psb Speakers Alpha AM3 - Compact Powered Speakers
Compact yet impressively full-bodied, the Alpha AM3 brings natural vocals, crystalline treble, and precise desktop imaging to vinyl, USB, optical, and aptX Bluetooth sources. Gordon Brockhouse found its DSP-assisted bass and cinematic punch remarkable for the size, while the phono stage, useful DSP modes, and subwoofer output make this a genuinely flexible small-room hi-fi hub.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
90/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Natural, richly rendered vocals, crisp yet controlled treble, and generally excellent image specificity.
Impressively full, robust bass and forceful dynamics for compact 4-inch powered speakers.
Exceptionally versatile connectivity, including MM phono, USB DAC, optical, aptX Bluetooth, and a subwoofer output.
Solid, low-resonance cabinet construction and notably good workmanship for the category.
Cons
Bass texture and definition, plus effortless dynamics on demanding material, improve noticeably with a subwoofer.
Male voices can sound slightly hollow when the rear-ported cabinets are placed very close to a wall.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The AM3 delivers an unusually full, refined and atmospheric presentation for a very compact powered speaker. Its strongest qualities are natural vocals, clean treble and precise imaging, while ultimate bass definition and loud-scale ease improve with a subwoofer.
Bass
88/100
For a ported speaker with a 4-inch woofer, reviewers found the lower registers surprisingly authoritative, with double bass sounding full and robust and film effects exceeding expectations. Bass can become somewhat thuddy or soft-edged under demanding material, however, and adding the matching subwoofer brought clearly better definition and less congestion.
Mid
89/100
Female vocals were described as very natural, while Samara Joy's alto was judged nigh-on perfect and free of coloration. The AM3 was also tuneful with instruments, though one review heard slightly softened texture and a somewhat hollow quality on male voices when the speakers were close to the rear wall.
Treble
91/100
The upper registers were praised for a crystalline quality, and cymbals had convincing metallic shimmer without splashiness. Guitar attacks were crisp rather than over-etched, followed by rich, woody decays, suggesting a detailed but controlled top end.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
In normal stereo operation, the AM3 produced a stage extending behind and above the cabinets, with generally excellent image specificity. The optional Widesound processing broadened the presentation beyond the speaker positions without obvious artificial effects, although one double-bass image was slightly vague.
Dynamics
87/100
The AM3 tracked expressive vocal and instrumental changes well, with convincing snap from drums and unexpectedly forceful cinematic effects. Its compact drivers and 35Wpc amplification impose limits on outright level and effortless bass-heavy playback, so a subwoofer helps when playing demanding material loudly.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Alpha Audio found the AM3 very well put together, with remarkably good workmanship for the money. It also noted a solid, low-resonance cabinet, while acknowledging that the finish prioritizes sensible cost control over luxury embellishment.
Value for Money
90/100
At the reviewed prices of $399 per pair and €500 per pair, reviewers considered the AM3 unusually well equipped, pairing amplification with Bluetooth, USB, optical, phono and subwoofer connectivity. It was highly recommended, and the integrated active design was presented as a cost- and clutter-saving alternative to assembling a separate passive system.
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Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
- On Axis @ 0° ±3dB
- 56Hz - 22KHz
- LF Cutoff -10dB
- 40Hz
- Amplifier Power
- 35 watts x2 rms
- Tweeter
- 3/4" (19mm), Aluminum Dome with Ferrofluid Neodymium Magnet
- Woofer
- 4" (100mm) Cone,Rubber Surround, Steel Basket
- Analog
- 3.5mm, Phono MM
- Digital
- Optical, USB
- Wireless
- aptX™ Bluetooth
- Design Type
- Bass Reflex
- Cabinet
- MDF
- Cabinet Sleeve
- Vinyl
- Baffle Front
- MDF
- Grille
- Perforated Metal
- Net Dimensions
- Net: 5 1/8" x8 5/8" x6 7/8" (130 x220 x174mm)
- Net Weight
- 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
- Shipping Dimensions
- 14 1/8" x9 7/8" x11 1/2" (359 x251 x292mm)
- Shipping Weight
- 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg)
- Available Finishes
- Matte Black, Matte White
Manufacturer's Description — psb Speakers
Get more out of your audio with legendary PSB sound
Discover unparalleled audio quality with the Alpha AM3 speakers. These entry-level powered speakers boast premium components and exquisite craftsmanship. Compact and versatile, the AM3 excels in delivering bold, studio-quality stereo sound. It effortlessly connects to all your devices, both wired and wirelessly to create an seamless audio experience whether you're listening to vinyl or streaming.
Built for Exceptional Sound
First designed and manufactured in a small Canadian town in 1991, the Alpha Series started with the simple idea of creating affordable speakers that were focused purely on performance. With passion and dedication in pursuit of a natural sounding speaker, and by leveraging almost 50 years of research conducted at the Canadian National Research Council, the Alphas are known as one of the world’s most iconic speakers and are still the reference benchmark for entry-level hi-fi speakers today.
Versatile Connectivity Meets Intuitive Use
Setting up and using your Alpha AM3 is refreshingly easy - just pair and play. Whether you're streaming from your mobile device via Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth or connecting to a turntable through the dedicated RCA phono input, this compact powerhouse delivers natural, precise sound with minimal distortion. For an even deeper bass experience, simply connect to your preferred subwoofer. With unparalleled adaptability and simplicity, the Alpha AM3 is the perfect choice for any budding sound enthusiast.
Performance Beyond Expectation
The Alpha AM3, born from decades of expertise and nearly 50 years of research, sets a new standard for entry-level speakers. Leveraging expertise from our sister brands, the design features an optimized frequency response, bass extension, and overall output through DSP technology, enhancing the overall quality and performance. This unique partnership guarantees exceptional sound precision, ushering in an elevated listening experience that redefines your audio standards.
Effortless harmony in your home
The Alpha AM3’s versatility extends to its place in your home, whether you feature it on your desktop or display it with pride in your living room. While its sound is designed to stand out, the simple design of the Alpha AM3 allows it to feel at home and blend into any aesthetic. Customize your speaker with acoustically transparent detachable magnetic grilles in matte black and matte white.
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Authorized dealers for psb Speakers Alpha AM3 - Compact Powered Speakers
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha Stereo — in-store — Plattsburgh, New York, United States (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art Sonique — France (website)
- Ash Forest Hi Fi — online and in-store — Kingston, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Audible Images — in-store — Melbourne, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 87 more verified dealers