PS Audio Aspen FR5 Speaker

The new PS Audio Aspen FR5 speaker is a stand-mounted speaker with a compact design, that should fit in smaller and medium rooms.

Although modest in size, the new PS Audio Aspen FR5 is said by the manufacturer to offer the same musical realism as the larger models in the Aspen series. The compact design fits well in smaller and medium-sized rooms, according to the announcement. Then there is the new FR5, featuring a custom-designed PS Audio push-pull planar magnetic tweeter, complemented by a newly designed midrange/woofer and a high-excursion passive radiator. Available in satin black or satin white with optional matching stands, the PS Audio FR5 is styled to fit into any interior.

‘Surprisingly Loud’

Paul McGowan, CEO of PS Audio, emphasized: “The FR5 was designed to bring the same level of uncompromising sound quality as all aspen Series speakers into any listening environment, and is ideal for living spaces where floorstanding speakers can’t be used. Although it’s small, the FR5 delivers powerful and dynamic sound with extended bass, and will play surprisingly loud even in larger rooms.”

Planar Magnetic Ribbon Tweeter

The FR5 measures 36.83 cm high, 20.32 cm wide, and 33.02 cm deep (71.76 cm high with optional stands). Its drivers are specially designed by PS Audio and are, according to them, ‘tuned for optimal performance in a two-way bookshelf configuration. The 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter is the same unit used in all Aspen series speakers. It utilizes a symmetrical push-pull design with a powerful magnet and a diaphragm made of Teonex film, a material that offers exceptional clarity, quick response, and resolution.’

Passive Radiator

The Aspen FR5 features a newly designed 6.5-inch cast frame midrange/woofer made of Curv woven polypropylene, a material drawn into thin monofilaments and woven and reinforced through a patented process. Its high-excursion driver uses a split-gap magnet structure with dual Faraday rings and a custom suspension. It is complemented by a rear-facing 6 by 9-inch passive radiator to achieve a low-frequency extension down to 30 Hz in the room. Both FR5 drivers are mounted on a thermoset resin front baffle, adding stiffness and minimizing diffraction results.

New Cabinet Technology

PS Audio states that the Aspen FR5 uses a new cabinet technology, ‘with viscoelastic damping sheets between the bracing and the cabinet sides, and around the woofer. This minimizes unwanted cabinet vibrations and contributes to the FR5’s excellent imaging and spaciousness. The crossover uses air-core inductors, metallized poly capacitors, and wire-wound resistors to ensure maximum sound purity and seamless driver integration.’

Integrated Cable Management System

The simple, elegant design of the FR5 is completed by an optional matching stand, which features an integrated cable management system and can be grounded if desired. Included are magnetically detachable grilles.

The Aspen FR5 will be available from August 2024 for a suggested retail price of US $3,499 per pair. Fitting ptional stands cost US $500 per pair.

Specifications

For convenience, here are the specifications of the PS Audio Aspen FR5, in the words of the manufacturer:

• Enclosure type: sealed
• High-frequency transducer: 2.5-inch planar magnetic ribbon tweeter with Teonex diaphragm
• Midrange/low-frequency transducer: 6.5-inch cast-frame, Curv woven polypropylene, split-gap magnet structure with dual copper Faraday rings
• Passive radiator: 6 by 9-inch rear-firing
• Thermoset resin fiberglass-composite woofer baffle
• Magnetically-attached grille
• Custom crossover with premium metallized poly capacitors, air-core inductors and wirewound resistors
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz – 20 kHz (- 6 dB, half-space; 30 Hz – 6 dB in-room)
• Crossover Frequency: 1,750 Hz
• Sensitivity: 83.5 dB
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms (5.6 ohms minimum)
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 – 150 watts
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 8 x 13 inches (speaker only), optional stand, 28.25 x 11.75 x 14 inches
• Weight: speaker, 26.6 lbs. (12.1 kg), stand, 13.7 lbs. (6.2 kg)

(Teonex is a registered trademark of DuPont Teijin Films.)