PSB Imagine XB Bookshelf Speaker bit.ly/3LD574p ---PSB Imagine XB (Crutchfield) shop-links.co/cgXfkhsyNSX ----Klipsch RP500M (Sale) amzn.to/3NEuAwl -----Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt -----Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH -----amzn.to/3GkNaop ------CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K -------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P --------massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 --------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 -----www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman

@andysmith9417

2 жыл бұрын

I'm still rocking a really old set of PSB Alpha 1's with their small 5" sub for my TV. It was the first set of speakers that I realized there was such a thing as sound stage. Got me into hifi.

@billahler7728

2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see you dive into DIY speakers a bit. You’ve listened to some good speakers and would be interesting to see how they compare

"Hit's like a 35 YO welder on dollar beer night"!🤣🤣🤣 I've got a couple pair of older PSB bookshelf speakers and they've been solid for 20ish years. Thanks for the video and review!

@PlaybackMansion

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha!!

@tx9262

2 жыл бұрын

And, that pretty much sums up PSB.

I’ve had my Imagine XBs for two years now and they sound great, especially with a REL Tzero MKlll subwoofer. Why these aren’t more popular is beyond me.

As someone who owns a pair of PSB Image T6 (big tower) speakers and a pair of PSB B4 (small surrounds), I couldn’t agree more with your conclusion - the small PSBs are great speakers! I have them for more than 10 years and I am very happy with them. The B4s are very, very similar (if not the same) to the XBs that you have tested, and they sound amazing 😊 I have bought all four and a center speaker for a Home Theater setup, but I listen mostly music on pure stereo. When I got them, at first, I connected the big ones, listen for a while, was very pleased. Then I put the small ones, the B4s, instead the towers, listen again for a while and thought to myself - “why the hell did I bought the big ones?” 😊 These small speakers are amazing 😊 Of course, the towers are better, no question about it, but PSB small speakers are simply incredible. Especially considering the size, not to mention the price 😊

I've always liked PSB speakers. They have that "easy to listen to" sound.

@xsamitt

2 жыл бұрын

Yes....easy like Sunday morning!!!

Thanks for reviewing PSB speakers. I rarely see reviews of them. Have a pair of PSB Imagine X1T's and I absolutely love them. Very smooth speakers and non-fatiguing. Love your reviews.

PSB were my first audiophile speakers 30 years ago. I loved my Stratus Gold towers. I may have to take a hard look at these... Thanks Randy. 👍

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

You should!

My first PSB speakers were the Image T6 towers. My second set were these Imagine XB bookshelf speakers I purchased for a smaller room about 5 years ago. I ended up switching them around. The Imagine XB sounded so much better to me. I bought the Klipsch RP-600M last year and paired it with the Klipsch R-100SW 10" Subwoofer. I am back and forth between that set up and the Imagine XB regularly. Thank you for the review. I couldn't agree more!

I watched this review about 3 weeks before purchasing a pair of PSB Imagine XB speakers and a center channel PSB Imagine XC . They sound amazing in either stereo ou home theater listening . They are worth every penny invested on them . Thanks for the excellent review Randy !!! Alexandre from Brazil .

Loving your content brotha. One of the few real people out here. Thank you!

These will be my next set of speakers I will buy soon. Thanks for the review, Cheapaudioman. Cheers!

Talked to Paul Barton this week. Total gentleman. Had questions about my PSB speaker placement. He is a very smart designer with a great philosophy. I think you described PSB to a T. Sound first. Why pay for things that don't matter. You really got what a PSB speaker is. They do need some power to come to life...but are balanced at volume. The even dispersion and wide sweet spot. Really hit the nail on the head with this review and yes you need to try their towers.

Another great review of a product affordable to anyone interested in good sound. A nice way to spend Sunday morning sipping good coffee, Lavazza espresso in my case, and watching your video.

Bro! I agree 💯 % I have had these speakers for a few years now as rear surround sound speakers with x2t towers as front. When I moved and had no room for the x2t towers I used the xb instead for front speakers. And I immediately questioned if buying the x2t was worth it.

I've never owned PSB speakers but I've heard a few models and that was going back 20 + years and always thought they sounded excellent

I like the "Final thoughts" segment bumper music. it always makes me feel like I won a complete kitchen set on Wheel of Fortune.

I’ve had both pairs of towers and 1XT towers especially are absolutely amazing. I have much more expensive speakers and PSB speakers still remain some of my favorites and a no brainer at the price.

I had the PSB T6 Towers a few years ago and they were bass monsters…. Miss those speakers !

Nice job! I enjoyed the review and your very detailed description of the sound signature.

Bought a pair of PSB bookshelf speakers and stands around 2001. Paid about 300 bucks for the lot. They are still great.

Total PSB fanboy here ( I am Canadian ! ) agree 100 % - I listen with my ears !!!

Love PSB. Have a pair of Image B15. Looks quite identical to the one your reviewing. Beautiful sound. I'm sold on the PSB sound. Will buy another PSB eyes closed.

Dealer locally here in Seoul had these for about 300 USD (after exchange rate) Needless to say, they only lasted a few weeks. Totally agree that it's a great option!

My Dali Spektor 1's are small also, but man what a punch! Especially on the AIYIMA A300 and a balanced DAC

PSB speakers have been my go-to for years and great for both 2-channel and HT configs. Have or owned 50 MKII, CS 180, Image series 5T to T5, recently snagged a pair of GB1s for a song. When properly setup, they are hard to beat. Dollar for dollar, arguably the most underrated and best values on the used market.

@Hans-ku7vy

Жыл бұрын

how did you set up the 50mkII? was looking to get a second hand one

I have the whole PSB Imagine X series. I like the sound a lot... but agree. They like to be played at louder volumes.

I picked up the Alpha AM3 Compact Powered Speakers for my desk with the coupon. Looking forward to hearing them.

Awesome review yet again. Thank you and keep it up

You are always telling me to have a cup of coffee and I don't drink coffee. However I do like your videos and I appreciate your approach. Some KZread reviewers apparently feel that everybody has wheelbarrows full of money to spend on hi-fi equipment and of course that is not true.

I love PSB’s. My Image T55’s still rock

I own the Imagine T3s and most of what you described is recognisable, but obviously on a much higher level. I also use PSBs headphones, and they're just amazingly life-like, designed to mimick real speakers in a real room

Still rocking my Image T65's from over 10 years ago, now coupled with an almost vintage Technics 610..

Imagine Mini is also a very very good pair of bookshelf speaker from PSB, same tweeter smaller woofer tiny footprint. It is discontinued right now, but you can still get them old stock or used very cheap. They are amazing for desktop setup regardless of price.

@yamafanboy

2 жыл бұрын

desktop you say? I use the imagine mini as my mains for my home theater L&R channels. Those little speakers are mind blowingly fantastic. I can't tell you how often I've made it 20 mins into an action movie before I realized the subwoofer wasn't even on. The PSB imagine mini are the best sounding tiny speaker on this planet. Period!

Nobody helps push the audio addiction like our friend, the one and only, Cheap Audio Man! Thanks for another clear review. All the best - Kevin

@welderfixer

2 жыл бұрын

Also: Randy - How do these compare to Emotiva B1+ or Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers?

I bought the X2Ts specifically for the low frequency response. I didn't want a subwoofer. I have them paired with my Sonos Amp and the sound is incredible. While watching tv, I can hear things around me too. Paul from PS Audio says it has to do with the off axis performance.

I have the biggest brother to those speakers, the imagine X2T. I thoroughly enjoy listening to them! If you think the mids are good on the bookshelf's, you gotta hear the the dedicated midrange on these things. They definitely have more midrange presence. I compared them to my dad's klipsch R-820F's, and mine definitely have a more balanced midrange presence. And the bass is also seriously impressive, albeit not the lowest. I was accident listening with my sub off last week, took me a bit to notice. I do think I could use a better DAC though. I think a good DAC would really open these things up (currently node 2i in to NAD pre/power amps) Great review!

I have a set of PSB Imagine mini's up on the wall on their dedicated wall mounts. Together with a PSB sub hanging off a NAD M10, just amazing every time, a really good small room system. The Imagine mini's have a quite different build quality and look a fair bit more premium. Its a shame they are no longer available.

Really nice see these get a mainstream review always liked there speakers had a pair of psb speakers years ago along with some now out of business energy speakers. Seems like these have been around along time with not too much coverage. I think elac raised the build quality game and these where just a bit before everyone stepped up there game a bit at those prices.

Seems like that is a nice pair of speakers, I'd definitely like to give them a listen

They're selling at Crutchfield now for $349 a pair.

I have the Psb b6 and the bass is unbelievable..

I had the older version of these, the Image B6, and they were too bassy for my small room, so I tried the B4, which was better. But, there was something about that tweeter that just didn't thrill me. It was bright and clear enough with plenty of detail, but it just sounded too dry and cool to me, and seemed to be missing some air and space. Now I have some older Diamonds, the 9.1s, and they are much better, IMO. I've had a LOT of bookshelf speakers in the last 15-20 years, and my favorites have been the Diamonds and MA Bronzes.

See New imagine B50 will be release in coming month.... Can't wait to see next PSB review

Stratus Gold. Imagine T3. Synchrony. Century... Some of the best speakers ever made.

Just what I'm looking for👍🏽👍🏽

I've owned quite a few PSB speakers over the years and they all sound great. The Imagine XB is not a new design. This speaker has been available for about 10 years now at about the same price. PSB does not update their lineup very often. I think this is a testament to the sound of these speakers. Once you've made something that sounds great why change it. The build quality feels like a reflection of when the speakers first came out. 10 years ago their was a lot less competition in the affordable mid priced speaker market and a few compromises in fit and finish didn't really stand out. PSB's alpha line of speakers have recently been redesigned with a more modern fit and finish. The imagine line might be due for a similar redesign, while keeping the sound signature.

Look like tanbang speaker components , that I found on Logitech z5500 but a big bigger. With the aluminum part in the middle and the yellow finish.

Looks like an old Bower's and Wilk's early speaker . Would love to hear Randy's take on the Fyne Audio f301 standmount . Not sure this PSB is around in UK, maybe wrong ...

As an owner of 19, (now 15, sold 4 yesterday), PSB speakers, including 4 XB's, I totally agree with your review, Mr. Cheap. At $480/pr. with 5 yr. warranty makes these speakers hard to pass on. And BTW. their towers sound great also!

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

very cool. I would really like to get a hold of their towers after hearing these

@khoi83

2 жыл бұрын

I had a pair of the psb Imagine X2T. Very good speakers !!

@notoymotor4me64

2 жыл бұрын

@@khoi83 HAD!!! OUCH!!! The X2T's will be my next purchase to replace the X1T's.

@khoi83

2 жыл бұрын

@@notoymotor4me64 they were very good! Nothing wrong about them. I just got the upgrade virus at that time, and my integrated amp that time was not good enough for them. Now i am with an excellent power amp and hybrid preamp/dac, I wish I had the X2T here to test them.

@markpogisobra5089

2 жыл бұрын

Hi sir Randy, if you compare this to Elac 2.0 b6.2? Who's the winner? Its currently sale here @ $265

Thanks for another great video. If ever you encounter a Jamo 507/707 concert series (or 570d/590d but those have down-firing bass), please review those. The *07s have isobarik push-pull bass arrangement and mtm, very exotic, very musical speaker but very hard to drive (4ohm nominal down to 2ohm, 88db/m 150/200W). Currently using a Hegel 2x200w @ 4ohm integrated, and I think I finally found a good match for them.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

Nice. those sound very interesting

You wanna hear these speakers really sing in all their glory …. Run them with a para sound 2125 amp 😯 incredible

If you are looking for these, with build quality to match/exceed the sound. Check out the Imagine B on the used market. They can be found for under $500, and look very nice(especially the gloss models) I have the B and T(in gloss white) models, and agree with the review wholeheartedly. They really shine with more power though. I am running the Imagine Ts with an Anthem MCA225v2 and they rock! Hope to have T3’s someday, however, at that price point they may disappoint.

PSB are what I use and love them. I recently had a PSB Alpha Subsonic subwoofer given to me. it is not powered and is hooked ahead of your front L/R. this thing is amazing. You feel it in the farthest points of the house. Person who gifted it to me said he had 1000w going to it and it survived that party. Do you have any info on this thing? There isn't much on the web

in comparison, which speakers would sound good at low volume?

I heard this 'tower-performance-from-a bookshelf' argument before. Technology has come a long way in speaker design, but even a simple tower is fundamentally a different animal than a bookshelf. True story: I was tired of B&W (who isn't:) and got my first ever Klipsch, second hand rp150m, as placeholders for something better. That was ro be the KEF LS50 meta's. I liked the klipsch rp150's so much better I got rid of the KEF's and bought Klipsch rp6000f's. Now after months of Klipsch rp6000f (with a Yamaha AS1100) listening, I have the rp150m back in rotation. It's very program-dependent, but the rp150, just with an Aiyima A04 is such a breeze of fresh air. Bookshelves have an punchy airiness, while towers have the effortless weight. If you want both in one package there is no escape: it will cost you.

I have a pair and after deciding to remove my covers as well, I noticed one of my kids must have pushed in the tweeter. What would you recommend to fix it?

Interesting. I'm looking to replace my 20+ year old Tannoy Mercury M5's someday but I don't think I want to go down to a bookshelf speaker.

How would these perform as L and R front speakers in a home theater? I would get the matching center as well. Have 20 year old PSB Alpha A/Vs.

How do these compare to the Monitor Audio Bronze 100 or Polk Reserve? I am looking at them for home theater and have a subwoofer. Looking for a bookshelf LCR and these at 20% off seem like a great deal.

I know I’m a sound nerd. 😁 guessing if your here you are to. I have a list of songs (places in certain songs) that I use to evaluate speakers. 1:Phish papyrus, beginning 2: magadeth almost honest, when the band kicks in. Bass-test, 3:eagles hotel California, beginning, when hell freezes over. 4: Dr Dre, little ghetto boy, chronic. 5: Avenged Sevenfold, sidewinder. - got a bunch more be these but this is what I start with to balance. Get these right and everything else should be good. Will really point out your flaws to. Wav files not mp3s or stream.

i have a question, if your buying bookshelf speakers mainly for watching movies, what would you recomend? would you say the psb xb is better than the dali oberon 3? dialouge clarity and dynamic range ( soft to lound sounds, heard with clarity ) is a priority, or would you say rather save up and go for something like the wharfedale evo 4.2?

IMHO I think speakers that were designed for near perfect measurements is nice and pristine like a blank canvas. Ones that are designed by ear are art so the canvas has paint on it:)

If you are wondering how the floorstnaders sound, I've a pair of PSB X2T and they can shake my house at 10 o clock. They sound BIG!!

Those speakers turn me on the bookshelf speakers now I'll never buy floor standing speakers again!!!! They're great would never have any problem setting up anybody system with those speakers😀

These sound even better with NAD M17v2i + M28 separates.

Canadian speaker companies had lots of money given to them for research and development; funded by the Canadian government, and in general Canada speakers are well regarded. I remember hearing PSB's top of the line floorstander, the Status Gold years ago. Only heard it on classical. It sounded impressive. Make sure you hear a speaker with the type of music you listen to. Years ago I remember reading where PSB came out with a line of speakers with some kind of advanced cabinet technology. Lost track of what happened there. Are they still employing that technology? A lot of people confuse these audio companies whose names are initials: PSB, PS Audio, SB Acoustics, Pinnacle. There was also a company called PSE, and another speaker company whose initials I cannot think of, which I remember is only one letter removed from PSB.

@richardwestmoreland4796

2 жыл бұрын

I suggest you google the PSB designer Paul Barton to get a clearer picture of the major design philosophy he is known for.

@lotuslandmusic7770

2 ай бұрын

No; there’s no government money being given out. What is the case is that the government “National Research Council” has acoustic laboratories that are available for companies to use for testing.

That war pigs cover by faith no more plays at significant volume boost than the rest of the album. Never noticed it until I played the album through my current hifi.

Is this better than q acoustic 3020i? And on Elac 2.0 B6.2? Tia

are these psb better than the emotiva b1+? what are your thoughts...

I'd love to hear your opinion on the PSB X2T's.

Great Review! I've wondered about PSB, never heard any. If possible, a brief comparison to Polk Reserve R-100 and R-200 you recently reviewed? Thanks.

@DougMen1

2 жыл бұрын

No comparison. The Polks will trounce all over them.

Damn ... Faith No More ... gonna have to revisit.

this vs the polk 200 for topping e50 + topping pa5 stack?

How would you compare these to the Dali Oberon 1?

Sounds like my kind of speaker!

My friend has a plastic Aiwa mini line with 16cm midbass in BR box, that small midbass plays bass almost like an 15", it's unreal, it's unbelievable till you hear it, it's baffling how something like that is possible, and what is more unreal that midbass has a shallower textile surround, X-max is tiny, it's not possible it's a paradox lol

whats the difference to PSB imagine B2? only the case design?!

I had the PSB Imagine Minis and they were fantastic, not just for their size but fantastic overall. Still regret selling them.

@padmeshsethuraman5617

2 жыл бұрын

Is XB the newer version of mini?

@thebingaling1105

2 жыл бұрын

@@padmeshsethuraman5617 don’t think so no, just different spec model.

Will you have chance to review New imagine?

I got a thing for PSB and Paradigm speakers. They're not bargains, but the sound quality is there. Any chance we'll see Fluance in the future? Their "reference high performance three way tower" is nearly the same price as the PSB's! Has anyone even reviewed the Signature Fluance towers yet? Both of these look like incredible hi-fi bargains.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

I did a review on those a while back. They're beastly with their bass kzread.info/dash/bejne/ia2Xl9iukqm2YdI.html

Years ago I had a pair of PSB towers (T5)? with twin five inch drivers. Impressive speakers then beautifully made and sounded very good. Used to be on Stereophiles recommended list for years. The cabinet had real wood veneer and it was beautifully shipped, the sides sloping and being rounded toward the back. Came in black and a reddish brown. Looks like the inevitable cheapening has happened in order to compete in a crowded speaker market, and I would guess the older models may have been made in Canada vs China. That said, it looks like they have their priorities right and retained the excellent sound. It appears the higher quality veneered cabinets now come with the upscale Synchrony line. I traded my old PSBs to to my chiropractor in exchange for several painful visits.

Hey Randy... I happen to stumble into the British Audiophile channel where in he was reviewing the Dali Menuet SE. While discussing them he brought up, one of if not his most favored, desktop speakers none other than the PSB Imagine Mini. Which amazingly looks like the Imagine XB. Though his appear to have a higher grade of construction materials and a higher, I would imagine, crossover as well as certainly higher grade binding posts. Just saying...

@padmeshsethuraman5617

2 жыл бұрын

I am curious how XB compares to mini

@RedSinter

2 жыл бұрын

@@padmeshsethuraman5617 well I wouldn't know though I can hazard a guess. 1st, Cabinet Construction plus higher grade wrap or real wood finish. I'd imagine the XB cabient to be sufficent, but might need No-Rez added inturnally for better resonance control. 2, likely higher grade crossover parts. And likely 3 to 6 tikes the cost. The British Audiophile might answer you with spefics, ut he may just qoute a price or refer you to his long ago post on that speaker assuming he made a case for it when he started his channel.

please cheapaudioman im from argentina everything is not cheap here, I can get this one liked new for the same price of a brand new wharfadele 12.1, what do you choose??? Thanks MAN!

Not a bad Takei!

How do these compare to the PSB Alpha P5? I know you've done a review already but can you recall any major differences? They are similarly priced so I'm curious what sets these Imagines apart from the Alpha series.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

I sold the p5’s shortly after I got them. These play much bigger than the p5’s from memory

Let make a review about their brother: AM5. I think that tiny active speaker that look like a tiny monster like Q Acoustic m20 at 600$

Any butter? ...

I'll keep my towers, thanks:)

PSB has been making excellent speakers for the money since as long as I can remember. Still think the PSB century series is just one of the most balanced speakers I have ever heard.

@tritiumglo4699

2 жыл бұрын

800.

@revivehificanada

2 жыл бұрын

@@tritiumglo4699 I had the 300 and now looking for another pair of 500

Randy seems to be trying to come to terms with what he just saw from this relatively unknownbrand.Must be thinking "Let me give it some more time to believe unbelievable...perhaps".

It probably doesn't make that much difference but it bugs me a little bit seeing a pair of speakers it's $600 with a cardboard tube

@jC-kc4si

6 ай бұрын

Toilet paper roll

are they available in EU/UK?

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure. they're a Canadian company. I'd guess that they are.

The smoke was from adels rotisserie chicken

@kevinbehnke7149

9 ай бұрын

😂

Did the sound fall to pieces when you put them 1 each from the wall? 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

I must be a total outlier. I have worked with loudspeakers since 195? And never once, in all those years, did I ever tap, punch, poke, etc. one single exposed woofer. ;) Never figured they were designed or intended for it. I need an audiophile intervention.

@jimshaw899

2 жыл бұрын

@Douglas Blake One man's poison is another man's feast. Why destroy them "so that nobody got a set of free... speakers..."? Could this tell me something about you that I don't want to know? Years ago, I was sitting with several other motorcyclists in a roadside diner. One guy, having eaten all he wanted, poured ketchup all over his plate of leftovers. Somebody asked him what he was doing. "I ain't lettin' 'em re-serve this to nobody else." The group went silent. :)

599? Love to watch your reviews but as for the speakers the cost is too much.

Are you going to review the Buchart s400 mk 2s? I keep hearing incredible things about them. I would really like to hear your thoughts.

@steventsimtsos4029

2 жыл бұрын

Remember, Randy is the Cheap Audio Man !!!! Bucharts $$$$ Cha Ching !!!!!

@stephenstevens6573

2 жыл бұрын

@@steventsimtsos4029 I do...but, he has been doing some higher value items, of late!

Looks like something you would find at a landfill

@annegrey-blackman5934

2 жыл бұрын

The styling is horribly dated.

Sounds like it's time for a shootout!🍻

Pls review Mission lx2 mk2.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

I would love to. trying to find a us distributor for them

@08jamu

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman thats like a cheap audio man!!Kudos...