PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS (Pair) at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Alpha iQ is a fully active wireless streaming bookshelf speaker system from PSB Speakers (Pickering, Ontario, Canada), available as a pair at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed by Paul Barton and his team, the Alpha iQ combines PSB's "True to Nature" acoustic philosophy with Bluesound's award-winning BluOS multi-room music platform into a cable-free all-in-one system. Each speaker houses a 4" polypropylene mid-bass driver with steel basket and rubber surround driven by a dedicated 60W Class D amplifier, and a 0.75" aluminum dome tweeter with Ferrofluid damping and neodymium magnet driven by a dedicated 30W Class D amplifier, for a total system output of 180 watts. A DSP-based active crossover, tuned bass-reflex ports, and DSP-enabled low-frequency extension deliver bass performance well beyond the speakers' compact dimensions. The Alpha iQ's BluOS streamer supports over 20 streaming services, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio, with physical inputs including HDMI eARC, MM phono, optical, and 3.5mm analog. Winner of the SoundStage! Network Reviewer's Choice Award (2023), the EISA Best Value Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Award (2024-2025), and the Sound+Image Wireless Speakers of the Year Award (2023), the Alpha iQ is available in Matte Black and Matte White.

Fully Active Design with DSP Crossover and Per-Driver Amplification

Unlike passive speakers that divide amplifier output through a passive crossover network, the PSB Alpha iQ uses a fully active architecture in which each driver in each enclosure has its own dedicated Class D amplifier channel. The 60W amplifier for the 4" woofer and the 30W amplifier for the 0.75" tweeter are separated by a DSP-based active crossover, which processes the signal digitally before amplification rather than dissipating power in passive components after amplification. This approach allows precise, adjustable crossover alignment between drivers without the resistive losses and phase errors inherent in passive crossover networks. The DSP also enables bass extension beyond what the physical enclosure would normally support, with a tuned rear-firing bass-reflex port working in coordination with the DSP processing to extend low-frequency output to a rated -10dB cutoff of 35Hz from an enclosure measuring just 5.7" wide by 9.7" tall by 7.6" deep. Following the PSB design tradition established across the Synchrony and Imagine lines, the tweeter is positioned below the woofer on the baffle, ensuring the acoustic center of the speaker remains consistent from both seated and standing listening positions.

BluOS Multi-Room Streaming Platform and Connectivity

The Alpha iQ's network streaming capability is built on BluOS, the multi-room music platform developed by Bluesound and shared across NAD Electronics, Bluesound, and PSB products in the Lenbrook family. BluOS provides access to over 20 streaming services through the BluOS Controller app, available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, including lossless and high-resolution sources such as Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer. The system supports Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from any iOS, iPadOS, or macOS application, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect for native app handoff, and aptX HD Bluetooth for wireless playback from Android and other smart devices. An audiophile-grade onboard DAC decodes audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, and the system includes full MQA decoding and rendering for Tidal's high-resolution content. The Alpha iQ can participate in a BluOS multi-room network with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components, allowing synchronized playback throughout the home. The two speakers communicate via a low-latency wireless link that covers most average-size rooms without audible delay or sync issues, eliminating the need for a speaker cable run between the pair. Voice control is supported via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri through AirPlay 2, and the system integrates with Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC home automation platforms.

Key Features

• Fully Active 180W System (60W Woofer + 30W Tweeter per Speaker): Each driver operates from its own dedicated Class D amplifier channel, separated by a DSP active crossover for precise driver integration, low distortion, and DSP-enabled bass extension beyond the enclosure's physical volume.
• 4" Polypropylene Mid-Bass Driver with Steel Basket: Tuned in coordination with the rear-firing bass-reflex port and DSP processing to extend low-frequency response to a -10dB cutoff of 35Hz from a compact cabinet measuring under 10" tall.
• 0.75" Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Ferrofluid Damping: Ferrofluid in the voice coil gap provides thermal management and mechanical damping, maintaining consistent high-frequency output without compression during sustained listening at higher levels.
• BluOS Multi-Room Streaming Platform: Access to over 20 streaming services including Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer, with lossless and high-resolution audio support, plus hundreds of internet radio stations. Syncs with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components across the home network.
• Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect: Stream from any app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac via AirPlay 2, or hand off playback directly from the Spotify or Tidal apps using their native Connect protocols without leaving the streaming service interface.
• 24-bit/192kHz DAC with Full MQA Decoding and Rendering: An audiophile-grade onboard DAC decodes high-resolution audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz, and provides end-to-end MQA unfolding and rendering for Tidal's Master-quality content.
• HDMI eARC Input for TV and Home Theatre: The HDMI eARC port on the primary speaker allows the Alpha iQ to serve as the audio output system for a television, passing lossless audio formats from compatible TV sources without an additional receiver or soundbar.
• Built-In MM Phono Preamplifier: An MM phono preamp with RCA inputs and a ground terminal on the primary speaker allows direct connection of a moving-magnet turntable, bringing vinyl playback into the Alpha iQ's wireless and streaming ecosystem.
• Low-Latency Wireless Inter-Speaker Link: The two speakers communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for a physical cable between them and allowing flexible placement throughout any room without audio sync issues.
• Combined Optical and Headphone Output: The optical/headphone combination jack on the primary speaker supports connecting a disc player or game console via optical digital input, and accepts a 3.5mm headphone for private late-night listening.
• Subwoofer Output with DSP Bass Management: When a subwoofer is connected, the BluOS app activates a DSP-controlled low-pass filter for the subwoofer and a complementary high-pass filter for the Alpha iQ's woofers, optimizing bass distribution across both systems.
• Voice Control and Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri (via AirPlay 2), as well as Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC home automation platforms. IR learning capability supports harmonized remote controls.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• HDMI eARC (primary speaker)
• Optical digital input (primary speaker)
• MM phono input with RCA jacks and ground terminal (primary speaker)
• 3.5mm analog auxiliary input (primary speaker)
• USB-A port for external storage drives (primary speaker)
• Subwoofer output with DSP-controlled low-pass filter (primary speaker)
• Combined optical/headphone output jack, 3.5mm (primary speaker)
• Ethernet port for wired network connection (primary speaker)
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in (primary speaker)
• Low-latency wireless inter-speaker link (no cable between speakers required)
• Rear-firing bass-reflex port (each speaker)

Awards and Critical Recognition

• SoundStage! Network Reviewer's Choice Award (2023)
• EISA Best Value Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Award (2024-2025)
• Sound+Image Wireless Speakers of the Year Award (2023)
• FutureAudiophile Best Value Audiophile Gear Award (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSB Alpha iQ?

The PSB Alpha iQ is a fully active wireless streaming bookshelf speaker system from PSB Speakers, a Canadian audio manufacturer based in Pickering, Ontario. It is a complete all-in-one audio system comprising two powered bookshelf speakers with built-in amplification, a BluOS network streamer, an audiophile-grade 24-bit/192kHz DAC, and physical inputs for turntables, televisions, disc players, and analog sources. Total system output is 180 watts across four Class D amplifier channels, one per driver per speaker. The Alpha iQ has won the SoundStage! Network Reviewer's Choice Award (2023) and the EISA Best Value Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Award (2024-2025).

How does the PSB Alpha iQ compare to the KEF LSX II or Sonos Era 300?

The PSB Alpha iQ, KEF LSX II, and Sonos Era 300 are all wireless active streaming bookshelf systems, but they approach the category from different angles. The KEF LSX II uses a coaxial driver for a distinct point-source stereo imaging characteristic, while the Sonos Era 300 is optimized for Dolby Atmos spatial audio with upward-firing drivers. The PSB Alpha iQ differentiates itself through the BluOS multi-room platform, which supports over 20 streaming services and integrates with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components across brands including NAD Electronics and Bluesound. The Alpha iQ also includes a built-in MM phono preamp and HDMI eARC input, features absent from many competitors in the class, making it the stronger choice for listeners who want to integrate a turntable and television into a single wireless system.

Can the PSB Alpha iQ connect to a turntable?

Yes, the PSB Alpha iQ includes a built-in moving-magnet (MM) phono preamplifier on the primary speaker, with RCA inputs and a dedicated ground terminal for direct turntable connection. No separate phono preamp is required for any MM cartridge-equipped turntable. Once connected, the turntable can be played through the Alpha iQ directly, and the BluOS platform allows the turntable's output to be broadcast to other BluOS-enabled components in the home network if desired, extending vinyl listening to multiple rooms without additional streaming hardware.

What streaming services does the PSB Alpha iQ support?

The PSB Alpha iQ's BluOS platform supports over 20 streaming services natively through the BluOS Controller app, including high-resolution and lossless services such as Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, and Idagio. The system also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Spotify Connect for direct Spotify app handoff, and Tidal Connect for native Tidal app control. For listeners who prefer Bluetooth, aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity is built in for wireless playback from Android and other smart devices. BluOS also provides access to hundreds of global internet radio stations, including Radio Paradise with its MQA-encoded streams.

Does the PSB Alpha iQ work with a TV for home theatre use?

Yes, the PSB Alpha iQ includes an HDMI eARC input on the primary speaker that allows it to serve as the audio output system for a compatible television. HDMI eARC passes high-quality audio from the TV's internal apps and connected sources to the Alpha iQ without the signal quality limitations of standard ARC. For televisions without HDMI eARC, the optical digital input on the primary speaker provides an alternative digital audio connection. The system's 180 watts of total amplification and DSP-extended bass capability make it a capable TV audio upgrade for small to medium-sized rooms, replacing a soundbar with audiophile-grade two-channel sound and full streaming functionality in a single compact pair of speakers.

Can the PSB Alpha iQ be part of a multi-room audio system?

Yes, the PSB Alpha iQ operates on the BluOS multi-room music platform and can synchronize playback with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components from PSB Speakers, Bluesound, and NAD Electronics. This includes Bluesound Pulse soundbars, Bluesound NODE streamers connected to separate amplifiers and speakers, and NAD Electronics streaming amplifiers and AV receivers. All BluOS components are controlled from the same BluOS Controller app on Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows, with independent or grouped zone playback. The Alpha iQ can function as a standalone stereo system or as part of a whole-home audio network without any additional hardware.

Where can I buy the PSB Alpha iQ in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS are available as a pair at Vinyl Sound, an authorized PSB dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries both Matte Black and Matte White finishes and can assist with system setup, streaming configuration, and turntable pairing at its Toronto location. Canadian customers outside Toronto can contact Vinyl Sound directly for shipping options across Canada.