PSB iQ1 BluOS Powered Speakers

PSB iQ1 BluOS Streaming Powered Speakers at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY

The PSB iQ1 is a pair of bi-amplified streaming powered speakers with BluOS built in, delivering dedicated left and right channel stereo sound with no separate amplifier, DAC, or streaming device required. Available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York, the iQ1 incorporates a ¾" aluminum dome tweeter with ferrofluid and neodymium magnet, a 4" cone woofer with rubber surround, and separate 45-watt tweeter and 90-watt woofer amplifier channels per speaker — 270 watts total system power across the dual power supply configuration. Inputs include phono MM for direct turntable connection, HDMI eARC for TV audio, optical digital, and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive for wireless streaming. BluOS provides access to over 20 music streaming services, local library playback, and multi-room audio expansion through the BluOS Controller app. Left and right speakers connect via a single included speaker cable. The iQ1 is available in Black Vinyl and White Vinyl finishes and is part of Vinyl Sound Buffalo's full speaker collection, which includes powered, bookshelf, and floorstanding speakers from leading audiophile brands.

BluOS Streaming, Connectivity, and Inputs

The PSB iQ1 is built on the BluOS platform — the same high-resolution audio streaming ecosystem used in NAD Electronics and Bluesound products — providing access to Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, and over 20 additional streaming services through the BluOS Controller app for iOS and Android. BluOS also enables multi-room audio grouping with other BluOS-compatible devices throughout the home. The HDMI eARC input connects directly to a television with an eARC-equipped HDMI port, providing high-quality TV audio through the iQ1 without the need for a soundbar or AV receiver. The phono MM input accepts a direct turntable connection without a separate phono preamplifier. Bluetooth aptX Adaptive provides higher audio quality and lower latency than standard aptX or SBC Bluetooth, and optical digital input covers CD players and additional source devices.

Driver Configuration and Amplification

Each PSB iQ1 speaker is bi-amplified with a dedicated 45-watt amplifier channel driving the ¾" tweeter and a separate 90-watt amplifier channel driving the 4" woofer, totalling 270 watts across the complete stereo pair. This bi-amplified architecture eliminates the passive crossover losses associated with single-amplifier designs and allows the DSP to apply independent level and frequency management to each driver. The MDF cabinet with aluminum rear baffle provides rigid enclosure construction, and the bass reflex design extends low-frequency output to 35Hz at −10dB from the compact 5.7" × 9.7" × 7.6" cabinet. The left and right speakers connect via a single proprietary speaker cable included in the box.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BluOS and what does it do in the PSB iQ1?

BluOS is a high-resolution audio streaming platform developed by the Lenbrook Group, the parent company of PSB, NAD Electronics, and Bluesound. In the iQ1, BluOS provides access to over 20 music streaming services including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and Amazon Music, plays locally stored music libraries, and enables multi-room audio grouping with other BluOS-compatible speakers and components throughout the home. The BluOS Controller app for iOS and Android controls all BluOS devices from a single interface.

What is the difference between the PSB iQ1 and the Alpha AM5?

The PSB iQ1 and Alpha AM5 are both powered speaker systems but target different use cases and price points. The iQ1 includes BluOS high-resolution streaming, HDMI eARC for TV connection, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, bi-amplification (270W total), and multi-room audio capability — making it a complete streaming audio system. The Alpha AM5 uses standard aptX Bluetooth, optical, and USB inputs with a simpler 50W × 2 amplifier and no BluOS or HDMI eARC. The iQ1 is the preferred choice for listeners who want integrated streaming, TV audio, and potential multi-room expansion, while the AM5 suits simpler desktop and bookshelf setups.

Can I connect a turntable to the PSB iQ1?

Yes. The iQ1 includes a phono MM input for direct connection from a turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge, without requiring a separate phono preamplifier. Turntables with a built-in phono preamp can connect via a line-level input. The iQ1's phono input, BluOS streaming, and HDMI eARC allow switching between vinyl, streaming, and TV audio from within the BluOS Controller app.

Can the PSB iQ1 connect to a TV?

Yes. The iQ1 includes an HDMI eARC input for direct connection to a television with an eARC-equipped HDMI port. This provides higher-quality TV audio than optical connections and supports formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough where the TV outputs them. For TVs without HDMI eARC, the optical digital input provides an alternative connection for standard stereo TV audio.

Can I expand the PSB iQ1 into a multi-room system?

Yes. The iQ1's BluOS platform supports multi-room audio grouping with other BluOS-compatible devices, including Bluesound speakers, NAD Electronics components, and other PSB iQ Series products. Multiple BluOS zones can be synchronized or played independently through the BluOS Controller app, allowing music to follow you through different rooms or play different content in each space simultaneously.

What Bluetooth codec does the PSB iQ1 support?

The iQ1 supports Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, which provides higher audio quality and lower latency than standard aptX, aptX HD, or SBC codecs. aptX Adaptive adjusts bitrate dynamically for consistent performance across varying wireless conditions and is compatible with Android devices supporting aptX Adaptive. iOS devices connect via standard AAC Bluetooth, which the iQ1 also supports.

Where to buy PSB iQ1 powered speakers in Buffalo NY?

The PSB iQ1 is available from Vinyl Sound, an authorized PSB Speakers dealer in Buffalo, New York. Vinyl Sound offers in-store demonstration, system setup advice, and shipping across the continental United States. Contact Vinyl Sound Buffalo by phone or email to purchase or arrange a listening appointment.