PSB updates Alpha Series speakers

PSB Speakers of Canada has launched an all-new range of Alpha speakers, which the company promises will deliver ‘remarkable value and performance’. Founder and designer Paul Barton’s new Alpha Series is comprised of compact monitors P3 ($199 per pair) and P5 ($349 per pair), a center channel C10 ($299 each) and a tower model T20 ($599 per pair), all of which are available in Walnut or Black Ash finishes.

The Alpha range P3 and P5 are two-way compact bookshelf designs which can be placed on a stand or shelf, and are suited for both home theater and stereo listening. The T20 towers add an additional woofer in a larger floor-standing cabinet but with a smaller small footprint. The C10 center channel speaker can be used as the center or dialog speaker in a home theater, or for music.

PSB developed two new woofers for the Alphas; a 4 1/2” and 5 1/4” both employing dual layer voice coils with magnet structures aimed at providing low distortion and high output levels. The cones are made from a textured polypropylene compound that prevents cone breakup and extends frequency response for smoother integration with the tweeter.

A new 3/4” (19mm) tweeter was designed and used in all four models. The tweeter is ferrofluid cooled and features a Neodymium magnet for high sensitivity and power handling. A wave guide on the front of the tweeter helps match the response of the tweeter near the crossover point with the woofer for a seamless transition. The tweeter is placed below the woofer on some models which, in concert with the crossover network, provides a ‘uniform’ sound field whether the listener is seated or standing.

The crossover is fourth-order Acoustic Linkwitz-Riley filter design and is used to facilitate the blend between drivers, and keep distortion low even at high sound pressure levels. PSB says the new cabinets include a combination of wall thickness and bracing to control resonances, and the internal damping material was developed over many years on more expensive PSB models. Machined cabinets in simulated Black Ash and Walnut finishes combine with magnetically attached grilles, the latter of which will not change the sound of the speaker, whether attached or removed.

“The PSB Alpha speakers were among the most popular speakers we have ever made so we have had constant requests from the market to design an updated and improved range. The original Alphas were quite good for the time, so this was a tall order” commented Paul Barton, founder and Chief Designer of PSB. “However, by leveraging new materials and design techniques as well as advanced manufacturing capability, these Alpha models are a substantial improvement over the original ones with respect to looks, performance and value.”

For more information, visit www.psbspeakers.com or visit parent company Lenbrook’s CES location at the Venetian in Suite 29-236.

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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