PSB Updates Acclaimed Alpha Series Speakers

LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2019 (Newswire.com) - PSB Speakers, long renowned for affordable excellence in loudspeaker design, launched an all-new range of Alpha speakers that, like their predecessors, deliver remarkable value and performance. Four models in all, the new Alpha Series is comprised of compact monitors P3 ($199 per pair) and P5 ($349 per pair), a centre channel C10 ($299 each) and a tower model T20 ($599 per pair). Additionally, all four models are available now in a choice of Walnut or Black Ash finishes.

The Story Behind PSB Alpha
PSB introduced its first Alpha speaker range in 1991 with a clear purpose: create an affordable speaker that is focused on performance first. By leveraging the research conducted at the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) over many years by PSB’s founder Paul Barton, these early Alphas went on to win every competitive speaker shootout and garner many five-star reviews. By popular request, PSB has now revisited its Alpha offerings with four models that are “clean sheet” designs, while maintaining Paul Barton’s original intent. Today’s Alphas benefit greatly from improved materials and production techniques, not to mention an additional 30 years of experience, to create a natural-sounding speaker of minimalist elegance, while costing less than the original Alphas when adjusted for currency inflation. 

In PSB’s new Alpha range, the P3 and P5 are classic two-way bookshelf designs that are both compact and versatile. They can be placed on a stand, a shelf, a desk or a table and are equally well-suited for home theatre or stereo listening. The T20 tower adds an additional woofer in a larger floor-standing cabinet yet occupies a small footprint. The C10 centre channel speaker can be used as the centre or dialogue speaker in a home theatre or could also be used for music. 

Improved Drivers and Materials
For the new Alphas, PSB developed two new woofers; a 4 1/2-inch and 5 1/4-inch both employing dual-layer voice coils with powerful magnet structures to provide low distortion and high output levels. The cones are made from a special textured polypropylene compound that prevents cone breakup and extends frequency response for smooth integration with our tweeter.

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

Crossover
An unusually complex fourth-order Acoustic Linkwitz-Riley filter design is used to get a perfect blend between drivers and keep distortion very low even at high sound pressure levels. A crossover this sophisticated is unusual for speakers in these affordable price points.

Cabinets
Often overlooked in their importance and for the new Alphas, each model's cabinet has a unique combination of wall thickness and bracing to control resonances and provide a perfect platform for the drive units. Notably, the internal damping material is specialized for the purpose having been developed over many years on much more expensive PSB models and positioned precisely for optimum effectiveness. High-quality precision-machined cabinets in simulated Black Ash and Walnut finishes combine with magnetically attached grilles to provide a rich and timeless design. Even the grille is unique in that is does 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.”

Key features of the new PSB Alpha models:

• ¾-inch (19mm) Aluminum Dome tweeter with Neodymium magnet
• Woofers with Textured Polypropylene Cones and Rubber Surrounds
• Choice of simulated Walnut and Black Ash finishes
• 5-Way, Gold-Plated Bing Posts
• Design and final voicing engineered by Paul Barton

The new PSB Alpha Series will be on display at CES 2019 in the Lenbrook Suite 29-236 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Jan. 8-10, 2018. PSB will be joined there by sister brands NAD Electronics and Bluesound with Lenbrook personnel on hand to demonstrate the company’s premium products and answer any questions.

About PSB Speakers
Founded in 1972 by renowned speaker designer Paul Barton, PSB is a leading global speaker brand, now celebrating more than 40 years. Currently sold in more than 70 countries around the world, for music or movie listening, the company has set the standard for high-performance, high-value speakers. 

Marketing and Media Contacts:

Mark Stone
Manager, Distributor and Dealer Relations
E: mstone@lenbrook.com

Peter Hoagland
US Media Relations
E: peter@hoagland.us

Richard Stevenson
UK Media Relations
E: richard@rogerswood.co.uk 

Source: PSB Speakers