PSB has introduced the new iQ Series, a pair of powered streaming speaker systems designed to simplify home audio without sacrificing the benefits of true stereo sound.

Instead of buying a separate amplifier, music streamer, DAC, phono preamp, and even a soundbar for your TV, the new PSB iQ1 and iQ2 combine all of those functions into one compact speaker system. The result is a setup with fewer boxes, fewer cables, and much less guesswork.

That puts the iQ Series in a growing category of all-in-one stereo systems that aim to deliver the convenience of wireless speakers while preserving the left-and-right imaging that dedicated stereo speakers are known for.

At first glance, the iQ1 and iQ2 look like traditional bookshelf speakers, but there's considerably more happening inside each cabinet.

Rather than requiring a stack of separate equipment, both systems include:

• A built-in stereo amplifier
• A BluOS music streamer
• An integrated DAC (digital-to-analog converter)
• An MM phono preamp for turntables
• HDMI eARC for TV audio, making them an alternative to a soundbar

Because everything is built into the speakers, users simply connect a source, or in many cases just connect to Wi-Fi, and start listening.

Both models run on the BluOS multi-room streaming platform, the same ecosystem found in products from Bluesound and NAD. That means the speakers can stream music from popular services, access personal music libraries, and join a larger whole-home audio system.

The speakers support high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz and work with Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive. That gives listeners several ways to stream music without being tied to a single app or platform.

Although wireless streaming is a major focus, PSB hasn't ignored physical connections.

Both the iQ1 and iQ2 include:

• HDMI eARC
• MM phono input
• Optical digital input
• USB-C audio input
• USB-A
• Subwoofer output with DSP-based bass management

The HDMI eARC connection makes the speakers particularly flexible. Instead of using a dedicated soundbar, you can connect the speakers directly to a compatible television while keeping a proper stereo speaker layout. Vinyl fans also won't need an external phono preamp, since one is already built into the system.

The biggest difference comes down to how the speakers communicate with each other. The iQ1 uses a wired connection between the primary and secondary speaker. While that requires one cable between the pair, it also helps keep the price lower and makes sense for setups where both speakers sit on the same TV console or bookshelf.

The iQ2 removes that speaker cable by wirelessly connecting the left and right channels. Each speaker still requires AC power, but placement becomes much more flexible, particularly in larger living rooms.

PSB also offers more finish choices with the iQ2. Buyers can choose from Black, White, Granite Grey, Sandstone Beige, Ember Red, Boreal Green, or Walnut Veneer with copper accents. The iQ1 is available in Black Vinyl and White Vinyl finishes.

Both speakers use a 4-inch mid-bass driver paired with a 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter. PSB rates total system power at 270 watts per pair, allocating 90 watts to each woofer and 45 watts to each tweeter. The speakers feature a bass reflex design with a rated frequency response of 64Hz to 20kHz and a low-frequency cutoff of 35Hz.

While these compact speakers won't replace a dedicated subwoofer in larger rooms, the built-in subwoofer output makes it easy to add one later.

The PSB iQ1 starts at $999 in the U.S., while the wireless iQ2 starts at $1,399. A Walnut Veneer version of the iQ2 is priced at $1,499.

For buyers comparing powered speakers, soundbars, and traditional stereo systems, the iQ Series offers another option that reduces the amount of equipment needed without eliminating the flexibility of a stereo setup. The iQ1 focuses on value by using a wired speaker connection, while the iQ2 trades a higher price for cleaner installation and additional finish options.