PSB Alpha B1 vs. SVS SBS 01

[Tulsajj]

Hello, I'm considering these two bookshelf speakers. This is for my livingroom 17' X 30', which we will be sitting most of the time 12' away from the bookshelves/ TV. These will be used 50/50 - Music/ HT.

From the sensitivity from each speaker, am I correct to assume that the PSB may take less power to get decent sound, but will not be able to play as loud and clear as the SVS at high volumes?

Which one do you think would be the best option for me?
Much difference in sound?

Thanks!

 

[jostenmeat]

I don't know, and I wonder if anyone here has heard both. What I will offer as my opinion is that for quite a while now have I always recommended the Image line over the Alpha line for a modest increase of budget. I bet when these lines were new, years ago, that the price difference was more dramatic, but now you can get Image bookshelves for $260.

There is, IMO, a very large and easily discernable difference between Alpha and Image. If you look at PSB's site regarding B1 and B15, you will notice that the sensitivity and impedance specs are all identical.

Well worth the extra $60. Remember, these are your speakers, not speaker wire. IOW, this is the place you should be splurging.

Big room, btw.

 

[Tulsajj]

So which pair of speakers would be the best value? Has anyone heard the PSB Image, Alpha as well as the SVS SB 01's?

 

[rnatalli]

So which pair of speakers would be the best value? Has anyone heard the PSB Image, Alpha as well as the SVS SB 01's?

Forget the Alpha's. I agree with Jostenmeat and would go with the PSB Image myself for a few bucks more as it's well worth it. Check out Saturday Audio for good deals. Both the Image series and SVS can crank to stupid levels. The SVS are nice speakers, but I find they aren't as detailed and refined as the PSB's. I also find them a bit too warm, but that might be something you prefer. Have you heard speakers that you liked? If so, what were they?

 

[thisonekidmongo]

Here's an old AVS Forum speaker shootout thread that you may find useful: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=821009

It features the step-up versions of what you're considering (PSB Image over Alpha and SVS SCS-01 over SBS-01) but it might at least give you a general idea. If I were you though, I'd definitely go with the Image/SCS over the Alpha/SBS. From what I've read, the SBS and Alpha series are great performers for the money, but still "budget" speakers; the Image and SCS are in a different class for not much more coin. Sometimes spending a little more is the way to get better value for your dollar.

Of the group, I've only heard the PSB Image B25s (and matching center) that I recommended my brother pick up from Saturday Audio, and he (and I) have had no complaints. The finish isn't exactly my cup of tea, but they're great speakers. I'm sure the SCS-01s are comparable, but I really think you can't go wrong with the PSBs.

 

[fast1]

hmm yea thats a good thread, should be able to point you in the right direction

 

[ack_bak]

I agree with the others that you should probably step up to the SVS SCS speaker and PSB-25's. For what it is worth I demoed the PSB-25's and ended up purchasing the SCS speakers which I use now. Honestly, it is a close call between the two. I ended up getting the SVS speakers cheaper (left, right, center) than what I could get the PSB-25's for (left, right, center). I ultimately would have preferred the NHT Classic 3's to both the SCS and PSB-25 speakers, but they were well beyond my budget But the Classic 2's could be within reach.

 

[Tulsajj]

Thanks for everyones help.. I had decided to go w/ the PSB Image B15's till I spoke w/ dealer that had some demo PSB T55's in good shape for $200 more. I wasn't planning on going w/ towers, but for this price (1/2 cost of new) don't think I should pass it up. Do you think it is worth $200 for the T55's?

 

[ack_bak]

Thanks for everyones help.. I had decided to go w/ the PSB Image B15's till I spoke w/ dealer that had some demo PSB T55's in good shape for $200 more. I wasn't planning on going w/ towers, but for this price (1/2 cost of new) don't think I should pass it up. Do you think it is worth $200 for the T55's?

I do since you listen to a lot of music. And you have a big room, so a bigger more efficient speaker makes sense.

I would definitely recommend listening and comparing before you buy if you can.

 

[thisonekidmongo]

I agree with ack_bak for the reasons stated, but also because I am fully in favor in getting swept up in the excitement and buying something more expensive than intended that you'll be really satisfied with. $200 for the upgrade seems like a steal.

Do you have a sub, though? If you don't, then you should definitely go for the towers.

 

[Tulsajj]

I'm intending on having a sub, right now I'm just borrowing my dads extra one.. If I have a sub + these towers do I still set my speakers to small on the receiver settings?

 

[thisonekidmongo]

Yup, set them to small.