PSB Alpha S8 150W Compact Powered Subwoofer

PSB Alpha S8 150W Compact Powered Subwoofer

The Alpha S8 is in the sweet spot between where high value coexists with legendary PSB performance. Employing a specially developed long throw 8” polypropylene woofer and powerful magnet assembly, it is matched to a highly efficient 150W Power Amplifier, and placed in a well-engineered enclosure that is carefully tuned for deep, crisp bass response all the way down to an earth shaking 32Hz. The S8 is a vented, or ported, design that takes advantage of the woofers back wave to extend bass response and power output. Unusual at this low price point is the inclusion of powerful Digital Signal Processing that allows for a level of optimization that is not otherwise possible. The high output levels and low distortion are a direct result of PSB’s expertise in this area of signal processing. The included electronic crossover is another important element in integrating the Alpha S8 to your room and satellite speakers, and we include a full featured crossover with variable crossover frequency (50 – 150Hz) and a simple 180 degree phase reversal switch.
 

AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE WITH AUDIOPHILE PEDIGREE

PSB has been making critically-acclaimed speakers for more than 45 years and are especially famous for speakers that deliver high bang for the buck. The Alpha S8 will astound with adding lifelike realism for both music and movies to PSB speakers or any high performance speaker.

ADVANCED TECH IN DRIVERS AND AMPLIFICATION

The Alpha S8 boasts a specialized long-throw 8” driver and efficient bass reflex enclosure for remarkable bass.The built-in high efficiency digital amplifier delivers 210W of dynamic power for unconstrained deep-bass peaks and musical accuracy. Then to go one step further, the S8 utilizes digital signal processing (DSP) to allow PSB’s engineering team to maximize all aspects of performance to deliver the flattest frequency response and powerful bass extension.

COMPACT CABINET WILL FIT MOST ANYWHERE

The rear-ported cabinet has an ultra-small footprint that can be sited most anywhere in the room. On the rear panel are Volume and Crossover Controls, Phase Switch, Low Level Input, AutoOn/Standby Switch, Gold-plated RCAs, USB Power Jack for RT100 wireless accessory, Supplied rubber bumpers and spikes allow for installation on hardwood or carpeted floors.

WHY YOU NEED A SUBWOOFER

The subwoofer is a fairly recent entrant to the typical home entertainment system, and we see the concept popping up in even low-price desktop systems. The idea of having a separate bass speaker was first encountered in cinemas and public address systems where a lot of audio power was needed to fill the theater or stadium. Since the sound wavelengths are so long at these low frequencies (3 to 9 meters) using a single mono subwoofer will not disturb the stereo image. However, the question remains: do you need a subwoofer and what are the needs and benefits? Subs are typically specified for systems where large full range speakers are not practical, or for large open rooms, or where very high SPLs are desired. Placing small speakers where they create the most lifelike stereo image is often at odds with the location that gives the most even and powerful bass response. The ‘sub/sat’ system is the answer for this dilemma, by allowing the sub to be placed for best bass response, and the satellite speakers to be placed for best imaging. Another great use for subwoofers is when speakers need to be hidden and must be both small and unobtrusive. To have the correct sound balance a subwoofer is called for. And probably the most common use is in the home cinema, where realistic special effects demand the power of a subwoofer. Dolby found subwoofers to be an essential element of home theater sound and even created a special ‘Low Frequency Effects’ channel specifically for a subwoofer. The other hidden benefit of the subwoofer is that it removes the burden of bass output from the satellite speaker. This allows the speaker to play louder and with far less distortion. Since most subwoofers today are powered, they also add considerable power to the overall system performance.

BEHIND THE ALPHA SERIES

First designed and manufactured in a small Canadian town in 1991, the Alpha Series started with the simple idea of creating affordable speakers that were focused purely on performance. With passion and dedication in pursuit of a natural sounding speaker, and by leveraging decades of research conducted at the Canadian National Research Council by PSB’s founder, Paul Barton, the Alphas quickly rose to be one of the world’s most iconic speakers and are still the reference benchmark for entry-level hi-fi speakers today. The newly designed Alphas look to continue their legacy by staying true to the original concept from the ’70s and combining it with today’s latest cutting-edge technologies. Powerful and smooth, the all-new Alpha Series has been rebuilt with enhanced custom drivers and a new crossover design that works perfectly together to deliver natural, detailed sound with precision and less distortion. In a home theatre or stereo setup, the new Alphas outperform the originals in every measurement and will bring your music and movies to life.