Klipsch PSM-800-T white

Top-of-the-range model in the PSM series, the PSM-800-T replaces Klipsch’s older AW, CA, and CP ranges. It uses 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 rating, making it equally suited to restaurant patios, hotel lobbies, and gyms.

An 8-inch woofer and a titanium compression driver

The PSM-800-T is a passive two-way speaker. The 20.3 cm (8-inch) woofer handles bass and midrange, with a crossover at 2 kHz. Above it, a 2.5 cm 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 a 100° coverage angle (±20°) between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, with a directivity index of 7 dB (±1.5 dB) from 800 Hz upward. In practice, this means wide, even sound dispersion throughout the 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 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 segments to increase its effective length without increasing enclosure volume. The result is twofold. First, the acoustic loading reaches lower frequencies than a conventional port of the same size. Second, the flared profile of the duct (inspired by the tractrix curve, like Klipsch horns) reduces air turbulence at high levels, limiting the “chuffing” noise sometimes heard from 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 less cabinet volume. It is an interesting compromise for installations where space is limited: under an awning, along a facade, or in a ceiling corner.

IPX6, ABS, and aluminum grille: construction built for outdoor use

The IPX6 protection rating means the speaker withstands powerful water jets from all directions. Driving rain, hose cleaning, sea spray by the pool: the PSM-800-T is made to stay in place all year round. The enclosure is molded from UV-resistant ABS, available in black or white, and it can be painted to blend into a specific setting. The front grille is made of rustproof aluminum, also paintable, and secured with safety screws to 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 on a wall or ceiling via an adjustable C-bracket, which allows the speaker to be aimed toward the desired listening area. Depth with the bracket is 283 mm.

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

The “T” in PSM-800-T refers to the built-in transformer, a key element 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 back of the speaker. This choice of modes makes the PSM-800-T compatible with the vast majority of distributed sound systems used in retail stores, hotels, schools, or public venues, 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 installation, allows fast, 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 patio, 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 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 selected 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 work.

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)

Drivers

• 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 durability

• Material: paintable ABS
• Protection rating: IPX6 (rain and water spray resistant)
• 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