As a home theater consultants we are well acquainted with PSB speakers . In one of our demonstration rooms, we have a" Stratus Series" home theater system, that we believe competes with the best speaker systems available.

As independent consultants we are not bound by brand loyalties. Retailers are limited to recommending the products they carry. We are simply searching for the best performing products in their price range regardless of brand name. It is with this principal in mind that speakers from the PSB line are often our recommended choice.

The new PSB Image series of speakers has raised the bar in the performance vs. cost ratio to a new level. The Image series are based on a modular design, utilizing four basic modules (1" tweeter, 5 ¼ or 6 1/2" mid range/woofer). There are ten models in the series, ranging from book shelf models (1B, 2B and 3LR) to floor standing models (4T, 5T, 6T ) and the flagship 7PT which utilizes a built in powered sub woofer.


Sonically the Image series reflect similar qualities: dynamic, open and detailed sound with a good tonal balance. Reviews of the Image series have been universally positive and for good reason. Their performance when compared to speakers several times their price, is impressive. (See PSB web site: www.psbspeakers.com for review summaries). These qualities make them a particularly good choice for home theater.

The center channel is the most critical speaker in the home theater setup, as upwards of 80% of the recorded soundtrack will be routed through this speaker. Dialogue must not only be clear and crisp, but be able to play loud and deep. We will expand on the importance of the center channel speaker in the next article,"Building a Home Theater in Stages". For now, we will turn our attention to the 9C and 8C center channel models in the Image series. Our personal preference is the 9C as it provides the anchor for a superb home theater setup. The 9C provides all of the requirements for a center channel with outstanding power handling capabilities and great frequency response. It is dynamic, and can convey all the excitement of action filled soundtracks and the subleties of a whispered conversation. If space or room size is a consideration, the 8C will fulfill the objectives of the center channel admirably, but with marginally less power handling capabilities and frequency response.

The Image Series provides several choices for left and right channels,but a word of advice. If you are trying to cut costs by utilizing a bookshelf speaker as opposed to a full range floor standing model,consider this: bookshelf speakers require stands and they are not inexpensive. It is better to apply that money to a full range floor standing model, giving you better dynamics and bass performance. If a sub woofer(the Sub Sonic 6 in Image Series) is impractical or too expensive you can turn the LFE channel on your receiver or processor off, and the low frequency information will be re-routed to the other speakers. You will be pleasantly surprised at the result. If a sub is never going to be on the list for the future, the 9C and a minimum of the 4T's are the best option for the front three channels.(Obviously the higher you range5T,6T 7PT you will increase the low frequency output of your system operating without a sub).

Rear channels can be handled by the 10S, 1B or 2B from the Image series. The 10S is my personal choice as it provides a wonderful balance between direct radiating speakers and bipolar diffusion of sound. They operate most effectively on the side walls, slightly behind the listener and about 5 feet off the floor. The 10S 's are a lot more expensive than the 1B or 2B's howevr the latter will work fine as a rear, direct radiating sound source. The only caveat I would apply to the use of the 1B's or 2B's is their placement; too close to the listener and rear channel effect can be overpowering. If you choose the 1B or 2B's be prepared to experiment with speaker placement if possible.

The speakers in the Image series have a relatively high sensitivity rating (91db to 93db). This means that they can be powered with moderate power supplies. A good quality receiver would be appropriate although separates will provide a higher level of performance. My experience indicates that the majority of DVD sound tracks can be handled by a good quality receiver.

In the past people generally equated great home theater performance with big budgets. The PSB Image series has changed this. Superb design and cost effective production have resulted in outstanding performance at an affordable price that was unheard of just a few years ago. If you have been tempted to explore the realm of home theater but have been discouraged by its potential cost, fear no longer.





Roscommon Consulting

roscommon@shaw.ca

17May 2002

Jim Gaffney