The new Alpha Series comprises of four models starting with the compact monitors P3 (£179 per pair) and P5 (£299 per pair), a centre channel C10 (£249 each) and a tower model T20 (£499 per pair). Additionally, all four models are available in a choice of Walnut, or Black Ash finishes.   

PSB introduced its first Alpha speaker range in 1991 with the explicit purpose of creating an affordable speaker that focuses 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 5 star reviews.

So, it is very much by popular request, that PSB has now revisited its Alpha offerings. The four new models are “clean sheet” designs while maintaining Paul Barton's original intent.

Today's Alphas benefit significantly from improved materials and production techniques, not to mention an additional 30 years of experience. The result is a natural sounding speaker of minimalist elegance, that costs 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 Floorstanding 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.

PSB has developed two new woofers for the new Alphas. The new drivers are a 4 1/2-inch and 5 1/4-inch that both employ dual layer voice coils with powerful magnet structures that 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.

Additionally, 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.

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.

Each of the cabinets for the new Alphas 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 specialised 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 luxurious and timeless design. Even the grille is unique in that is does not change the sound of the speaker whether attached or removed.

Paul Barton, founder and Chief Designer of PSB, told StereoNET:

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. 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 concerning looks, performance and value.

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, January 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.

For more information, go to PSB Speakers.