that its not about lack of knowledge. Its about simply trying to make something or someone you're not happy with into someone or something you're not happy with when there is nothing really wrong with admitting to not being happy with something. But you're right. There are people that will feed your internal doubting committee.

[@pjo1964]

So many speakers are the best under $500!!! 😮

[@rinkrat06]

I just got these can i mount to the back wall for surrounds?

[@RudraxT]

Ugghh,why don't psb release a product with 6.5 inch woofer priced at around 600 dollors, competiting with rm600,elac reference,traingle bro 3,dali Oberon 3,warfedale evo 4.1

[@RudraxT]

@@acidoom3068 I know but it's not fair to compete psb to those,psb should release a 6.5 inch woofer model

[@gasolin75]

how do they compare to mission LX2 which is about the same size and price also with the tweeter at the bottom

[@afox561]

is it possible to lay these speakers on the side as they have to fit in a wall unit?

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

These or the Polk S15? Loving the videos btw

[@acidoom3068]

@Rossi Brother Of course, and that's for a reason. You get the Polk, they are good for what they offer at that price range!

[@c.s.herman860]

Can you plug the port on these? Looking to use on desktop near a wall.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

i thought about getting a pair of these PSB but after I put on stands they take up as much room as a small tower speaker but a lot of people like these bookshelf now days I like my RP160s but I bet the RP260s are a different level just like the Rp600s I'd rather have the Rp6000 tower just these small speakers are so unstable on stands and the bookshelfs are harder to set up and bookshelfs are not as solid of a foundation idk why more people don't go for towers over bookshelfs cause most of the time you do need a active subwoofer with bookshelf speakers

[@ZeroFidelity]

I too, prefer the sound of tower loudspeakers. Having said that, monitors are popular because there are many enthusiasts who want good sound, but need to put their speakers close to or against a wall-boundary. Monitors tend to do better in that application than their floor standing counterparts.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Zero Fidelity I pull my monitors at least 18inches from the wall takes me hours to get that perfect set up but yes I understand what your saying limited space , thanks again Sean for all your videos I've learned a lot from them , and I know it's a lot of work !!!

[@michaelhead4387]

What about near field but not desktop? About 6 to 7 ft seating away from speakers.

[@thomasseb]

Please do a review of the JBL studio 5xx series

[@dougg1075]

Is the upside down thing a gimmick these days or can you flip em up RIGHT? High treble? No problem, just mate to Conrad Johnson SA 250. Match that sit dog:)

[@ZeroFidelity]

Not a gimmick. But if you want to go all Z-Reviews and flip them once they're in your home, go ahead. It's a free tweak - after you get em' home, that is. :)

[@cians1359]

Which one do you recommend Please: Alpha 5 Yamaha nsb 330

[@scottlowell493]

PSB. Yamaha never has made great speakers. PSB has. (dont anyone call the NSM/NS/NSB "great" because they are all mediocre.)

[@ZeroFidelity]

Haven't heard the NSB 330's, so I cannot say for sure. I'd be surprised if they hold up to the P5's, but as the adage goes - ya don't know until ya try.

[@cians1359]

@@ZeroFidelity hello l already han they oportunity to briefly year they 2 speaker and l think they sound very similar NSB has been nsb has been on sale for a few years l hope you can do a review of the Yamaha since there is almost nothing of this speaker that l think you should give it a chance. Thanks you.

[@JEG6919]

I’ve been a Polk speaker guy my whole life. It’s not easy beating a Polk bookshelf speaker. What’s an enthusiast to do?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Answer = Be happy with whatcha got! Polk makes good stuff. :)

[@jkherberger]

Polk is a joke since Sandy Gross sold the company.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@jkherberger Or not. The Signature series easily competes with other products within the same price range.

[@corkydukeII5898]

Serious audio enthusiasts will almost always frown upon Polk. I've come to realize that Polk fan boys will still buy their products regardless of what experts say about 'em. I seriously doubt if ppl like Sean would ever go with Polk for his primary listening speakers. Just my opinion

[@XaviLaw]

@@ZeroFidelity First of all i enjoy your reviews alot. Between these and the polk signature 15 on a desk what would be your choice?

[@freakin13guy]

Will the PSB Alpha5 speaker outperform the Emotiva B1+?

[@shaolin95]

Yes imo. Bigger bass, more refined tone.

[@sayantanghosh3847]

I am looking for a stereo setup, decided a PSB Alpha P5 and Yamaha R-N303 stereo receiver. I like bass, with clear mids and highs, not an "audiophile", just a casual listener mostly, please suggest if there is any other combination which shall be done with. I don't need floorstanding speakers, although I preferred to purchase a 3 Way bookshelf but given so much of positive response about Alpha P5 and Yamaha stereo amplifiers usually lasts long, is powerful and R-N303 have so much of connectivity options too, please suggest if anything needs to be changed or added.

[@sayantanghosh3847]

@Rossi Brother Thanks for the response. The reason I chose to go for PSB Alpha P5 is for the bass response and clear mids and highs, most bookshelves provide good overall sound, from Polk Audio to expensive B&W 600 series, I just want best bass response from bookshelves, could be any brand, Yamaha R-N303 provides the best output and connectivity options for the price so it's fixed. If there are any other bookshelf with good bass, please do let me know.

[@sayantanghosh3847]

@Rossi Brother Thanks again.Actually I want this as a good stereo setup only, a sub makes it 2.1, which I want to avoid. I was never in 'flat' or 'neutral' sound. I do have a separate 5.1 system, this would be my first proper stereo, that's why I asked whether to go for Polk Audio S20 or PSB Alpha P5 or anything else you could suggest, based on bass response and the receiver being Yamaha R-N303, as the output is quite good with lots of connectivity options. Thanks again, getting a proper advice is difficult as most confuse, which I already am.

[@sayantanghosh3847]

@Rossi Brother Okay.So you are suggesting that S20 shall provide better punchy base than Alpha P5's. I have an inclination towards more base with clear mids and highs. 3 way speakers are less and more expensive, otherwise I would have gone for a 3 way speakers only. A friend recommended Alpha P5 for the bass response, also as the tweeter is located on the bottom side. But now I guess the S20 is a better option, as the woofer is bigger, so is the tweeter and port is also tuned for greater bass response, guess power handling capacity of S20 is upto 125 watts, for P5's it's 90 or 100 watts, so a better choice is S20, given the greater bass I shall get.

[@ericelliott227]

I did not know about the relation of PSB and Paradigm. The history of PSB is very interesting, not to mention encouraging. Hmm, it is funny, I have only heard PSB towers at audio shows and thought they were just pretty good, but nothing that stood out. However, I reconsider that because, yeah, it was at an audio show and we all know how that goes. While, the description of the signature sound is not quite in my range, I can still likely enjoy such a sound. I'm more of a neutral, balanced (no v-shape, etc) type guy. I'm not afraid to try to use studio monitors for listening (although I don't do that but rarely), but that's just my craziness. Looking at my Paradigms I now see the similarities in the tweeters at least on my particular model, which is also a different material. (It does make me wonder what Paradigm was thinking when they made the Personas though...I never thought I would hear a terrible sounding speaker from the likes of Paradigm, but....well, that is my opinion only).

[@ZeroFidelity]

Compared to other speakers that I've heard at this price, the P5's are the most neutral and balanced of the group. But, that's like saying you're the fastest turtle in a group of turtles. I probably could have done a better job of describing that in the review - but that's the ebb and flow of unscripted vids.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

There is no similarity whatso ever.

[@ericelliott227]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt I was talking about the tweeter guide/guard, what have you on my Studio 100s, not trying to compare towers to bookshelves or current speakers or name badges.

[@ericelliott227]

@@ZeroFidelity Yeah, I could not help but think that those PSBs might be slightly better performers than the similar priced Elacs. (I hate to say that because Andrew is a friend and a super genius or as he and I like to say "maybe a bit nutters"). Although looking at it in another direction, the Elacs are good too just as a few others out there for right now (until the stupid tariffs put the kibosh on all things audio) there is much to choose from and one can hardly go that wrong especially considering whatever signature one is looking for.

[@themastroiannis]

perhaps then the Jamo Concert Series are a closer comparison to the Klipsch..

[@DSupremeLounge]

You Rock! I was so happy to see this review surface, I had the T20’s for 2 weeks and liked them. I liked their richness, but they simply didn’t pair well with my Musical Fidelity integrated. Not a knock on them because they seemed like a great musical bang for the buck. I simply felt that that Elac UniFi B5 paired better and that amp had the goods for the Elac’s. That being said, the new PSB’s are damn nice. Thanks.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks! Sorry to hear about the T20's not working out for ya. Glad the ELAC's are making ya happy. :)

[@IheartIIDX619]

Nice review. It's between this and the Wharfedale Diamond 225...Hmm decisions..

[@ZeroFidelity]

This. :D

[@gable1997]

I wonder how these would compare with the Dali Spektor 2

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

How this compare to the Dali-Spektor 2 ?

[@dougg1075]

Sean! For real man, just you and me here!... what would you go with? Klipsch Or PSB ? Just say it... SAY IT!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Neither for the main rig. PSB's for the desktop system.

[@Projacked1]

Do the grills help with the top-end roll-off?

[@ZeroFidelity]

I Didn't do any critical listening with the grills on. Mostly because I felt like the speakers sound better without them in place (more focused and clearer). Didn't perceive any top-end roll off with the in place.

[@Projacked1]

@@ZeroFidelity I always wonder if speakers are generally tuned with our without the grills. Off would be more logical ocourse during the build, but still ...you know? I dunno....