Klipsch PSM-800-T black

Top-of-the-range model in the PSM series, the PSM-800-T replaces Klipsch’s older AW, CA, and CP ranges. It retains a two-way surface-mount speaker format with an 8-inch woofer and a titanium dome compression driver, all housed in an ABS enclosure that is more compact than previous models. Klipsch integrates its patented Tractrix Hyperfold bass-reflex port and an IPX6 certification, making it equally suited to restaurant terraces, hotel lobbies, and gyms.

An 8-inch woofer and a titanium compression driver

The PSM-800-T is a passive two-way speaker. The 8-inch (20.3 cm) woofer handles the bass and midrange, with a crossover at 2 kHz. Above it, a 1-inch titanium dome compression driver, mounted on a floating bridge (“floating driver bridge”), takes over through the K-1200M Tractrix horn. This controlled-directivity horn provides 100° coverage (±20°) between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, with a directivity index of 7 dB (±1.5 dB) from 800 Hz onward. In practice, this means wide, even sound dispersion across the entire listening area, even when the speaker is mounted high up.

The 92 dB sensitivity (1 W/1 m) is high for a speaker in this category. Combined with a power handling of 100 W AES (400 W peak), it allows for a maximum sound pressure level of 109 dB. Frequency response extends from 52 Hz to 20 kHz (±4 dB), with a low point at 44 Hz at -10 dB. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, with a measured minimum of 4.2 ohms around 150 Hz.

Tractrix Hyperfold, a bass-reflex port folded in five stages

The main technical innovation in the PSM series is the Tractrix Hyperfold port, patented by Klipsch. Its principle: folding the bass-reflex duct into five sections to increase its effective length without increasing enclosure volume. The result is twofold. On the one hand, the acoustic loading reaches lower frequencies than a conventional port of the same size. On the other hand, the flared profile of the duct (inspired by the tractrix curve, like Klipsch horns) reduces air turbulence at high levels, which limits the blowing noise (“chuffing”) sometimes heard on bass-reflex speakers pushed to high volume.

Klipsch states that this design allows the PSM-800-T to deliver more bass than previous models while occupying a smaller cabinet volume. It is an interesting compromise for installations where space is limited: under an awning, along a façade, or in a ceiling corner.

IPX6, ABS, and aluminum grille: construction built for the outdoors

The IPX6 protection rating means the speaker withstands powerful water jets from all angles. Driving rain, hose cleaning, sea spray by the pool: the PSM-800-T is designed to stay in place year-round. The enclosure is molded from UV-resistant ABS, available in black or white, and it can be painted to blend into a particular setting. The front grille is made of rustproof aluminum, also paintable, and secured with safety screws that prevent accidental (or malicious, in a commercial setting) removal.

The speaker weighs 7.15 kg and measures 394 × 305 × 237 mm (including bracket). It mounts to a wall or ceiling using an adjustable C-bracket, which allows the speaker to be aimed toward the desired listening area. Depth with the bracket is 283 mm.

Multi-impedance transformer: 70 V, 100 V, or low impedance

The “T” in PSM-800-T refers to the built-in transformer, a key component for professional installations. This multi-tap transformer offers three operating modes. On a 70 V line, four power settings are available: 100 W, 50 W, 25 W, and 12.5 W. On a 100 V line, three settings: 100 W, 50 W, and 25 W. The third mode, bypass, short-circuits the transformer and runs the speaker in standard low impedance (8 ohms), connected directly to a hi-fi or PA amplifier.

The tap selector is a rotary switch located on the rear of the speaker. This choice of modes makes the PSM-800-T compatible with the vast majority of distributed sound systems used in shops, hotels, schools, and public spaces, as well as with residential amplifiers in bypass mode.

Connection is via a 4-pin Euroblock (Phoenix) terminal block, which accepts cable up to 14 AWG. This type of connector, common in professional installations, allows quick and reliable connection without soldering.

Where and how to install the PSM-800-T

With its 100° dispersion, the PSM-800-T covers a wide area without requiring an excessive number of speaker points. On a restaurant terrace, two speakers spaced six to eight meters apart may be enough to cover a substantial area, depending on mounting height and the desired sound level.

The speaker is just as well suited to background music distribution indoors (lobby, reception area, dining room) as it is to sound reinforcement in semi-covered or fully exposed outdoor areas. The adjustable C-bracket simplifies positioning, and the ability to paint the enclosure and grille makes visual integration easier.

One point to keep in mind: the PSM-800-T is a passive speaker. It requires an external amplifier suited to the chosen operating mode (70 V, 100 V, or low impedance). Klipsch offers its own range of DSP amplifiers, but any amplifier compatible with these standards will do.

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 52 Hz – 20 kHz (±4 dB), 44 Hz (-10 dB)
• Power handling: 100 W AES
  • Peak power: 400 W
• Maximum sound pressure level: 109 dB
• Sensitivity: 92 dB
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • Minimum impedance: 4.2 ohms at 150 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 2 kHz

Directivity and Coverage

• Coverage angle: 100° ±20° (1 kHz – 20 kHz)
• Directivity index: 7 dB ±1.5 dB (800 Hz – 20 kHz)

Speakers

• Woofer / midrange: 20.3 cm (8”) woofer
• Tweeter: 2.5 cm (1”) titanium dome compression driver
• Horn: Tractrix K-1200M

Installation and Connectivity

• Connections: 4-pin Euroblock terminal block (Phoenix type)
• Operating modes
  • 70 V line: 100 W, 50 W, 25 W, 12.5 W
  • 100 V line: 100 W, 50 W, 25 W
  • Bypass: low-impedance operation (8 ohms)

Design and Resistance

• Material: paintable ABS
• Protection rating: IPX6 (resistant to rain and water spray)
• Acoustic loading: bass-reflex with Tractrix Hyperfold port

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (with bracket): 394 x 305 x 237 mm
  • Depth with bracket: 283 mm
• Weight: 7.15 kg