psb Speakers Alpha AM5 - Powered Bookshelf Speakers
The PSB Alpha AM5 packs punchy, weighty bass, a sweet midrange, and wide, precise imaging into a compact all-in-one system. Gordon Brockhouse praised its robust, tuneful low end and quiet phono stage, while Mark Gusew noted clean dynamics and surprising volume. With MM phono, USB, optical, aptX Bluetooth, and useful DSP modes, it is a notably flexible desktop, vinyl, or TV partner.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
87/100
Value for Money
91/100
Pros
Surprisingly deep, punchy bass with well-defined transients and tuneful decays for a compact powered speaker.
Sweet, communicative midrange and strong imaging give vocals and instruments clear, engaging placement.
Excellent all-in-one connectivity, including a notably quiet MM phono stage, USB, optical, aptX Bluetooth, sub output, and effective DSP modes.
Cons
Deep-bass material below roughly 40Hz can become muddy or indistinct; adding a subwoofer improves control and definition.
The minimalist single-button, LED-based interface can make input and mode changes tedious, and sleep behavior was inconsistent in one review.
At high volumes, vocals or snare strikes can take on a slightly hard or harsh edge.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Reviewers find the AM5 engaging, full-bodied, and unusually capable for a compact powered speaker. Its strongest traits are a sweet, communicative midrange, substantial bass output, and a wide presentation, though ultimate depth, low-bass control, and high-volume refinement have limits.
Bass
90/100
For a compact 5.25-inch design, reviewers repeatedly found the low end surprisingly deep, punchy, and robust; StereoNET said it made a mockery of the speakers' size, while SoundStage Solo heard fast transients and tuneful decays. There are caveats: bass can become boomy near walls, and demanding material below about 40Hz can sound muddy or benefit substantially from a subwoofer.
Mid
89/100
The midrange is a consistent strength, with HIFI Trends calling vocals and drums especially sweet and SoundStage Solo praising the expressive tracking of Van Morrison's voice. StereoNET heard a broadly neutral balance with a slight midband and upper-bass emphasis, although very loud playback could add a little hardness to vocals.
Treble
84/100
StereoNET found the top end reasonably extended and free of brightness, harshness, or scratchiness in normal use. Other listening found a slightly bright balance or some snare harshness, and Audiophiliac preferred reducing the treble control, so partnering, settings, and volume matter.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
Reviewers praised clear vocal placement, convincing separation, and a soundstage that extends well beyond the cabinets. The WideSound processing is widely considered effective rather than gimmicky, but conventional presentation lacks some depth and the widest mode can make images slightly less sharply defined.
Dynamics
89/100
StereoNET described the AM5 as dynamic, punchy, rhythmically deft, and able to play surprisingly loudly without distress. SoundStage Solo also found it more exciting and dynamic than a comparison speaker, with good expression of shifts between loud and soft.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The compact MDF cabinets were judged sturdier than several price rivals when tapped, and the perforated-metal magnetic grilles were noted for their quality feel. Reviewers also liked the clean, uncluttered styling, though there is little direct commentary on long-term durability.
Value for Money
91/100
At the $599 price cited by the reviews, writers repeatedly regarded the AM5 as a compelling all-in-one system, pairing strong sound with phono, USB, optical, Bluetooth, DSP, and subwoofer connectivity. SoundStage Solo called it a poster child for powered-speaker value and enthusiastically recommended it, although the supplied $799 price is higher than the review-era pricing on which those comparisons were based.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- On Axis @ 0° ±3dB
- 55Hz - 20KHz
- LF Cutoff -10dB
- 36Hz
- Amplifier Power
- 50 watts x2 rms
- Tweeter
- 3/4" (19mm), Aluminum Dome with Ferrofluid Neodymium Magnet
- Woofer
- 5.25" (133mm) 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
- 6 3/4" x11 2/5" x9 1/2"(170 x290 x240mm)
- Net Weight
- 21.5 lbs (9.75 kg)
- Shipping Dimensions
- 18 3/8" x13 3/8" x15"(467 x340 x381mm)
- Shipping Weight
- 23.6 lbs (10.71 kg)
- Available Finishes
- Matte Black, Matte White
Manufacturer's Description — psb Speakers
Bookshelf speakers that turn sound into story
Redefine how you approach home theatre sound with the Alpha AM5. Known around the world for its iconic performance, the AM5 sets the standard for entry-level bookshelf powered speakers. From versatile connectivity to rich, full-range sound, you can expect nothing but sonic excellence all within an elegant, simple design.
Where rich sound meets an immersive experience
Every sound has a story. With the Alpha AM5, elevate your home audio and be captivated and immersed in the narrative. Its thoughtfully designed driver set ensures a balanced and accurate sound across the spectrum. The Alpha AM5 features a ¾” aluminum ferrofluid-cooled tweeter and a 5 ¼” midbass woofer to capture any sound's intricate levels and subtle nuances. Simply put, it’s what you expect from one of the world’s most iconic speakers.
Customizable sound modes for a personalized experience
The Alpha AM5, like its counterpart ( Alpha AM3 ), is easy and intuitive to set up: simply pair to your device and play. Equipped with Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth, streaming from your mobile device, computer, or TV has never been simpler. For vinyl enthusiasts, connect to your turntable easily with the dedicated RCA phono input. To deepen your bass further, hook up to your preferred subwoofer. Take charge of your listening with different modes that allow you to accentuate dialogue, soundstage and more.
Placement Flexibility
Designing a speaker that sounds good no matter where it’s placed requires innovation and collaboration. Leveraging the expertise of our sister brands allowed us to create a level of precision necessary for near-field listening. By harnessing the power of digital signal processing, the Alpha AM5 boasts a pristine sound that transcends the confines of an enclosed space.
A subtle statement piece that elevates your décor
Showcase your Alpha AM5 as a statement piece on your living room’s bookshelf to elevate the entire room. While its sound demands attention, its simple, sleek look will never overpower your space. Again, the Alpha AM5’s flexibility shines through, blending effortlessly with your unique style or décor. Choose between matte black and matte white acoustically transparent detachable magnetic grilles to harmonize with the rest of your interior design.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for psb Speakers Alpha AM5 - Powered Bookshelf 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