The new Alpha iQ speakers from PSB are powered models that can work with the excellent BluOS system. ... [+]

Classic Canadian speaker maker PSB has only just celebrated its 50th Anniversary and now it’s looking to the future with a brand-new pair of powered streaming speakers, the Alpha iQ. The new speakers work with BluOS to create an all-in-one audio system for a modern, tangle-free, audiophile-grade solution.

Comprising two bookshelf speakers with built-in amplifiers and a network streamer based on the award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform, the Alpha iQ enables listeners to experience PSB’s “True to Nature” sound with more than 20 streaming services and hundreds of Internet radio stations. The Alpha iQ speakers have a wide array of inputs, so users can connect sources like a vinyl turntable, TV, CD player or even a gaming console. Listeners can share music over a home network with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components.

Setting up and using the Alpha iQ is simple. Just plug the speakers into a power outlet and then connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. Once that is done, the speakers are ready to play music from more than 20 streaming services supported by BluOS, including several that offer high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal. BluOS also offers access to hundreds of Internet radio stations covering all musical genres.

The new Alpha iQ power speakers from PSB bring the Canadian brand's natural sound to users without ... [+] the tangle of wires.

The Alpha iQ has built-in two-way Bluetooth, supporting the high-quality aptX-HD codec for wireless streaming from a mobile device. Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility enables users to stream CD-resolution music from any iPhone, iPad or Mac app. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are also supported, so listeners can cue up music in the apps for those services, then transfer playback to the Alpha iQ.

The left and right speakers communicate via a wireless link instead of a passive cable connection and the system can cover most rooms in an average-size home so that music stays in sync and clear regardless of where the speakers are placed.

Available in satin white and satin black finishes, the Alpha iQ speakers include a 4″ polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround, plus a 0.75″ aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping.

Each woofer has its own 60W Class-D amplifier, while each tweeter has its own 30W class-D amp, giving a total system output of 180W. Thanks to powerful amplifiers, tuned bass ports, and DSP-enabled low-frequency extension, PSB’s Alpha iQ speakers can deliver a far larger bass output than their physical size would indicate.

The PSB Alpha iQ has a range of outputs including an MM phono preamp for connecting a vinyl ... [+] turntable.

The Alpha iQ uses a DSP-based active crossover. As with many PSB designs, the tweeter is placed below the woofer for greater flexibility in listener position because the blend between the woofer and the tweeter remains consistent whether the listener is sitting or standing.

The Alpha iQ’s audiophile-grade DAC supports resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and has full MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal. BluOS also lets listeners enjoy four stations with MQA-encoded high-resolution music from Radio Paradise.

The Alpha iQ has an extensive range of inputs and outputs. The primary speaker has a built-in MM phono preamp, RCA jacks, and a ground terminal, so vinyl fans can connect a turntable. An HDMI ARC port enables users to experience sound with TV and movies. There’s also an optical input for connecting a disc player or game console, plus a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting analog sources. Listeners can also use the BluOS app to play music files stored on an external drive connected to the Alpha iQ’s USB port.

At the rear of the PSB Alpha iQ are the inputs for connecting other audio sources.

For late-night listening, listeners can connect a pair of headphones to the combined optical / headphone jack or via two-way Bluetooth. For enhanced bass, there’s a subwoofer output. When a subwoofer is connected, BluOS engages a low-pass filter for the sub and a high-pass filter for the mains, which frees the Alpha iQ from having to produce deep bass sounds.

Listeners can manage the Alpha iQ’s operation using the BluOS Controller app, which is available for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Touch controls are on the top of the primary speaker for making quick adjustments without using the app for changing volume and pausing and resuming playback. Using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, voice control is also possible.

Like all BluOS-enabled components, PSB’s Alpha iQ BluOS Powered Speakers can be integrated into popular smart-home systems, including Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI and URC. IR command learning is available for listeners who use harmonized remote controls to operate multiple A/V devices.

As well as offering a wide range of streaming platforms, the PSB Alpha iQ can handle a range of ... [+] analog and digital sources including TV, CD, gaming consoles and even a turntable.

Pricing & Availability: The PSB Alpha iQ can be pre-ordered from today and costs $1,499 / £1,299 / €1,499. Retail availability will start in late November 2022.