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:

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

[nickmimi]

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.

[DavidGonzalez-fhzn]

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.

[kenrickhadley]

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.

[MrStingraybernard]

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

[snowpuppy]

Very nicely done. Especially the comparison with the Klipsch.

[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.

[dsnydercnn]

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. :)

[crazyprayingmantis]

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.

[rejm]

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 😁

[highcurrent]

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.

[abirdman]

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.

[donaldmacgregor]

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

[wiebl]

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!

[lfazio]

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.

[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 !

[lukaszczernal]

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

[greggsidwell]

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

[studog]

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.

[sebastiangamble]

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

[corkydukeII]

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