Updated
Updated · Engadget · Aug 7
Engadget Praises $1,399 PSB iQ2 Speakers as BluOS App Lifts Smart Hi-Fi Pitch
Updated
Updated · Engadget · Aug 7

Engadget Praises $1,399 PSB iQ2 Speakers as BluOS App Lifts Smart Hi-Fi Pitch

3 articles · Updated · Engadget · Aug 7

Summary

  • $1,399 PSB iQ2 speakers earned a positive Engadget review for pairing premium stereo sound with streaming and multi-room convenience, positioning them as a smart hi-fi alternative rather than a voice-assistant device.
  • BluOS was central to that verdict: setup took under two minutes, source switching and grouping were intuitive, and the app tied together HDMI eARC, phono/line, optical, USB, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive and AirPlay.
  • Sound quality stood out against a Sonos Arc, with a more relaxed presentation for TV and music, controlled bass and clearer stereo separation, though the compact speakers are not built for party-level volume.
  • Phono playback was the main weak spot, sounding narrower than digital sources; PSB said during the review it would change the phono preamp after early feedback.
  • Competition is cheaper in many cases, but Engadget said few rivals match the iQ2's input range, leaving budget as the main hurdle for buyers weighing convenience against hi-fi flexibility.

Insights

Can PSB's $1,399 iQ2 speakers truly replace bulky hi-fi setups without sacrificing the authentic vinyl experience?
Why are audio purists suddenly trading traditional receivers for compact, app-controlled wireless systems like the iQ2?
Does integrating fast-aging streaming technology into premium speakers secretly doom them to a shorter lifespan?