TEST: PSI Audio A 14-M

 That our alpine neighbors south of our republic can also manufacture high-quality monitors was proven not long ago by the Swiss company PSI with their product PSI Audio Active 17M. Inspired by this success, the company has now set out to make a mark one step smaller in the form of the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red, but not without acquiring an optional subwoofer, in our case the PSI Audio Sub A125-M Studio Red, an additional boost in the bass range.

Even if the name PSI Audio should not mean anything to many people, owner and company founder Alain Roux and his Relec Sa group of companies, to which PSI Audio also belongs, are well known to experts. That Switzerland is anything but a low-wage country should be known to everyone, but whoever enters the fray with a retail price of just under 1,100 euros per speaker for a small monitor and 2,495 euros for the matching subwoofer, either has real cojonnes, or his product is sonically above criticism. We are curious.

Special features

As with its bigger brother, the A 17M, PSI Audio brings out the big guns in terms of optimized playback in this version. With the in-house Compensated Phase Response System for a frequency-optimized phase correction and the Adaptive Output Impedance System for an optimization of the transient response of the diaphragms, PSI Audio tries to generate a better depth gradation, higher detail resolution and an optimized impulse response.

Big claims, considering that the tiny speaker with its tweeter driver and its 6 inch bass speaker has only the dimensions 163 mm x 243 mm x 170 mm available to generate a balanced sound image. However, the very small dimensions offer many advantages where space can be at a premium, such as home studios or OB vans.

Construction

The near field monitor is designed as a 2-way monitor and has a 30 watt tweeter along with a 70 watt woofer, which are separated at 3.5 Khz by an active crossover. Colored in burgundy metallic, the box leaves a very noble impression, although one should handle the product with care. The paint doesn't offer real protection against external influences; even lightly pushing it over a surface causes scratches on the bottom of the case. The PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red is completely manufactured at the company's headquarters in Yverdon / Switzerland. The bass reflex port of the cabinet is oriented to the front, which offers great advantages, especially for placement close to the wall.

Rear

On the rear, things are spartan. Equipped with a stepless volume control and a roll-off control, which allows the reduction below 100 Hz by a maximum of 10 dB, there is only one XLR socket on the back. The placement of the controls naturally offers the possibility to design a visually appealing case front, but has the disadvantage that you have to decide on a setting in advance for a fixed installation close to the wall, unless you want to constantly remove the monitor from its place for a readjustment.

In this context, you should also pay attention to the setting of the roll-off controller, which plays a decisive role when placing the monitor on the wall or in a corner, as well as when using a subwoofer. The lack of other connections such as TRS, RCA or even just a combo jack unmistakably shows that PSI considers all other connections irrelevant, i.e. budget solutions are not the target audience of the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red.

Subwoofer

With the PSI Audio Sub A125-M Studio Red, PSI Audio offers a sonically tuned subwoofer, especially regarding the frequency range downwards. As you can see from the frequency diagram, the working range of the subwoofer starts exactly where the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red runs out of steam, if you disregard a discreet dent between 50 - 70 Hertz. In return, the PSI Audio Sub A125-M Studio Red delivers a linear coverage of the bass range up to 35 Hertz. Strictly speaking, the subwoofer only reproduces the range between 35 - 50 Hertz linearly, below and also above that, the curve of the woofer equipped with an 8-inch drops sharply.

Visually, the satellites and woofer complement each other perfectly, both have the same look. The aforementioned CPR and AOI systems were also installed in the woofer. However, the subwoofer, which is specified with 150 watts of power, has an impressive weight of over 20 kilograms with average dimensions of 320 mm x 480 mm x 385 mm, so it is recommended to think about the subwoofer's location in advance.

In terms of connection field, the PSI Audio Sub A125-M Studio Red is also quite spartan. 2-way input right / left, plus the forwarding of the signal to the satellites, a volume control - that's it. No variable crossover point, no daisy chain, nothing. Well then.

Sound

Let's start with the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red without subwoofer. The first sound impression: neutral, perhaps even unobtrusive in the best sense. While many nearfield monitors draw attention to themselves during initial operation with a typical AHA effect of bass-heavy, harsh highs, squawking mids or even fine highs, soft bass or whatever, the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red shines by not attracting attention with any peculiarity at all. Maybe a little sharpness in the high mids just above the crossover frequency, but that is a purely subjective and moreover subtle listening impression.

The speaker reproduces the sound material without any glossing over, but also doesn't make you cringe in the old MS-10 manner in the sense of "there's still a lot to do". Rather, it reveals details that can still be adjusted in the later mix in a discreet manner, as one would wish. Frequency-wise, it goes down quite linearly to about 100 Hertz, below which, as expected, it's closing time with these cabinet dimensions in cooperation with a 6 inch speaker.

However, the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red shows its great strengths in the spatial resolution. The depth gradation is exemplary, whereby the phantom center can be located excellently due to a very good stereo imaging. The impulse behavior is also very balanced and reproduces almost all instruments very naturally, regardless of the volume. Here, the neutral character of the monitor comes into its own very well.

Only in guitar-heavy productions does the ear have to be prepared for a slightly sharp basic posture with high-gain guitars. However, once you get used to the discreetly biting character, you will get along very well with the system.

As expected, the sound changes enormously when the subwoofer is added in the low bass range, but in a different way than I would have expected. From 50 Hertz, the woofer now pushes very strongly, but it displaces the sound material with an extremely soft response. The PSI Audio Sub A125-M Studio Red truly makes you feel the frequencies more than hear them. Any form of attack or even impulse sounds soft as if packed in absorbent cotton. Depending on the sound material, the basic orientation of the woofer is a real boon, but also offers the danger of "lulling". To what extent the concept corresponds to one's own listening habits is something everyone has to find out for themselves. Personally, I found the tuning a bit too soft, but this is not to be taken as a judgement.

Conclusion

With the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red, the Swiss company fulfills its expectations. As an extension of the product range in the direction of the smallest monitor, the company manages to fulfill the high expectations that the 17M generated. Whether in solo operation or in combination with a subwoofer, the product shines with a precise resolution, a very good depth gradation and a neutral sound image.

Especially in confined spaces, the PSI Audio Active 14M Studio Red can score with its small dimensions and offer a good sound even in spatially difficult workplaces. However, it remains to be seen whether the in my opinion somewhat too ambitious retail price of 4,700 Euros for a subwoofer combination will make interested customers hesitate.

Additional Informations:

PSI Audio: Precision Sound Instruments Redefining Audio Monitoring
Introduction: PSI Audio is a Swiss-based company renowned for its exceptional precision sound instruments, specializing in high-quality studio monitors and professional audio equipment. Founded in 1975 by Roger Roschnik, a visionary audio engineer, PSI Audio has earned a stellar reputation in the industry for its innovative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to delivering uncompromising audio quality.
Vision and Mission: PSI Audio's vision is to provide audio professionals with unparalleled precision in monitoring, enabling them to achieve accurate and transparent sound reproduction. The company's mission is to revolutionize audio monitoring technology through research, innovation, and the fusion of cutting-edge components.
Acoustic Design Philosophy: At the core of PSI Audio's success lies its unique acoustic design philosophy. The company firmly believes that true audio precision can only be achieved through an in-depth understanding of acoustic principles. As a result, PSI Audio's engineers and designers meticulously analyze and control acoustic behavior, ensuring that their products deliver transparent and uncolored sound reproduction.
Advanced Technology: PSI Audio's studio monitors are meticulously crafted using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring optimal performance and durability. Key technological aspects include:

Compensated Phase Response (CPR): PSI Audio employs CPR technology, which optimizes the phase response of their monitors. This results in a natural and precise sonic image, facilitating accurate spatial localization of sound sources.
b. AOI Technology (Adaptive Output Impedance): AOI technology allows PSI Audio monitors to adapt to different acoustic environments, compensating for impedance variations and ensuring consistent performance across various setups.
c. Active and Amplified Design: All PSI Audio monitors are actively powered with built-in amplifiers, offering greater control over the drivers and reducing intermodulation distortion.
d. Dual-Feedback System: PSI Audio utilizes a dual-feedback system in their amplifiers to maintain stable and linear performance, even during demanding audio reproduction.
e. Vibration Decoupling: The company implements effective vibration decoupling techniques to minimize resonance and interference, further enhancing the accuracy of sound reproduction.
Product Range: PSI Audio offers a carefully curated range of studio monitors and subwoofers, tailored to suit various audio monitoring applications. Their product lineup includes:

A-Series: The A-Series comprises compact nearfield studio monitors, renowned for their precision and clarity. These monitors are ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks in recording studios, post-production facilities, and mastering studios.

b. AVAA C20: The AVAA C20 is a revolutionary Active Velocity Acoustic Absorber designed to combat low-frequency room modes and improve room acoustics, creating a more accurate monitoring environment.
c. Subwoofers: PSI Audio's subwoofers are engineered to complement their studio monitors, extending the low-frequency response and enhancing the overall listening experience.
Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing: PSI Audio is committed to sustainability and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. The company strives to minimize its ecological impact by using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production processes, and recyclable packaging.

Awards and Recognition: PSI Audio's dedication to precision audio monitoring has earned the company numerous industry accolades and recognition. Their studio monitors have been widely praised by audio professionals and have received accolades for their outstanding performance and design.

Global Reach and Partnerships: With its headquarters in Switzerland, PSI Audio serves customers globally through a network of authorized dealers and distributors. The company's products are used in high-profile recording studios, broadcast facilities, mastering studios, and audiophile setups worldwide. PSI Audio also collaborates with other audio companies, forging partnerships to enhance product development and expand its reach.

Conclusion: PSI Audio's unwavering commitment to precision sound instruments has established it as a leading force in the world of audio monitoring. By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and a profound understanding of acoustics, PSI Audio continues to redefine the standards of audio accuracy and transparency. With a dedicated focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and continuous innovation, PSI Audio remains a go-to choice for audio professionals seeking uncompromising quality in their monitoring solutions.