PSB Alpha AM3 Compact Powered Speakers at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Alpha AM3 is a compact powered speaker system from PSB Speakers (Pickering, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Born from more than 50 years of Canadian acoustic research and amplification expertise shared with sister company NAD Electronics, the AM3 delivers 35 watts of Class D amplification per channel with DSP optimisation across a frequency response of 56 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB), with LF extension to 40 Hz (-10 dB). A 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter with ferrofluid cooling, neodymium magnet, and front waveguide pairs with a 4-inch polypropylene cone woofer in an MDF bass reflex cabinet. Wired connectivity spans analog 3.5mm, phono MM (RCA), optical Toslink, and USB inputs; wireless streaming is handled by Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX-HD support. Available in Matte Black and Matte White, and sold as a pair.

DSP, Waves Audio Processing, and NAD Amplification Heritage

The AM3's built-in amplifier was developed with the benefit of PSB's close collaboration with NAD Electronics, both part of the Lenbrook International family. Designing the speaker and amplifier together as a matched system allowed PSB's engineering team to use DSP to optimise the frequency response, bass extension, and maximum output specifically for the AM3's driver and cabinet combination — a level of system-level tuning that most powered speakers at this size and scale never achieve. The DSP incorporates three algorithms licensed from Waves Audio: MaxxBass, which uses psychoacoustic harmonic generation to extend the perceived bass response below the physical limits of the driver; MaxxDialog, which identifies and boosts centre-channel dialogue content for improved speech intelligibility during video playback; and Maxx3D, which expands the stereo soundstage and sweet spot for music and film. These modes are accessible via the included remote control as four selectable listening presets: Stereo, Widesound, Dialog, and WideSound Plus.

Versatile Connectivity and the NAD-Designed Phono Stage

The AM3's active speaker houses all amplification, DSP, and input switching in a single rear panel, keeping the setup to two speakers and a single speaker cable to the passive unit. Digital inputs include optical Toslink and USB alongside the analog 3.5mm auxiliary input, covering computers, televisions, and portable sources. The built-in moving magnet phono preamplifier was designed by NAD Electronics and allows a turntable with an MM cartridge to connect directly via the rear RCA phono input without any external preamp. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX-HD support enables wireless streaming at up to 24-bit/48 kHz quality from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers. A subwoofer output with a DSP-managed 80 Hz crossover is also provided: when a subwoofer is connected, the DSP applies a corresponding high-pass filter to the main speakers, relieving the AM3's 4-inch woofers of deep bass duty and allowing the system to play louder and cleaner at higher listening levels.

Key Features

• 35W Class D Amplifier x 2 (DSP-Optimised): A matched amplifier and speaker system developed with NAD Electronics' amplification expertise; DSP optimises frequency response, bass extension, and output for the AM3's specific drivers and cabinet.
• 4-Inch Polypropylene Cone Woofer: A 4-inch driver with rubber surround and steel basket delivers punchy, accurate bass from a compact rear-ported MDF cabinet, with LF extension to 40 Hz (-10 dB).
• 3/4-Inch Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Ferrofluid and Waveguide: A ferrofluid-cooled, neodymium-magnet aluminum dome tweeter with front waveguide controls dispersion and ensures smooth driver integration at the 2,500 Hz crossover point. The tweeter is positioned below the woofer for improved time alignment at the listening position.
• Waves Audio DSP (MaxxBass, MaxxDialog, Maxx3D): Three Waves Audio algorithms extend perceived bass, enhance dialogue clarity, and expand stereo imaging, accessible via four selectable listening modes on the included remote.
• Four Listening Modes: Stereo (normal), Widesound (expanded soundstage), Dialog (enhanced vocal clarity), and WideSound Plus (expanded soundstage with enhanced dialogue) for content-matched playback tuning.
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX-HD: Wireless streaming at up to 24-bit/48 kHz quality from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers; also supports standard aptX and SBC codecs.
• Built-In NAD-Designed MM Phono Preamplifier: Connects a moving magnet turntable directly via the rear RCA phono input without any external phono stage — designed by PSB's sister company NAD Electronics.
• Digital Inputs (Optical and USB): Optical Toslink and USB inputs allow direct digital connection from computers, televisions, and other digital sources.
• Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary Input: Rear-panel 3.5mm input accepts portable audio sources, smartphones, and other devices with headphone or line outputs.
• Subwoofer Output with DSP Crossover at 80 Hz: When a subwoofer is connected, the DSP applies a matching high-pass filter to the main speakers, allowing the AM3 to play louder and cleaner by removing deep bass from the main driver.
• Rear Volume Control and Treble and Bass Adjustment: Rear-panel controls allow output level and tonal balance adjustment without requiring the remote.
• Compact Bass Reflex Cabinet: MDF construction with vinyl sleeve and rear-firing port in a 5-1/8 x 8-5/8 x 6-7/8 inch footprint — suited for desktop, bookshelf, and tabletop placement.
• Magnetic Detachable Grilles: Acoustically transparent magnetic grilles in Matte Black and Matte White attach without tools and are paintable for décor matching.
• Includes Remote Control: Handset remote for volume, input selection, and listening mode switching from the listening position.
• 5-Way Binding Posts: Both active and passive speakers feature 5-way binding posts; 8-foot speaker cable included for passive speaker connection.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX-HD, aptX, SBC) for wireless streaming
• Optical Toslink digital input (TV, computer)
• USB digital input (computer)
• 3.5mm analog auxiliary input (portable devices)
• RCA phono MM input (turntable with moving magnet cartridge, no external preamp required)
• RCA subwoofer output (80 Hz DSP crossover; applies high-pass filter to mains)
• 5-way binding posts on both active and passive speakers
• 8-foot speaker cable included for passive speaker connection
• Rear-panel volume, bass, and treble controls
• Remote control included for volume, input selection, and listening mode

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the PSB Alpha AM3 Compact Powered Speakers?

The PSB Alpha AM3 is a compact powered speaker system from PSB Speakers, designed and voiced in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. Sold as a pair, the AM3 consists of one active speaker housing a 35-watt Class D amplifier per channel with integrated DSP, and one passive speaker connected via an included 8-foot speaker cable. Each speaker features a 4-inch polypropylene cone woofer and a 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter with ferrofluid cooling and a front waveguide. The AM3 delivers a frequency response of 56 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB) and connects via Bluetooth 5.0 aptX-HD, optical, USB, 3.5mm aux, and phono MM inputs.

How does the PSB Alpha AM3 compare to the Audioengine A2+ and KEF LSX II?

The PSB Alpha AM3, Audioengine A2+, and KEF LSX II are all compact powered speaker pairs targeting desktop and small-room listeners who want quality stereo sound without a separate amplifier. The Audioengine A2+ is a popular entry-level powered pair with a simpler feature set and no DSP processing. The KEF LSX II uses a true active design with separate amplifiers for tweeter and woofer, a wider wireless feature set including AirPlay 2, and a significantly higher price. The AM3 sits between them, offering Waves Audio DSP with MaxxBass and Maxx3D processing, a built-in NAD-designed phono preamplifier, optical and USB digital inputs, aptX-HD Bluetooth, four listening mode presets, and an 80 Hz DSP-managed subwoofer output — a feature set that is genuinely unusual at the AM3's scale and positioning.

Does the PSB Alpha AM3 have a built-in phono preamp for a turntable?

Yes. The AM3 includes a moving magnet phono preamplifier designed by NAD Electronics, PSB's sister company. A turntable with a moving magnet cartridge connects directly to the rear RCA phono input on the active speaker without any external phono stage. The phono stage is quiet and well-specified for the AM3's class, with very low audible hum and hiss even at close listening distances, making it a practical all-in-one vinyl and streaming solution for a desktop or secondary room system.

What is MaxxBass and how does it improve bass on the AM3?

MaxxBass is a psychoacoustic bass enhancement algorithm licensed from Waves Audio. It analyses the audio signal's bass content below a set cutoff frequency (38 Hz in the AM3), generates a series of harmonic overtones derived from that bass content, and applies a high-pass filter to remove the original deep bass that the 4-inch driver cannot reproduce. The ear then perceives the harmonic series as the presence of deep bass even though the driver is not actually reproducing it. The practical effect is that the AM3 sounds fuller and deeper in the bass region than its physical driver size would suggest, particularly at moderate listening levels in smaller rooms. MaxxBass is bypassed when the subwoofer output is in use, since the connected subwoofer handles deep bass directly.

Can the PSB Alpha AM3 connect to a subwoofer?

Yes. The AM3's active speaker includes a dedicated RCA subwoofer output with a DSP-managed 80 Hz low-pass filter. When a subwoofer is connected, the AM3's DSP also applies a corresponding 80 Hz high-pass filter to the main speakers, removing deep bass from the 4-inch woofers and allowing them to play louder and with lower distortion. This bass management feature is relatively unusual in powered speakers at the AM3's scale and makes it straightforward to add a subwoofer such as PSB's Alpha S8 or Alpha S10 for expanded low-frequency output in larger rooms.

What is the difference between the four listening modes on the PSB Alpha AM3?

The AM3 offers four DSP listening mode presets selectable via the remote control. Stereo mode is the standard, unmodified playback setting. Widesound applies the Maxx3D soundstage expansion algorithm to broaden the perceived stereo width and sweet spot, suited to music and film. Dialog mode applies the MaxxDialog algorithm, which identifies and boosts centre-channel vocal information for improved speech intelligibility during television and film playback. WideSound Plus combines both Maxx3D and MaxxDialog simultaneously for content where both expanded imaging and clear dialogue are priorities, such as action films or sports broadcasts.

Where can I buy the PSB Alpha AM3 in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB Alpha AM3 Compact Powered Speakers are available as a pair in Toronto, Canada at Vinyl Sound, an authorised PSB Speakers dealer. Vinyl Sound carries the AM3 in both Matte Black and Matte White finishes, with staff available to advise on turntable pairing, subwoofer matching, and desktop or bookshelf system setup. Customers across Canada are welcome to contact Vinyl Sound for purchasing and shipping inquiries.