PSB Imagine B50 black (pack of 2)
Overview
The compact PSB Imagine B50 are bookshelf speakers developed from fifty years of psychoacoustic research conducted by Paul Barton in the anechoic chambers of the National Research Council of Canada. They are designed to deliver extended sonic performance despite their small size.
An acoustic configuration that breaks the rules
The first thing that stands out when you discover the Imagine B50 is the unusual layout of the drivers: the 133 mm woven carbon-fiber woofer sits above the 25 mm titanium dome tweeter. This inverted configuration is not a mere aesthetic whim, but the result of in-depth thought about the propagation of sound waves. By placing the mid-bass above the high-frequency driver, Paul Barton directs the combined phase lobe upward, creating an optimal listening area at ear height for a seated listener with 60 cm stands. This approach guarantees remarkable sonic coherence, whether you are seated in your listening chair or standing in the room.
The woofer’s woven carbon-fiber cone offers exemplary rigidity while keeping mass low, allowing fast, precise transitions in the mid-bass range. This technology, taken directly from the flagship Synchrony series, gives the B50 an especially striking ability to reproduce micro-details. The tweeter, equipped with a high-performance neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling, extends its response up to 23 kHz while maintaining controlled dispersion thanks to its carefully contoured waveguide.
The rear bass-reflex port, configured as a slot rather than a traditional circular tube, minimizes air turbulence while allowing bass extension down to 36 Hz at -10 dB – performance that defies expectations for an internal volume of only 7.7 liters.
A sophisticated crossover in the service of sonic coherence
The 4th-order Linkwitz–Riley crossover network at 2200 Hz represents the culmination of decades of research into auditory perception. This complex topology, rarely used in this price range, ensures an imperceptible transition between the two drivers with a steep 24 dB-per-octave roll-off. The carefully selected components and meticulous circuit layout keep static and dynamic distortion well below audible thresholds, even at high sound levels.
This rigorous technical approach results in an exemplary linear frequency response: 45 Hz–23 kHz at ±3 dB on-axis, with variation restricted to ±1.5 dB between 60 Hz and 20 kHz. Even more remarkable, the off-axis response at 30° maintains this same tight tolerance between 60 Hz and 10 kHz, ensuring a stable, coherent soundstage across a wide listening area.
Construction: balancing performance and affordability
The high-density MDF cabinet incorporates strategically placed internal bracing to eliminate unwanted resonances. Thick walls and the internal damping system create an acoustically inert platform for the drivers. The dual gold-plated binding posts, linked by removable jumpers of equally high quality, allow for bi-wiring or bi-amping in more ambitious setups.
Performance that transcends physical limits
Independent measurements confirm the B50’s exceptional capabilities for their class. The sensitivity of 85 dB in an anechoic chamber (87 dB in real-world conditions) reflects a respectable efficiency despite the compact volume. The nominal impedance of 8 ohms with a 4-ohm minimum makes them compatible with most amplifiers, although a high-quality power stage will fully reveal their dynamic potential.
The recommended power handling of 20 to 150 watts offers a wide operating range, from low-power tube amps to more muscular solid-state electronics. The 150-watt program power rating guarantees uncompressed reproduction of the most demanding orchestral passages.
Technical specifications
Audio performance
- Frequency response
- On-axis at 0° ±3 dB: 45 Hz – 23000 Hz
- On-axis at 0° ±1.5 dB: 60 Hz – 20000 Hz
- Off-axis at 30° ±1.5 dB: 60 Hz – 10000 Hz
- Low-frequency cut-off (-10 dB): 36 Hz
- Sensitivity
- Anechoic chamber: 85 dB
- Listening room: 87 dB
- Impedance
- Nominal: 8 ohms
- Minimum: 4 ohms
- Power handling
- Recommended: 20 – 150 W
- Program: 150 W
Acoustic design
- Tweeter: 25 mm titanium dome with ferrofluid, neodymium magnet
- Woofer: 133 mm woven carbon fiber cone with rubber surround
- Crossover: 2200 Hz, LR4 filter
- Design type: 2-way, bass reflex, rear slot port
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 171 × 300 × 251 mm
- Net weight: 5.13 kg per speaker
- Shipping weight: 11.9 kg per pair
Finishes and connectivity
- Dual 5-way gold-plated binding posts
- Bi-wiring / bi-amping possible
- Gold-plated jumpers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal distance between the B50 speakers for optimal stereo listening?
The B50s work best with 2 to 2.5 meters between the speakers, forming an equilateral triangle with the listening position. Their excellent horizontal dispersion nonetheless allows some flexibility in placement, adapting to your room’s constraints while preserving a precise, stable stereo image.
Do the B50s absolutely require a subwoofer for satisfying listening?
Unlike most bookshelf speakers of this size, the B50s deliver surprisingly deep, articulate bass down to 45 Hz. In rooms up to 18 m², they can operate on their own for the majority of music genres. Adding a subwoofer is still relevant for home theater or for electronic music lovers seeking the very lowest octaves.
How does ferrofluid improve the tweeter’s performance?
Ferrofluid fills the magnetic gap around the voice coil, providing three key functions: improved heat dissipation for better power handling, damping of unwanted resonances for a more linear response, and optimal centering of the coil in the gap to reduce distortion.
What is the main difference between the B50 and the T54/T65 tower models in the Imagine series?
Beyond the naturally superior bass extension of the floorstanders, the B50s share the same tweeter and the same design philosophy as their bigger sisters. The towers integrate dedicated midrange drivers in a three-way configuration, offering increased dynamics and higher SPL capability for larger rooms.
How have Synchrony series technologies been adapted for the B50?
The B50s inherit the neodymium-magnet tweeter design, the Linkwitz–Riley crossover topology, and the acoustic design principles of the flagship series. Value engineering makes it possible to adapt these technologies with materials optimized for price-to-performance, without compromising the core performance.
Do the dual binding posts really justify bi-wiring on speakers at this price?
Although bi-wiring remains uncommon at this price level, PSB provides the option for audiophiles who wish to experiment. The benefits remain subtle with standard electronics, but active bi-amping can yield increased transparency and superior control of the mid-bass.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.