Klipsch PSM-525-T black

With this speaker from the Professional Surface Mount series, Klipsch is renewing its range of all-purpose installation speakers. The PSM-525-T succeeds the older AW, CA, and CP series. Its compact format does not prevent it from delivering generous bass thanks to the Tractrix Hyperfold Port, a new kind of bass-reflex port. EN54-24 certification and the IPX6 rating open the door to professional installations in buildings subject to fire safety regulations.

Unexpected bass for this size

The challenge for compact speakers often lies in their low frequencies. Klipsch responds with the Tractrix Hyperfold Port, a bass-reflex duct folded in five stages that multiplies the port length without enlarging the enclosure. This geometry increases airflow and reduces turbulence, a source of unwanted noise (the famous “chuffing” audible when a port is working too hard). The design lengthens the duct through a five-stage folding process, increases airflow, and reduces unwanted noise.

The PSM-525-T extends down to 58 Hz (±4 dB), or even 48 Hz with 10 dB attenuation. For a speaker whose woofer measures 13.3 cm, this remains a respectable result. Three folded Tractrix ports work together to achieve this performance.

Compression and titanium for the highs

The tweeter uses technology inherited from the brand’s cinema speakers and Heritage models. The 25 mm compression driver uses a titanium dome coupled to a K-1200M horn. This horn uses Klipsch’s patented “Mumps” technology, a modified Tractrix horn for a uniform polar response of midrange frequencies, which delivers more consistent sound throughout the listening area.

The practical benefit? Horizontal coverage of 100° (±20° from 1 kHz to 20 kHz). On a restaurant terrace or in a reception hall, this wide dispersion makes it possible to cover a large space with fewer speakers. The 89 dB sensitivity makes the amplifier’s job easier, while the maximum sound pressure level reaches 104 dB continuous.

Ready for evacuation systems

EN54-24 certification sets the PSM-525-T apart from consumer outdoor speakers. This European standard, applied since 2011, concerns speakers integrated into voice alarm systems. The standard guarantees that the speaker continues to function and broadcast intelligible evacuation instructions even under thermal stress at the start of a fire.

Buildings open to the public (shopping centers, hospitals, universities, museums) and high-rise buildings are often subject to this requirement. The PSM-525-T can therefore be integrated into a safety PA system without any additional component.

Integration with 70V and 100V lines

The integrated transformer offers several power levels on constant-voltage lines. At 70V: 30, 15, 7.5, and 3.8 W. At 100V: 30, 7.5, and 3.8 W. This flexibility makes it possible to balance sound coverage in networks with dozens of speakers distributed over long distances.

A bypass mode disables the transformer for conventional 8-ohm operation. In this case, the speaker handles up to 65 W AES (260 W peak). The PSM series targets professional 70- or 100-volt installations commonly used in restaurants and similar environments.

The 4-pin Euroblock terminal (Phoenix connector) speeds up on-site wiring. This standard professional connector avoids delicate handling with stripped wires.

Resistance to the elements and installation

The IPX6 rating guarantees protection against powerful water jets, not just light splashes. Driving rain, splashes near a pool, high-pressure cleaning: the speaker is designed to withstand them. The high-strength ABS enclosure can be painted to blend into a particular architectural environment.

The supplied wall bracket allows vertical or horizontal mounting and enables angle adjustments. The grille fastening screws prevent it from coming loose under the effect of wind or vibrations. The PSM series features a new design with a smaller footprint than previous generations.

At 3.52 kg on the scale and dimensions of 309 × 242 × 166 mm (213 mm depth with the bracket), the PSM-525-T remains easy to handle during installation. Its compact format makes integration easier in spaces where a larger speaker would be a problem.

Use cases

The PSM-525-T finds its place in background music distribution or announcement sound reinforcement. Bar and restaurant terraces, hotel lobbies, shops, parking lots, reception areas, museum spaces: the applications are numerous. This compact speaker combines low distortion and robust design for background music and announcements.

For installations requiring more bass or a higher sound level, the PSM range offers models equipped with 16.5 cm (PSM-650-T) and 20 cm (PSM-800-T) drivers. All share the same sound signature and the same technologies (Tractrix Hyperfold Port, titanium compression tweeter, EN54-24 certification).

Technical Specifications

Audio Configuration

• Type: 2-way bass-reflex speaker with Tractrix Hyperfold port
• Woofer: 133 mm
• Tweeter: 25 mm compression, titanium dome with K-1200M horn
• Crossover frequency: 2 kHz

Performance

• Frequency response: 58 Hz – 20 kHz (±4 dB)
  • Low-end extension: 48 Hz (-10 dB)
• Sensitivity: 89 dB
• Maximum continuous sound pressure level: 104 dB
• Coverage: 100° ±20° (1 kHz – 20 kHz)
• Directivity index (DI): 7 dB ±1.5 dB

Power and Amplification

• Power handling:
  • 65 W AES (16.7 V, 55 Hz – 10 kHz)
  • 260 W peak
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • Minimum: 4.3 ohms at 175 Hz

Transformer and Settings

• 70 V line: 30 W, 15 W, 7.5 W, 3.8 W
• 100 V line: 30 W, 7.5 W, 3.8 W
• Bypass mode: 8 ohms (operation without transformer)

Connectivity

• Input: 4-pin Euroblock terminal block (Phoenix)

Design and Installation

• Enclosure type: bass-reflex with 3 folded Tractrix ports
• Cabinet material: high-strength ABS, paintable
• Mounting: wall bracket included
• Grille: screw-secured attachment

Durability and Standards

• Protection rating: IPX6 (rain and water spray resistant)
• Certification: EN54-24

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (with bracket): 309 x 242 x 166 mm
  • Depth with bracket: 213 mm
• Weight: 3.52 kg