PSB Debuts The iQ Series All-in-One Streaming Speakers

All Image Credit: PSB

PSB first showed the Alpha iQ back in 2023. The Canadian company has now expanded the range with the addition of two new active streaming models, the iQ1 and iQ2. Both sit on the same acoustic platform as the original Alpha iQ but with revised amplification, expanded cabinet finishes and more inputs. The iQ1 is available in a black or white finish, while the iQ2 is offered in additional Ember Red, Boreal Green, Granite Grey, Sandstone Beige and Walnut Veneer finishes. Both models share the Alpha iQ’s dimensions of; 5.7″ x 9.7″ x 7.6″ (145 x 246 x 192mm) but differ in how the cabinets connect to each other. The iQ1 links its left and right loudspeakers with an included 3-metre stereo cable while the 1Q2 adds a low-latency wireless link.

IQ1 (left) and iQ2 (right) in black.

Each cabinet supports 2-way active pairing using a 4″ (100mm) polypropylene mid/bass driver, with steel basket and rubber surround, together with a 0.75″ (19mm) aluminium dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping. Both models use PSB’s new TI Burr Brown Class D amplifier platform, rated at 270 watts in total per pair. Each mid/bass driver is driven by a dedicated 90-watt amplifier with the tweeters being individually driven with 45 watts from a shared stereo amplifier for the iQ1 and two separate 45watt amplifiers for the iQ2. The bass-reflex cabinets use a tuned port and DSP-assisted low-frequency extension to provide a quoted roll-off of -3dB at 64Hz.

Local control is available via the top-panel touch controls on the primary speakers that provide access to volume, playback, and two custom presets for favorite stations, playlists, or streaming services. Voice control is supported via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri (AirPlay 2), while Smart-home integration is available using; Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC via BluOS.

Streaming runs through BluOS at up to 24-bit/192KHz, over Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet and both the iQ1 and iQ2 deliver an extensive BluOS experience that provides access to music, podcasts, and radio stations, enabling users to access over 20 popular streaming services including; Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz, Tidal, and SiriusXM, along with personal music libraries and playlists. The BluOS Controller App lets users manage and control their music from any room, with the app allowing pairing the iQ Series with other BluOS-enabled speakers and audio systems for multiroom music playback. Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive adds flexibility to stream from even more music apps.

Rear physical signal connections include; 1 x RCA MM phono/line in (switchable), 1 x optical input, 1 x HDMI eARC input, 1 x USB-C audio input, 1 x USB-A external storage and 1 x RCA subwoofer output with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters.

• PSB iQ1:
  • Speaker Link: Wired (requires a physical cable connecting the left and right speakers)
  • Tweeter Amplification: Shares a two-channel amp (delivering 45 watts per channel for both tweeters)
• PSB iQ2:
  • Speaker Link: Wireless (uses a low-latency dedicated wireless link between the two cabinets)
  • Tweeter Amplification: Independent, dedicated 45-watt amplifiers for each individual tweeter
  • Additional finishes

Specifications Common To iQ1/iQ2: