Playback
Contents
Since this is a complete system, we didn’t need any other devices. Of course, we did connect a streamer – Volumio Motivo – to it via a digital and analog input to see how that works in practice. We also streamed via bluetooth.
So the PSB AM3 allows you to connect an analog source. Even a record player (MM) is possible. Also, a digital, usb or optical, connection is thus possible. In many cases, the user will connect the TV to the optical input. An HDMI input would be nice nowadays, but that also drives up the cost.
If you feel that you could add a bit more bass to the playback, you can add a subwoofer via the Sub-out. We did not.
Generous and friendly
Quite frankly, a subwoofer is not immediately necessary with these speakers. At least: not if we look at the target audience. We estimate that the bulk of users are either not looking for a “high-end” system, or will use this system as “high-end” desktop speakers. After all, given its compact size, that’s pretty interesting!
The reproduction is remarkably generous, round and open. Both via bluetooth (in which case we play Tidal or Qobuz via bluetooth to the PSB speakers) and via the analog input, to which we thus connected the Volumio Motivo.
Optical went less well; we got some artifacts with some music. 24 bit 96 KHz is not supported anyway. 24 bit 48 KHz is. CD quality and 24 bit, 48 KHz both gave some ringing effects. This is probably exemplary.
USB did go well, but we used it less because it was less convenient for us. We purely tested to see if it worked.
Admittedly, we hear that the Motivo does sound a bit nicer than bluetooth, but that’s also not very surprising, given the compression that bluetooth uses. However, it also shows that PSB has developed a system that can make these kinds of differences heard.
The nice thing about this system is that we can use it as a system on the desk; near field – and as a medium field where we just sit in the chair and the speakers are two meters away. That too goes just fine. So, as previously reported, a spot next to the TV would be perfect!
Delicious!
And that’s where the PSB AM3 will feel perfectly at home, too. Indeed, this compact monitor is excellent at improving the intelligibility or richness of TV broadcasts. Vocal work is really excellent. The PSB achieves a fine balance between detail, fluidity, intelligibility and layering. Also, the scale – size of the stereo image – is very pleasant: it projects nicely steady and is big and airy beyond expectation.
When we put on some radio and listen to the news, we hear it immediately. Also when we let our test tracks go by we hear this well: the midrange is very pleasant: mild, calm, controlled. And even with more complex music such as Hania Rani or some rock, it goes just fine: the PSB does not slip and just knows how to stand his/her ground!