PSB CS605 (pack of 4)
Overview
The PSB CS605 is a 6.5-inch in-ceiling speaker, designed to deliver PSB’s signature sound, developed over more than fifty years of acoustic research in Canada. It can be used for Dolby Atmos height channels or for whole-home music distribution.
A bass driver optimized for tonal consistency
The 165 mm woofer uses a carbon-loaded polypropylene cone mounted in a stamped-steel basket. This seemingly classic material combination is a deliberate choice to maintain optimal rigidity while minimizing unwanted resonances. The foam surround allows controlled excursions down to 50 Hz, a remarkable performance for a driver of this size operating in an open-back configuration.
The 19 mm textile dome tweeter benefits from ferrofluid treatment, a technique that improves thermal dissipation and linearizes frequency response up to 20 kHz. This approach, refined in the anechoic chambers of the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa, ensures the wide, uniform dispersion that is fundamental for a speaker intended to cover an extended listening area from the ceiling.
The first-order high-pass filtering maintains exceptional phase coherence between the two drivers. This intentional simplicity of the crossover network preserves signal dynamics and limits phase shifts, contributing to the clarity characteristic of PSB speakers.
Simplified installation with a robust mounting system
The “dogleg” mounting mechanism represents a significant evolution over traditional fastening systems. These reinforced metal brackets deploy after insertion into the ceiling cutout, ensuring uniform pressure on the drywall. This design eliminates parasitic vibrations that could degrade sound quality—a particularly critical detail for a speaker operating in an open-back configuration.
The 114 mm mounting depth is compatible with most joist spaces, while the 212 mm cutout diameter follows industry standards. The supplied cutout templates make precise installation easier, even for occasional installers. The round magnetic grille, 240 mm in diameter, snaps into place with no visible screws, preserving the ceiling’s clean aesthetics. This grille, equipped with an invisible scrim and designed to be paintable, enables complete visual integration into any decor.
Integration into modern home theater systems
The CS605 is particularly well-suited to Dolby Atmos configurations, where in-ceiling speakers create the vertical dimension of the sound field. Positioned equidistant and parallel relative to the listening area, two, four, or six CS605s can transform a traditional surround system into a truly three-dimensional audio environment. The model’s wide, consistent dispersion ensures even coverage, avoiding dead zones that would compromise the desired enveloping effect.
Tonal compatibility across the PSB range makes it easy to integrate into existing systems or to create coherent multi-room setups. This uniformity of sonic signature, the result of decades of psychoacoustic research, allows you to mix different PSB in-wall, in-ceiling, floorstanding, or bookshelf models without disrupting acoustic continuity.
Optional pre-construction brackets and back boxes allow installation prior to drywall, greatly simplifying integration into new builds or major renovations.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Highlights
- Rich, detailed sound: faithful PSB signature
- Wide dispersion: uniform sound regardless of placement
- Quality components: tight bass, clear highs
- Easy installation: robust mounts, templates and brackets included
- Discreet design: magnetic round, paintable grille
Acoustic performance
- Frequency response
- On-axis @ 0° ±3 dB: 50–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity
- Anechoic: 85 dB
- Listening room: 87 dB
- Impedance
- Nominal: 6 Ω
- Minimum: 4 Ω
- Recommended input power: 10–100 W
Design and components
- Tweeter: 19 mm textile dome treated with ferrofluid
- Woofer: 165 mm black polypropylene cone, stamped steel basket, foam surround
- Crossover: 1st-order high-pass
- Type: open-back
Dimensions and installation
- Cutout diameter: 212 mm
- Mounting depth: 114 mm
- Round grille diameter: 240 mm
- Weight: 2.1 kg per speaker
Finish
- White with included round grille, paintable
Frequently Asked Questions
What amplification is suitable for the CS605?
With a nominal impedance of 6 ohms and real-world sensitivity of 87 dB, the CS605 runs efficiently with amplifiers from 10 to 100 watts. A standard home theater amplifier with 50–75 watts per channel offers optimal performance for most home installations.
Can the CS605 be used in a bathroom or kitchen?
While robust, the CS605 is not specifically designed for humid environments. For these applications, choose models with appropriate moisture-resistance certification, or install the speaker in an area protected from direct humidity.
How should CS605s be positioned for Dolby Atmos?
For a 5.1.2 setup, place two speakers slightly in front of the main listening position. For a 5.1.4 or 7.1.4 system, add two more speakers behind. Maintain an angle of 30 to 55 degrees relative to the listener for optimal spatialization.
How many CS605s can be connected to the same amplifier channel?
Avoid connecting more than two CS605s in parallel on a single channel, as the resulting 3-ohm load could overload some amplifiers. For multi-speaker installations, use a speaker selector with impedance protection or dedicated multichannel amplifiers.
Can the grille be painted without affecting the sound?
The magnetic grille accepts acrylic or latex paint applied in thin coats. Use a spray gun or foam roller to avoid clogging the perforations. Proper application will not perceptibly alter acoustic performance.
What’s the difference between the CS605 and higher models in the range?
Higher models such as the CS610 feature more sophisticated drivers and more complex crossover networks, delivering deeper bass extension and increased definition. The CS605 remains consistent with PSB’s signature, representing excellent value for large-scale installations.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 627523093885
