QUOTE(augustinesoh @ Mar 7 2016, 01:39 PM)
The Alpha B1s were part of my first purchase of 'Hi Fi' speakers many years ago. I have been using them as my surrounds in a 5.1 system since the beginning and so haven't really properly evaluated them as main speakers. From experience, would agree with you on them being 'clean and neutral, without colour'.
Noticed that you own Wharfedales (have read good things about them, btw). If by 'special character' you are thinking of the signature warm British sound, then I would also agree that they don't have that as well. I have not heard Wharfedales but have auditioned KEF, Mordaunt Short and Monitor Audio before. I have always been taken by how these sound at first blush and part of me likes the character that they impart to my music, but ultimately I find that I much prefer my music to be more neutral, accurate. They are all very nice speakers, just not to my taste I guess.
I got a Wharfedale 435, it sound neutral, detailed and airy high, very clean and uncolor sound, I think the metal tweeters also look the same as PSB speakers, with a plastic grill on it, it sing pretty superb if pair with some little bit warm or rolled off amp, and fantastic if drive via full blown amp like Class D, a bit bright if open a bit loud, the bass is very subjective to music recording being played back, one common problem could be the tweeter 'S' kinda sound can be a bit disturb to ears, like lean thin sharp object slicing thing kinda feel, hmm I think I still prefer speakers with a bit of color but not too much like Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, most people think that the 9.1 is warm speakers, indeed it is not, it's kinda a bit sparkling on the treble but not bright, and not very smooth either, so for some old recording, percussion & string music, it can sound a bit edgy to some people, but I feel that it's ok for me, that the boundary to achieve some excitements on treble, it just right and does not cross border, currently hunting 9.1 similar treble but with better bass speakers, it seem PSB will not suit me then