Canadian speaker manufacturer PSB has just announced the iQ Series, a new generation of omnidirectional speakers. The iQ Series is presented in two models: iQ1, the introduction to PSB’s line of broadcast speakers, and iQ2, a true wireless stereo system in a choice of seven premium finishes, including premium walnut veneer. (More on all that in a bit.)
Built on the same acoustic platform introduced in PSB’s award-winning Alpha iQ, the new iQ Series is said to “elevate the overall design” with a new Burr-Brown amplifier platform, fabric grilles, and more refined finishes.
Both iQ1 and iQ2 deliver a “full” BluOS experience that allows listening access to music, podcasts, and radio stations from over 20 streaming services, in addition to multiroom playback and other BluOS-enabled speakers and sound systems throughout the home. An on-board, audiophile-grade DAC supports high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.
“With the new iQ series, we are expanding what PSB stands for today’s listeners. There is a growing segment of customers who want high-fidelity sound without the complexity of traditional speakers, and iQ is our answer to that change,” said Mack Tommy, Product Manager at PSB Speakers, in an official press release. “It combines PSB’s acoustic heritage in a more accessible, design-forward, and one-way way – making it easier than ever to experience PSB’s performance in everyday environments.”
The iQ1 – available in black (as shown above) or white vinyl finishes – is said to bring PSB’s signature sound to a speaker with broadcast power that “every listener can enjoy.” A wired stereo cable connects the main and secondary speakers together to keep both channels in “perfect” harmony.
Meanwhile, the iQ2 uses a low-latency wireless link to pair the left and right speakers together without audio delay or interference. It’s available in seven high-quality trims that include four new color options — red red, green, granite gray, and sandstone beige — and premium walnut veneer with copper-finished accents (as shown below). A fingerprint resistant coating is also used in the finishing process to help keep the cabinets as clean as possible.
Both iQ models share a 4-inch polypropylene midbass driver with a steel basket and rubber surround, and a 0.75in aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnets and ferrofluid damping. The new Burr-Brown Class-D amplifier delivers 270W of total system power, with a dedicated 90W amp for each woofer.
The iQ1 pairs its tweeters to a shared two-channel amp delivering 45W per channel, while the iQ2 uses independent 45W amps for each tweeter. A high-quality DSP crossover, tuned bass ports, and improved low-frequency extension are said to allow the iQ1 and iQ2 to deliver “the deepest, most powerful bass for their size.”
“Every feature of the iQ Series is designed to deliver true stereo performance in a simplified system,” said Matt Simmonds, Vice President of Product Development at PSB Speakers, in the same press release that quoted PSB’s Mack Tommy. “From the new amplifier platform to the DSP design and driver integration, we focused on maximizing output, clarity, and control within a compact form factor. The result is a system that performs well beyond its size while maintaining the precision and balance that defines PSB.”
BluOS brings the ultimate multiroom streaming experience to the iQ Series, which aims to enable listeners to enjoy music, podcasts, and Internet radio in “the highest quality sound,” and access over 20 popular streaming services such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz, Tidal, and SiriusXM, as well as personal music libraries and playlists.
The BluOS Controller App allows users to manage and control their music in any room, and the app allows pairing the iQ Series with other BluOS-enabled speakers and sound systems for multi-room music playback. Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive add the flexibility to stream more music with more apps.
Both iQ models (one iQ2 in original green finish is shown above) are said to provide the flexibility to enjoy multiple home audio system offerings with a built-in MM phono preamp for turntables, RCA and optical inputs, and HDMI eARC for TV, movies, and games. The iQ1 and iQ2 are also equipped with a USB-C audio input for connecting other devices such as laptops, phones, or portable music players. Subwoofer outputs with DSP-enabled low-pass filters and high-pass filters allow the iQ series to be paired with powerful subwoofers.
Top-panel touch controls on the main speakers provide access to volume, playback, and two custom presets for favorite channels, playlists, or streaming services. With BluOS, iQ Series speakers can be integrated with smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron, Nice, RTI, and URC.
Both iQ models are available now through the official PSB site and authorized PSB dealers (links below). The iQ1 sports an SRP of $999 US ($1,299 Canadian) in both black and white vinyl trims, while the iQ2 has an SRP of $1,399 US ($1,699 Canadian) for its color finish options, and $1,499 US ($1,849 Canadian) for its walnut finish.
To find out more about PSB, go here.
To find an authorized PSB dealer, go here.
