These $199 and $350 Pair of Speakers are truly budget wonders !
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- čas přidán 15. 01. 2020
- we are nbt studio. We do speaker reviews and audio component reviews.
This is my PSB Alpha P3 & PSB Alpha P5 Speaker review. These are budget speakers that are truly fascinating and perhaps even one of the best speakers I've heard in this price range.
see where these speakers are on our tier list: www.patreon.com/posts/gear-ti...
Please share this to people on a budget or people starting out ! Spread the Audio germ !
Disclaimer/ Personal interest in my reviews - Please read "About" section on / nbts
History of PSB: www.psbspeakers.com/about/
*Price can vary because PSB is a Canadian company and conversions change. $199 ~ $250 for P3 & $320~$400 for P5
PSB P5: (USA) amzn.to/2NvvSfw
(Canada) amzn.to/3adbtpf
PSB P3: (USA) amzn.to/2sy1ZnE
(Canada) amzn.to/3agCYyn
Jay's soundstage reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
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#PSB #Speakers #hifi
Disclaimer/ Personal interest in my reviews - Please read "About" section on Patreon.com/nbts
Another thing I forgot to mention:
They have great off axis-response and what this means is that when you are walking around the room, you are more or less going to get the similar sound quality
The Next Best Thing Studio this is actually a really important thing for me. I’m a casual listener and put on my records for my friends a background music. But I do try to get the best quality for the price.
hehe cool jay u sound like bruce lee talking jeet kun do thx peace all
I reviewed these and I feel exactly the same about them. If you don't have a ton of room at your desk, I can't think of speakers better than the P3 to put there, even if you're willing to pay $500 or more. The tone of these speakers is just absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend them.
PSB are priced very well. You channel is very good. Excellent review, thanks.
Thanks for the review. Great job!
Good review with some valuable informational depth.
Great review man!
Bought the PSB's after seeing your review. Great speakers. Great for soft rock and jazz.
I'm definitely going to mark down the P3s for later, for my desk setup, very affordable and a Canadian company too. Thanks for the review.
Thanks. Great review. I just swapped my floorstanders for a pair of really small Monitor Audio Bronze 2 with metal dome tweeters, and i am in awe of the detail and and soundstage. Smaller monitors has a way of "disappearing". Don't be afraid. Big is not always beautiful.
Interesting, most people switch from bookshelf to floorstanding it seems. I've heard good things about the Bronze 2s.
For this very reason, the only floorstanders I can tolerate south of $4K are panels or open baffles.
I was just about to get some stand-mounts as I had moved into a smaller townhouse. Over the decades of my listening, I always found that there were few floor standers that could disappear the same way bookshelves can. Some of the more modern floor standers get close - I've been told the MA Silver 200/300 get awful close. Personally, I've never considered bass to be a top priority, and have yet to hear a sub that fully integrates (for music). I'll take soundstage over bass or _volume_ any day. If your bookshelves fit the room and fill the space, there's _no_ reason for anything larger.
Hi! Yes, You're right.. I also swapped my floorstanders to bookshelf, about 7 years ago.
But I think MA bronze 2 is not the best choice, on its price You could get much better.
I choose Heco Elementa 300 what was originally about 900 usd, but then priced down 600 usd and the end in outlet I bought 350usd/pair.For this price I got die cast housing midbass with 180mm paper cone and rubber surround, aluminium front plated 29mm dome tweeter, both with double magnet.High grade parts in phase optimised crossover, pure aluminium plated terminal with gold screwed bi-amp connectors.Painted boxes not vinyl coated and front grills fixed with magnets. 7,5kgs/each.Premium category for entry level price. 😉👍
I picked up a pair of P3’s a couple of months ago for zone b background. I was searching on size specifically 1st (as true bookshelf application) then reputation (also have PSB Mk40 II’s from mid 80’s), then sound, then price. I got lucky on price, but shockingly surprised on the sound for such small monitors.
Way more punch than I expected for 4”, and clarity & presence all around. Fills the 2nd zone way, way better than expected.
Hard to beat for the tiny sizing.
Subscribed! Nice review!
I have always been impressed with the midrange on whatever PSB speakers I have heard. Very musical. BTW, PSB stands for Paul & Sue Barton, which I think is pretty cool. Congrats to PSB for winning Stereophile's Budget Product of the Year award (along with Magnepan for the LRS). Company provided measurements include "On Axis @ 0° ±1 1/2dB - 65-20,000Hz". Very impressive!
Wow, have times changed. I remember when (quality) budget speakers were well under $100 each. They had good sound too, except for a lack of really deep bass (below 45Hz). Models I liked were EPI-70 and 100, Acoustic Research 18, Genesis V-6, Realistic Minimus' and a few from Advent. Enjoyable sound when combined with a budget receiver. Nice interesting video, as usual.
Jay, i really love when you speak about audio in a realistic manner. I bought these speakers for myself in Christmas of 2023 and have been playing my film scores such as Hans Zimmer's Dune score. This was based on your recommendation. I love what i hear and totally love the P5 which i have been listening to. Another reviewer on CZcams also loved the P5 and called it his best speaker under $1000.00. There is another youtuber that was not impressed with the P3. He said that it lacked this or that. I can understand they don't cost a thousand and up and many people do not have unlimited disposable income. Thanks for you honesty.
As with most of my "hobbies" I'm jealous of what's available for the audio newcomer. PSB makes world-class stuff, this is a perfect example of trickle-down. I'm looking for some inexpensive office type speakers, these and the new Elac Debut Reference look perfect for near-field off-axis listening.
I’ve owned Different pairs of Psb speakers over the years and I’ve never heard a bad pair of Psb
When Paradigm speakers first came to the U.S, I bought a pair of their small cheap bookshelf speakers with aluminum tweeter. They were excellent. Natural & lively. Never called attention to themselves.
Thanks for your video. I just received alpha p3 during Christmas and it is amazing that such a small speaker sounds this good. In real use casds such as listening to vinyl they are extremely impressive with very nice detailed highs and just enough bass but not the lowest of course. Very nice speakers indeed. Never heard a PSB speaker that I didn't like going back to the 30r and I have many from kef BW JBL etc.
Very nice Video
These are excellent products
Job well done sir
I have the Alpha P5 with two REL T-ZERO subs in a smaller room with the Denon PMA 800 Integrated and it is a very good match. The muscular more neutral Denon drives them very well.
Ordered the PSB P5 and PS Audio Sprout 100. Going to use on my desk for music, movies and hopefully some gaming. Any suggestion on a floor subwoofer if I decide I need more bass? Thank you for your review!
Hi Jay, nice review! I have always been a fan of PSB speakers and have own a couple pairs of the original alphas. I’m looking for a small pair of desktop speakers for a home work computer setup. Curious if you have heard the powered version of these the AM3 and AM5. Any thoughts on the powered version vs the P3 with a separate amp?
Great review. What would you think of a tube preamp with ss amp for these, worth it?
Hello, great review, you got my interest. You call them a studio monitor; my question is, how does the P5 compare to something like the nearly 10x's more expensive Falcon LS 3/5A's which are a speaker I aspire too but can't bring myself to pay? Thanks!
I was comparing these and the polk signature line, since I have an odd shaped room and want speakers with a wider dispersion and wider sweet spot. I'll be using an entry-level marantz 5.1 reciever, so whatever drives better with lower power might be better. I have older mirage omnisats now, but lower mids and upper bass was always kinda thin.
For DENON RCD-N10 what would you suggest (25m2 room) - Q ACOUSTICS Q 3020i or PSB Alpha P5. Thank You
At my desk I have a pair of JBL 305P mkii active monitors where I seem to be struggling with the sound. After setting up (3) 27" computer vision monitors side by side, I seem to tire of the sound. Right now I have them on stands, inverted with the tweeters just above my computer vision screens. Putting the tweeters at ear height, putting the audio monitor to my far left and right clear of the vision monitors, seemed a little odd because of the angle. Although near field listening situations seem to be very common these days, I sometimes wonder if there is something about those near field setups that can create more fatigue when compared to a more traditional hi fi listening situation. Perhaps I should not be surprised that I can enjoy listening to my mid 90s B&W Concept 90 (CM1/CM2) towers for longer periods of time.
Hey Jay, thank you for all your reviews, it takes allot of time and effort. I am searching for new speakers now. Considering this one and the Polk Audio R100, my current speaker is the Sonus Faber Toy bookshelf, looking to add a touch more detail without being harsh. Your comments? Thanks in advance
Tnx! The components are better and cheaper than ever but the same thing is not true for speakers so this is a good find
You have a new sub. You articulate sound very well and that's a tough thing to do. By the way did you do a thing on Horns recently?
Curious if you could build and compare the HiVi - DIY 2.2A kits from Amazon. Same price, but supposed to be great. But are they?
Hello thank you for your review on these speakers, do you think they can be be used for home cinema ? If yes what central speakers could match these?
I'd like to know too. I'm looking for PSB alpha home theater in my living room, my setup is P5 (Left-Right), P3 (Surround), C10 (Center), NHT SuperZero 2.1 (Atmos). What do you think?
Great review. Any recomendations for another nearfield desktop speakers under 1K. I currently have a pair of Kef R300 but they are to big for desktop and because my desk is in a corner makes it worse. I use a Parasound 275 V2 90W 2 channel amp to drive them. I have concidered Elac Debut Reference or Triangle Bro3 any advise? Thanks
I ordered the Triangle BR02 for desktop set up, but it isn't arriving till the end of the month. I currently have a few small (pre) amps to test with; XTZ Edge A200, TEAC A1-101DA, IFI Itube 2, and Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. Am considering to try the Emotiva A100 (also to use as headphone amp) and Audio Vista Spark, but after I get the speakers. I also am wondering if the PSB Alpha P3 would be better or if anyone does recommend another great speaker for near field desktop setup??
Under 10lbs with threaded insert and solid bass on the p5 makes for a brilliant atmos speaker that does not sound tiny yet is easy to mount
For near field desktop setup, what speaker would sound better (more warm, vocal); PSB Alpha P3 or the Triangle BR02 ? I currently have a few small (pre) amps to test with; XTZ Edge A200, TEAC A1-101DA, IFI Itube 2, and Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. Am considering to try the Emotiva A100 (also to use as headphone amp) and Audio Vista Spark, but after I get the speakers. Or does anyone have another great speaker for near field desktop setup??
Thanks for the review !
Bought these after watching you and zero Fidelity.
You two are my go to :) (though I prefer your videos)
Thank you!
Im planning to buy these speakers for desktop setup. What else should I get ? SMSL A6 will be fine ?
I have the P5s. What amp would you recommend for them?
I was between two psb speakers the psb imagine xt2 vs the alpha 2, hace you listen the imagine line..?
overall tone and timbre this or the triangle borea br02?
I would really appreciate if you could take 1 min of your time to answer this. P3 vs P5 for a desktop setup to be paired with PSB Alpha S10 Subwoofer. Help please. (Swans D1090 is available in my city and for a pretty darn cheap price too, should I consider the swans instead or go ahead with p3/p5 with the s10 sub?)
How do these compare to Elac Debut and/or Triangle Borea speakers?
Nilesh Barai 👍👍👍
will be discussed in the elac debut reference and triangle borea reviews that are coming. ✌
When it comes to comparing them to the Elac Debuts it would depend on which revision and size you're asking about. I used to have the Elac Debut revision 1 5.25" very good and tight bass which these PSB P5's match easily. But when it comes to the mids and highs the PSB P5's take the win. But if you are comparing them to the revision 2's of the Debuts I like the sound of the P5's more due to that amazing imaging, cleaner bass, but again the elacs still fall behind in the highs. The P5's are not a very bright speaker but they are brighter than the 2.0's.
Hi. Tannoy XT6 vocal sound more nature than pb P5 ?
Concidering these to replace my Kef r300 on my desktop with Parasound 275 V2 amp and Parasound new classic 200 preamp only because i think my Kef R300 may be to much speaker for desktop nearfield and for my electronics any sugestions was also considering elac reference or Triangle bro 3.
I have the KEF 300's and PSB 5's. Bass is much better on 300's, midrange and highs better on 5's. But, not much. Triangle bro 3's might be better upgrade .
This is great, but I would love to see more info on the PSB T20's. Just not much on those around.
Would you recommend these for a garage setup?
Can you Recommend a budget amp to go with them that is not a D class amp.
Have you tested the Triangle BOREA BR02?
so are this better than the elac debuts 2.0? what are your thoughts on which is better an why?
Also want to know it
Would you chose the P3s over the Polk S15?
How it compare with the imagine xb?
This or 3020i for nice vocals ?
I found a set at goodwill recently, had no idea who 5they was or info on anything related to the manufacturer.
They looked decent .... and when i stumble on (goodwill garage sales etc) speakers im not familiar with I always check the wood (knock knock) quality ? then ill check the input jacks.
The wood gave a good "thud" and the input was gold plated.
Took a chande (didn't google them) and bought them for a 30 bucks.
I now have 4 and a set of bose 601ii and Acrostic Audio ar3a speakers collecting dust ...i did ad a yamaha active sub to my mix , but by all means these guys are sleeping Giant's
Are these active or passive
what would you suggest to power these speakers for a desktop thanks Bro
Thats coming soon
@@Jayiyagi ok cool ty
Ron Beaudry 👍👍👍
The Next Best Thing Studio 👍👍👍
Can the Alpha P3 be placed upside down on the desktop? Also, can you plug the port on these speakers ?
Thanks! Love the channel.
Try Mission LX-2 similar looks and size
This or Elac Debut 2.0?
That Billie Amp in the background looks sad that you reviewed these speakers and haven't reviewed it as yet... Poor, sad Billie. Just kidding, Jay. Good review.
Indeed. Really waiting on reviews of this amp!
@@grey_fox7 I'm curious if Jay used it to drive his Tekton Pendragons. I'm supposed to be receiving mine tomorrow and I'm most curious about that amp!
These or Mission QX-2?
I haven't heard these, but I have the QX-2 paired with Quad Vena and I definitely don't enjoy them.
ZeroFidelity described these as V shaped equalisation, it seems practically all budget passive speakers are either bright or V shaped. I am looking for a more neutral speaker and I can't find any unless I go powered studio monitors.
How about Elac UniFis? I think they're sonically pretty flat.
The Elac Debut B6 is quite flat, which I find perfect for easy or extended listening. The Elac Debut B6.2 is definitely more bright as compared to the B6. The B6 can have a more boomy bass, especially the closer you put it toward a wall, which also seems to increase more exponentially the more you increase the volume. Versus the B6.2 which has a more controlled bass. Both sound great for quieter near field listening, but I think the B6 sounds better for loud Rock and Roll, versus the B6.2 sound better for loud classical, folk, bluegrass, etc.
You effectively are on to the answer in your question. Studio Reference speakers target neutrality. Entertainment / Audiophile speakers are 'flavored' ... (or in the case of low end - simply not up to the job because of inferior materials/construction).
Wharfedale Dentons are what you want.
If you consider $500+ as "budget" speakers, then you may want to consider Elac's new Debut Reference Bookshelf Speakers DBR-62.
You can't talked about 2 speakers like it was one.
But I usually love your review and you review a lot of speakers that are available in Europe(or from Europe).
But I would love to see you review
www.eisa.eu/awards/monitor-audio-gold-100/
and any speakers from series.
www.whathifi.com/reviews/wharfedale-evo-44
psb alpha p5 & 3 are available via amazon.co.uk
Soundstage measurements: www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2054:nrc-measurements-psb-alpha-p5-loudspeakers&catid=77:loudspeaker-measurements&Itemid=153
Who agrees that psb should release a product in 500-700 dollor price range
@@acidoom3068 I am talking about upgraded speaker,maybe a version with 6.5 inch driver
@@acidoom3068 why? You know dynamics is limited by size,it won't go that loud compared 6 5 inch driver bookshelf offered by other companies,also Alpha 5 struggles in complex songs,so they should definitely introduce a new improved speaker
@@acidoom3068 really they don't specially at high volume? One guy in the Anson reviews was saying that Alpha 5 become kind of mushy at higher volume and complex music
@@acidoom3068 really ?
I know speakers sort of all look like each other but damn these are mission LX series clones 😁
Pretty sure the Mission's are PSB clone's.
@@intenttoinjure missions been doing that style of cone layout for over 20 years.
Mount them on a wall? That doesn't make any sense with that port in the back
It makes perfect sense. They do not get muddied like other speakers. These are made for desktop but happens to sound great in a smaller stereo set up as well
The position of the port has little to do with this. It's much more a question of tuning.
"So on and so forth" or misspoken "so and so forth" is said SOOO many times in every video d. It's not a big deal it's just funny.
JBL did a faceplug on their TLX series 40 years ago that are still fantastic speakers! Nothing new there...
It would be better that you covered a differences between P3 & 5 versions rather than pretty much repeating everything that Sean (Zero Fidelity) said 6 months earlier: czcams.com/video/pZD6utIVtRQ/video.html
if theres a 6 inch version of these speakers then its done...
I'd rather the Axiom m3. Another Canadian company.
Axioms are terrible speakers. PSB any day
🤣🤣🤣
You're just a salesman
Stereophile product of the year is akin to Edmunds car of the year. They will pick any new product that pays the price. They are PR firms essentially. Do not be fooled by awards like that... you are smarter than that.
so are these speakers any good?
Butthurt meter went off?
I confess that a good or bad opinion can be given regarding PSB Alpha P3 vs P5. But how can the youtube watcher draw his conclusions about the differences of both models if he doesn't have music tests here on his channel about what he talked about? He does not think he will be able to demonstrate a video about the musical performance of the two models. In my view, doing this is to contribute to greater satisfaction in listening to him. I recommend based on your opinion to let your CZcams follower or observer watch musical demonstrations to draw your conclusions and analyze when heard from the other side of the world at the end you can say whether you liked it or not! For this, it will be correct for the channel to use quality instruments and high quality Hifi capture so that we can feel the difference in the test. Greetings from Portugal. Consider the criticism as a possibility for the channel to meet the satisfaction of the listener.
Lol if you think s CZcams audio comparison of 2 speakers offers any valuable information to make a decision, you are very very confused and lost.
Many other channels have sound demos, just search for it. Jay's reviews are great as they are.