PSB Synchrony B600 satin walnut (pack of 2)

The PSB Synchrony B600 are two-way compact speakers developed over two years in the anechoic chambers of Canada’s National Research Council. They feature woven carbon-fiber and titanium drivers, a solid aluminum baffle, and IsoAcoustics feet. Their frequency response extends down to 35 Hz (-10 dB), which is uncommon for speakers of this size. This design aims to reproduce the audio signal with the greatest possible neutrality.

Acoustic architecture and next-generation drivers

At the heart of the Synchrony B600 are two entirely new drivers that represent a significant advance over previous generations. The 165 mm woofer uses a woven carbon-fiber cone, chosen for its optimal combination of lightness and rigidity. This diaphragm is mounted on a die-cast aluminum frame capable of withstanding mechanical stress without deformation, and features a rubber surround whose mass has been specifically added at the junction with the cone to suppress stray reflections.

The woofer’s motor structure incorporates four coordinated technical elements: a Faraday ring (or shorting ring), an elongated voice coil, a symmetrical magnetic circuit, and constant magnetic force in the gap. This complex architecture maintains a uniform magnetic force regardless of the voice coil’s position, drastically reducing harmonic and intermodulation distortion. The result is an extended bandwidth—about half an octave deeper in the bass compared to earlier PSB designs—with higher sensitivity (88 dB at 1 meter) and improved power handling.

The 25 mm titanium-dome tweeter is also a notable evolution. Using titanium, a metal both light and exceptionally rigid, extends frequency response well beyond the audible spectrum while maintaining pistonic behavior up to high frequencies. Ferrofluid cools the voice coil, while the neodymium magnet—the most powerful known magnetic material—enables high sound pressure levels without dynamic compression. The tweeter is mounted in a shallow waveguide about 70 mm in diameter that optimizes dispersion.

Cabinet construction: the pursuit of structural silence

The B600’s cabinet reflects an obsessive pursuit of rigidity and resonance damping. Built from high-density MDF with multiple strategically positioned internal braces, it minimizes vibrations that could color the sound. But the most distinctive element remains the front baffle clad with a solid 5 mm thick aluminum plate. Decoupled from the rest of the enclosure by ten isolation cups, this plate acts as a barrier against what engineers call “baffle talk”—the baffle’s micro-vibrations excited by driver motion that can mask fine details in sound reproduction.

The rear bass-reflex port also deserves attention. Its flange is CNC-machined from aluminum, ensuring a finish and dimensional tolerances that match the quality level of the rest of the speaker. This tuned port extends the bass response in a controlled manner, contributing to the B600’s surprising ability to reach 35 Hz at -10 dB—a performance generally reserved for much larger speakers.

The unusual driver layout—with the tweeter positioned below the woofer—is not an aesthetic choice but a calculated acoustic decision. According to Paul Barton, this configuration helps maintain phase coherence at frequencies where both drivers operate simultaneously, while offering better flexibility for listening position. The tonal balance remains consistent whether the listener is seated or standing, a particularly welcome trait in home settings where listening positions can vary.

IsoAcoustics innovation: integrated decoupling

The collaboration between PSB and IsoAcoustics on the Synchrony B600 is a first at this price point. Four isolating feet, specially designed by IsoAcoustics for this application and based on their award-winning Gaia II isolators, are integrated directly into the base of each speaker. These devices are not mere damping feet but true mechanical decoupling systems.

Dave Morrison, founder of IsoAcoustics, worked directly with Paul Barton on this integration. The feet adhere to the supporting surface while preventing vibrational energy produced by the drivers and cabinet from being reflected back into the speaker. At the same time, they block structural vibrations from the support from reaching the listener. This bidirectional isolation yields measurable improvements: more perceptible micro-details, crisper transients, a wider soundstage, and more precise stereo imaging.

It’s important to note that the spacing of these feet is wider than the top plates of many standard speaker stands. PSB therefore offers dedicated 60 cm SST-24 stands designed to interface perfectly with the B600’s IsoAcoustics feet, ensuring an optimally non-resonant connection.

Acoustic performance and usage tips

Despite their “bookshelf” moniker, the Synchrony B600 require thoughtful placement to reach their full potential. With a depth of nearly 30 cm and a rear port, they need sufficient clearance from the wall—PSB recommends at least 60 cm, preferably more. This distance allows the bass-reflex port to operate properly and avoids undesirable low-frequency reinforcement.

With 88 dB sensitivity (in-room) and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms with a 4-ohm minimum, the B600 fall into the moderately demanding category in terms of amplification. PSB recommends amplifiers from 15 to 150 watts, but user experience suggests a minimum of 75 watts with good current capability (15–20 amperes) to fully exploit their dynamic abilities. Gold-plated dual binding posts support bi-wiring and bi-amping, offering additional optimization possibilities for audiophiles seeking the last refinements.

The B600’s bass extension deserves special mention. With a rated -3 dB point at 50 Hz and -10 dB at 35 Hz, these compact speakers provide substantial low-frequency foundation that, in many cases and depending on room size, can make a subwoofer unnecessary for music. This capability results from judicious port tuning, the quality of the woven carbon woofer, and the cabinet’s exemplary rigidity that allows the driver to operate under optimal conditions.

Horizontal dispersion remains remarkably consistent to 10 kHz at 30 degrees off-axis, a characteristic that grants the B600 a generous listening window. This makes them particularly suitable for setups where multiple listeners must enjoy high-quality sound, or in rooms where the optimal listening point cannot be strictly defined.

Technical specifications

Key features

• 25 mm titanium tweeter (ferrofluid, neodymium magnet): crisp, precise highs
• 165 mm woven carbon woofer (molded basket, rubber surround)
• Rigid cabinet (internal bracing, aluminum baffle, CNC port): minimized vibrations
• IsoAcoustics technology: decoupling and precise soundstage
• Refined design, two premium finishes

Drivers

• High-frequency driver: 25 mm titanium dome with ferrofluid and neodymium magnet
• Low-frequency driver: 165 mm woven carbon fiber
  • Molded basket
  • Rubber surround

Acoustic response

• Frequency response
  • On-axis @ 0° ±3 dB: 50–20,000 Hz
  • On-axis @ 0° ±1.5 dB: 55–20,000 Hz
  • Off-axis @ 30° ±1.5 dB: 55–10,000 Hz
  • Low-frequency roll-off (-10 dB): 35 Hz
• Sensitivity
  • Anechoic chamber: 86 dB
  • Listening room: 88 dB
• Impedance
  • Nominal: 6 Ω
  • Minimum: 4 Ω

Power and amplification

• Recommended input power: 15–150 W
• Program power: 150 W
• Bi-wiring/bi-amping compatible
• Tri-wiring/tri-amping compatible

Acoustic design

• Type: 2-way bass-reflex system
• Crossover: 2,200 Hz, L4
• Rear CNC-machined port
• Ultra-rigid cabinet with internal bracing
• Solid aluminum baffle
• Integrated IsoAcoustics technology

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 228 x 393 x 298 mm
• Net weight: 10.4 kg per speaker

Finishes and options

• Available finishes: satin walnut, high-gloss black
• Dual 5-way gold-plated binding posts
• Magnetic grille
• Integrated IsoAcoustics feet