Little Wonder: a Bluesound Node INSIDE a loudspeaker | PSB Alpha iQ review
Рет қаралды 77,291
Күн бұрынThis episode is brought to you by Marantz:
www.marantz.com/
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
1:02 Software
4:05 HDMI ARC
7:46 Stands w/ cable management
10:14 Sound quality
13:56 Subwoofer output & integration
👉 As seen in this video...
PSB Alpha iQ
🛒 howl.me/ck04TcPHGMC
PSB AST-25 stands
📖 www.psbspeakers.com/product/a...
Topping D10s
🛒 amzn.to/3QzinuQ
Shanling ET3
🛒 amzn.to/49BNu1N
Streaming platform by Roon
🛒 roon.link/affiliate/darko
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 howl.me/ckbW8ZBoZAg
Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 vicoustic.com/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#spotify #applemusic #hifi
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@Peacewiser 7 ай бұрын
Darko's musical interludes are the best of any youtube reviewer I've encountered, really makes each video, thanks.
@footagemissing 8 ай бұрын
Great video, thank you. I agree with all points and this is a product that im considering adding to my home setup. Thanks again.
@leon23leon 8 ай бұрын
Clever review format - I appreciate how “different” this is than the usual build, features and sound quality structure.
@sultantoure4220 8 ай бұрын
Thank you for your job!!!
@Goozstavo 8 ай бұрын
Every Darko video is CD quality. Thumbs up.
@m4nc1n1 7 ай бұрын
You have the best b-roll beats! Sounds great
@andrewwebb1911 8 ай бұрын
Thanks John.
@matthewfrazee3352 8 ай бұрын
Nice to see the shangling et3 in the video. It is one of the few CD players small enough to match the size and quality of construction of my NAD m10 v2.
@pancon5 6 ай бұрын
The yellow colour is lovely.
@macmovieman1 8 ай бұрын
I could totally see a Nearfield application, and I’ve been listening carefully to see if you bring it up or not. I agree with you regarding HDMI, and without it I won’t even consider a powered speaker with this profile.
@alonzosmith6189 8 ай бұрын
I like my Edifier and Audio Engine powered speaker for my home. The rooms are small, the speakers have Bluetooth and cable connections. 😊 the speakers are under $300 a pair. Also, my Sonos One and Beam connect to my TVs.
@WparuSlowach 8 ай бұрын
Sonos is overrated. Nothing special. I know soundbars which sounds better and cost less or similar. ;)
@nickrojitas 8 ай бұрын
know waiting for the shangling review !
@NathanBradford 8 ай бұрын
Used to sell PSB speakers back in my retail days .. Alpha series was frequently a top choice for the money.
@turboplopp 8 ай бұрын
Thanks for this one and great to see more products joining the future-fi route. While HDMI Arc is convenient, I liked WISA even better when using a compatible TV. I tried the Dynaudio Focus and implementing was sooo good: power cords, speakers, thats it.
@purplehazeffc 8 ай бұрын
We need a follow up video with questions. What is the advantage or disadvantage of having the tweeter mounted below the woofer? Is it just a design aesthetic look, or is there sonic improvements
@techmed-rainer 8 ай бұрын
Nicely described! I loved your food centred comparison between the PSB Alpha iQ and Klipsch The Sevens. It gave me some good imagination how they sound. I'd love to compare those to my bedroom setup with my (formerly your) Klipsch The Fives connected to a Wiim Mini and occasionally to a TV (Samsung The Sero which can be rolled throughout the flat). As much as I like the Wiim software for the Wiim Mini and Pro I do prefer BluOS on my NAD M10 V2. This is a real selling point for the PSD.
@Philear4124 8 ай бұрын
Hi John, Nice video, and nice that they work with the blueos app. And it's nice that the cables that can go through the stands, be careful with the vacuum cleaner. Commercial for an after the video ok. But KZfaq interrupts the video 2 to 3 times for commercials of +- 2 minutes. And yes, I know, you can't do anything about it. Grtz Phil
@1jfmurray 8 ай бұрын
Klipsch makes the KS-24 stand for the 'Sevens' and they include cable management.
@sheldonpersonviola 8 ай бұрын
Great review, thank you. Speak of Andrew Jones: are these speakers as warm/relaxed or refined as the Elac Navis? Different speaker entirely?
@Lou-ve6sy 5 ай бұрын
To the person thinking about the SVS 3000 micro, it’s awesome! I have a pair on my main system coupled with 5 Cantons and a NAD
@marioplus321 8 ай бұрын
I do not consider myself to support you on Patronite,but I am likely to watch every forthcoming video !
@ChrisWhittenMusic 8 ай бұрын
They look lovely
@scottpater 6 ай бұрын
John, I just bought the Alpha IQ (plus their stands) to start to replace the Sonos kit in my family room. I’m likely going to add the SVS 3000 Micro sub based on that review and integration thoughts with the Powernode, since the PSB’s basically have one built in. Can’t wait to hear the upgrade!
@VinodKumar-gx7wj 8 ай бұрын
Hi John, I watched your video on KEF LSXII and SVS Prime Wireless Pro, out of this PSB and KEF/SVS, which one will be a better choice from your experience from the past reviews on KEF and SVS?
@AlexIsUber 8 ай бұрын
ultimate question
@MoRZ47 7 ай бұрын
Bought a powernode 2i hmdi (2020/21 version) refurbished and a kef ls50 pair for the same price early 2021. Would have gone for these if they were available back then. The MM input is a fantastic addition. Had to buy a phono preamp from camebridge for that…
@AlexanderFilep 8 ай бұрын
'Like BBQ chicken and chocolate mousse" - my favourite audio review comparison ever! 😂
@ianbusby2845 8 ай бұрын
Thanks John,great as usual! What about dialogue when watching t.v. especially films,don’t you need that centre speaker? I guess there’s no speaker system that suits every sound listening situation AND aesthetics. (I tend to use my speakers for music & soundbar for tv/films)
@user-je8zy6yq7f 8 ай бұрын
Is it possible to add some type cable splitter to add two (smaller) sub woofers ? That would fit my room better.
@NemanjaPantelic 8 ай бұрын
Arab Strap, Bill Callahan, Tindersticks, Grandaddy, Giant Sand... I haven't seen so many bands that I love in your video since the Dali Callisto review. Speaking of Dali Callsto there are many points in common between the two - BluOS app, touch controls on the box, white matte color, cable management stands, but Dali's are (were) a bit more expensive, although they are almost five years senior. Are they comparable in any other way? Thanks for another great review.
@WhatEver-dx3eu 8 ай бұрын
Nice one. Like the looks of these, although I would think of tangerines as orange! Curious; can you tell me if the coverart that I see on your telly, is channelled through roon or does that come from the main speaker's HDMI connector itself? If the latter, that's a killer feature that will clinch the decision for me. Why pinch your eyeballs to look a 5" screen 3 meters away.
@shadowofpain8144 6 ай бұрын
I like the eark because I have a nice bluray sacd marantz player that only has hdmi as a digital out. That eliminates the eversolo a6 but looking at the A8 price made me go with a terminator dac instead.
@Lou-ve6sy 5 ай бұрын
Great review! I am considering these vs the LSX 2’s… will run a Klipsch wireless sub as well… was hoping for a recommendation, thoughts, DA, or anyone
@mourip 5 ай бұрын
I have the LSX 2's. They sound excellent. I use the HDMI input from my TV, can play Roon, Qobuz, and stream Internet radio. I have not heard the PSBs. The Kefs do look better than the PSBs in my opinion.
@IronsWHU 8 ай бұрын
This is crying out for a side by side comparison with the LSX ii’s 😩
@roxynox 8 ай бұрын
What DAC chip are in the speakers? From the node X?
@dal2258 8 ай бұрын
Entertaining video 🙂 I wonder if you can buy a POWERNODE and a pair of speakers for the same money and have the same quality?
@bryantaylor2946 8 ай бұрын
Not likely, the digital crossover, the amps for each driver are a huge advantage for active speakers. If you went to a higher price point for amp and speakers then you can gain some advantages but for the same money, I don't think so.
@litenbrandbil 8 ай бұрын
Cool looking speaker, I did dig the comparison with klipsch in the end. BlueOS is awesome, I like the 4.0 update, but still no Apple Music, feels like Sonos is cheating having Apple Music. Fun video to watch.
@Damian_S_ 8 ай бұрын
Can I use this as desktop speakers / monitors?? - I mean will that use case deliver a good outcome??
@genuine74boomer 8 ай бұрын
What is the app that allows you to show the album cover full-screen on the TV? Thanks!
@scottpater 7 ай бұрын
How would these compare to a pair of Bluesound Pulse 2i? Or even a pair of Pulse M?
@TheMozeze 6 ай бұрын
Wondering if this set up would be better than a Bluesound powernode edge + Dali spektor 2’s which essentially work out to the same price. The downside is that doesn’t give me a phono stage vs this set up. The primary use however would be for a bedroom whereas I keep my turntable in the living room, but who doesn’t love a bit of flexibility, eh?! Would love some opinions
@draztiqmeshaz6226 8 ай бұрын
A finish so clean it looks like a render
@HaraHetta 8 ай бұрын
Havw u tried PSI audio powered speakers? It amazing
@StevePilgrim2013 8 ай бұрын
Does any (true) active loudspeaker check all the boxes you mention here? As I list them: sound quality, amp, DAC, true active design, streamer, streaming services incl. Chromecast, HDMI ARC, phono in, sub out. Nice video. Thanks.
@MarcinNiedzwiedzki 8 ай бұрын
Please also Review Audio Pro A28 and maybe compare those two
@ThxCrypto 8 ай бұрын
I'm usually confused about these type of speakers because i can never wrap my head around the inputs, outputs and cables needed. I just want something with easy setup but great sound. This looks good, what other models are similar?
@muminek79 3 ай бұрын
You said I need the Topping device or sthg of that sort to connect my computer. Would SMSL D12 dac do the same thing or is that not suitable? How about the aux cable? Would it do the job with may MacBook? Will the sound quality be as good with aux cable? I would appreciate your answer very much. Thank you.
@ricardofarinha8922 3 ай бұрын
Since this speakers are using the bluesound app, does anyone know if it can be integrated with other bluesound products such as the hub, or even the subwoofer?
@chrisAclaes 7 ай бұрын
I like the color options, but I wish they had a green like Project’s passive version.
@martinaston1715 8 ай бұрын
Argon solo amp speaker comparison …. At this price point think Id go kef wireless 2 now available at discount
@nikobuerk346 8 ай бұрын
excellent video. not trying to start an argument, since this may be a heated topic. but the color name of these particular speakers has me wondering... are Tangerines yellow??? I always thought they were orange. But I guess they can't call these tangerine orange since they have another speaker that is actually orange called something else. Thoughts? 🤔🤔🤔
@kami36kr93 7 ай бұрын
Newb questions: 1. Can I add more speakers to expand and could I eventually build them into a Dolby Atmos system later? 2. Any idea where to get them in Germany? I didn’t find any stock online for tangerine yellow speakers plus stands. I am in Berlin as well in case you have a local recommendation.
@kami36kr93 7 ай бұрын
Oh, and Merry Christmas!
@mikefromtennessee5262 7 ай бұрын
“No sub out” comments make me wonder, ‘How many of your viewers are “active” listeners?’ 😂 Great video!
@bassandtrebleclef 8 ай бұрын
I'm a BluOS user and I'm not that impressed by it. It's ok, but if this is best of breed, it's disappointing that no one is pushing design or ease of use any further than this. But I LOVE the yellow. Pro-Ject makes a similar looking bookshelf in a dark/British racing green. Stunning. Good to see speaker companies take some risks.
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
I have a few questions: 1) who has said it is best of breed? 2) what made you unimpressed by it? 3) how could the manufacturers push design or ease of use further? Any examples? And yeah, the yellow is great. I also have the Pro-Ject in yellow. 😉
@sebarosca 8 ай бұрын
Hi John, are you going to review the Cabasse Rialto?
@gordonm6128 8 ай бұрын
Also the Cabasse Pearl Akoya
@tubefreeeasy 8 ай бұрын
I’ve reduced/eliminated resonance by filling my inside of the stands with aquarium gravel. I’ve heard sand, expanding foam, rice and kitty litter works well, too
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
And where would the cables go if we filled the central column that's hollow specifically to route those cables?
@tubefreeeasy 8 ай бұрын
I recently saw that Kanto SX Series stands built a fillable stand and leaves a small portion of the stand for cable management. Tharbamer used expanding foam in a video he made 3 months ago. Mon Speaker in Korea bored divots on the upper stand where you can place ball bearings to offer a form of decoupling. I’ve found round and plastic furniture floor-protection cups that’s allowed me to place a 1/2” ball bearing to decouple the speaker and stand. I ordered those from Home Depot and even Walmart. Maybe, try running black insulation tape along backside of the metal column. I hope this problem can get solved for you.
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
You've said a lot there but the only idea relevant to the PSB stands is the use of insulation tape. To keep the power, HDMI and subwoofer cables tucked out away and out of sight, the tape would need to be wrapped around the sides of the stand's central column and (probably) the front too. The cables might no longer be visible but the electrical most certainly will be.
@tubefreeeasy 8 ай бұрын
I’ve thought about using moon pads found at musical instrument stores for drummers to reduce cymbal crash.
@jmichaelpruitt 8 ай бұрын
I heard you say you don't have the KEF LSXs to do the side by side comparison. But if you were a consumer, do you think you would buy the Alpha IQs over the LSXs based on your admittedly suspect audio memory?
@sajitj1 8 ай бұрын
I have the same question! I second this question
@daveapex493 8 ай бұрын
@Darko - There seems to be a USB on the back of the speaker = 7:02 minute mark - My gripe "Where is the remote control???" - I want my phone to be a phone when I am talking to someone - Having to change apps just to turn down the volume is a pain. This problem alone makes this speaker usable unless hooked up to a pre-amp with a remote. Then I might as well just get an integrated-amp and passive speakers.
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
Your USB confusion is addressed elsewhere in the comments.
@daveapex493 8 ай бұрын
@@DarkoAudio - Found it - But plugging in a thumb drive to the back of a speaker does not make sense. While I already have PSB passive towers, I still play my Klipsch RP-40s for most listening mainly due to the conveniences - active, remote, and USB. Thanks
@WireHedd 8 ай бұрын
You say that there's no USB on the IQ yet right there under the LAN port is a USB port. Is that port not usable? Am I missing something John?
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
That's for playing music files from USB storage devices.
@WireHedd 8 ай бұрын
@@DarkoAudio so would a USB audio feed from a Mac/PC not work there? I'm just curious as I'm debating between these and the Sevens for a new set for my son for his bday and he has a WiiM mini, Apple4k pairing into them...and thanks for answering.
@IceAce1 8 ай бұрын
I was thinking the same. Perhaps the USB only accepts a storage device for BlueOs. Since it is labelled, it will be usable for something.
@barneyrubble9309 8 ай бұрын
If you could add a Bluesound hub (hopefully Bluesound will add further inputs to the current hub) so you can use a turntable and cd if wished and your sorted (this would solve the long rca cable) I assume it has the excellent sub integration of the bluos? At this cost they "should " fly off the shelf
@Surfer_Jay 8 ай бұрын
Bluesound Pulse Wireless Sub
@josephstark4944 8 ай бұрын
For the algo and the BBQ chicken and the chocolate mousse analogies 😂
@Flipper91000 6 күн бұрын
This one is sooo good! Only had to return it because it could not get sound through the hdmi from my TV... But I guess I'm not the first one to struggle with hdmi arc...
@kevin1889 8 ай бұрын
I compared the kef lss 50 2 with Klipsch sevens and sevens don't even come close. KEF lsx is mid range king and highs are not that high and sometimes lacks sibilance.
@stupendousred 8 ай бұрын
Streaming subwoofers now!
@ravington666 3 ай бұрын
Ok...these and the KEF LSX2s comparison......please....🙏
@clarkross9245 3 ай бұрын
These are in my opinion better. The app is better, the connectivity is better, whereas Kef is rather flaky. I also feel in terms of the tonality of these, the bass is much more filling and the lower ends definitely win. However it’s all personal preference so the best way to figure this out is to listen to both yourself!
@benjaminsisko5160 8 ай бұрын
Low volume listening?
@alvidrez7956 7 ай бұрын
Wish Bluesound would get Apple Music native
@remihuber 6 ай бұрын
VS Triangle AIO TWIN ?
@kunsliu 8 ай бұрын
i prefer a transmitter sends converted analogue signals to the speakers for the sonic quality and chocolat covered chicken fillet.
@therealboofighter 8 ай бұрын
Loudest eye lids in the industry.
@c0ckyclown 8 ай бұрын
Canadia!
@kojo_agyei 7 ай бұрын
How do these compare to the KEF LS50 Meta?
@DarkoAudio 7 ай бұрын
The KEF LS50 Meta with which amplifier, DAC and streamer?
@kojo_agyei 7 ай бұрын
@@DarkoAudio Yes, the active KEF LS50 with built in amp and DAC. Really want a general opinion
@DarkoAudio 7 ай бұрын
So, you're talking about the LS50 Wireless II, not the LS50 Meta.
@kojo_agyei 7 ай бұрын
@@DarkoAudio honestly your opinion on both of them will be valuable. I’m a decision gatekeeper at the moment when I discovered your review on this PSB bookshelf speakers
@camhyde9701 8 ай бұрын
the stands resonate at 385 Hz? That's a serious problem!
@WparuSlowach 8 ай бұрын
I still can’t believe why Simple Audio Listen wasn’t successful (Linn people was standing behind). These speakers are superb with any active 300-400 pounds sub. Have them in my second room and they always positively surprise me. Desktop speakers which sound better than many bookshelf speakers.
@davidcook7847 8 ай бұрын
Does it work with Apple Music?
@gabriellundmark 8 ай бұрын
No but you can stream over AirPlay
@ProfessorHamer 8 ай бұрын
Again, I think you should point out that the AppleTV can learn any IR remote control for volume control
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
Again, this was included in the original edit but I cut it out at the last minute. Why? Because it's specific to the Apple TV and HDMI ARC is relevant to (pretty much) ALL TVs.
@laika25 6 ай бұрын
Or dongle dac... (to connect to computer)
@razza83 8 ай бұрын
I do think that brands like Bluesound are missing a trick here by not including Chromecast support across their product line. An important factor for me is how well speakers like this will fit into my existing multi-room home audio setup. If I can't add it into an existing speaker group because Bluesound prefer their own version of a walled garden then it's a no from me.
@paulf.5261 8 ай бұрын
Mmmmm I like BBQ chicken and Mousse🤔 I wonder what those two would taste like together...... I feel an experiment coming on 😬😉
@alfredoguadarramam 8 ай бұрын
So please, when Buchardt 10 aniverssary please????
@rgrtnyjjc 8 ай бұрын
The only thing missing from this video is some PSB being played through the PSBs 😉
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
I only put PSB (the British pop duo) in a video when I want to trigger the audiophile gatekeepers. They love it! 😉
@bongoloid101 7 ай бұрын
Surely you mean public service broadcasting ? The 4 piece making amazing music 😊
@DileepaRanawake 8 ай бұрын
I think WiSa should be included here. Cable vomit is such a deal breaker and doesn’t make sense as the world moves to wireless.
@neilshirley 8 ай бұрын
You only need power cables if all you want is Spotify Connect, Tidal connect or Airplay.
@albeklik8055 8 ай бұрын
I'm glad you're not using the ugly iPhone😂
@ADREISTER 8 ай бұрын
Make them water proof, and these would go out on the patio!
@franciskwok3515 6 ай бұрын
Vs. the SVS Prime Wireless Pro, anyone?
@icyhybrid3174 8 ай бұрын
Hi John. I think you should change the order in which you cover the speaker to sound quality first and technical features last. This because if the speaker sound crap or is not your cup of tea anyway it's a waste of time listening to their technicalities. Keep up the good work! Cheers!
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
I won't be changing the order in which I cover things: sometimes its SQ first, but mostly not. Instead, you should use the chapter markers to watch the video in the order that you want.
@icyhybrid3174 8 ай бұрын
@DarkoAudio Fair enough. I was just referring to the fact, which you are mentioning in the video, that if the speaker doesn't have the SQ right it can crash and burn in months to put it like you did and no matter how smart and handy it is it won't weigh up the all essential SQ. Thus logically the SQ would fit best in front of things.
@D1N02 8 ай бұрын
Andrew Jones is Britain's Answer to Paul Barton more like
@ryandavis2293 6 ай бұрын
You realize you don't have to spend 350 on "matching" speaker stands that function identically as the ones your using right? I run Klipsch The Fives with "universal" stands with the same cable management for a third of the price.
@kardamon8404 8 ай бұрын
There are some comparable active speaker vs. passive speaker + amp from the same manufacturer on the market. I would compare active vs. passive from such manufacturer. PSB/Bluesound is already one of them.
@neptunespirit 8 ай бұрын
EVERSOLO DMP-A8
@moolintooti 8 ай бұрын
The lack of Chromecast is a serious omission, makes the system of limited value.
@macsmith777 6 ай бұрын
To you, perhaps.
@davidrolfe1843 7 ай бұрын
Cable salad, spendy specific stands and funky length interconnects are the dealbreaker for me with stuff like this (probably rhe OCD in me). Which is a shame as they look lovely and appear to sound as good as they look.
@thedownunderverse 8 ай бұрын
Why is HDMI ARC so important? Apple TV via HDMI into your TV, then optical out from TV to speakers… achieves the same thing: namely, Apple TV remote controls volume. What am I missing?
@JeffHeon 7 ай бұрын
Can’t control the volume via an optical output. You can control it only on the device receiving the optical signal.
@TomReinerDE 8 ай бұрын
Night and day? Really? Next time you will tell us something gets blown out of the water… 😂
@DarkoAudio 8 ай бұрын
KA-boom!
@larrycrumley5106 8 ай бұрын
I paused on the Marantz ad
@ccwnyc5671 8 ай бұрын
The Sevens lack a streamer, yes?
@blinkingmanchannel 8 ай бұрын
chicken vs mousse... erruuhh mmm..?
@Evertb1 8 ай бұрын
No Qobuz no buy. I prefer Qobuz over Tidal and I suspect I am not the only one. A product of today should offer at least the choice.
@Redstickler1000 8 ай бұрын
Bluos does support Qobuz plus a wide range of other streaming services.
@lennmb4478 8 ай бұрын
Good to see some measurements here. I hope to see more in the future. This will silence the critics who say that everything else is subjective and thus meaningless.
@thembaallendlamini4777 8 ай бұрын
Love the size of these simple and small design. But hey? No sub no party for me. Klipsch Sevens or Nines for me.
@johnnixon2504 8 ай бұрын
Did someone say BBQ chicken?
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