Klipsch PSM-525-T white

With this speaker from the Professional Surface Mount series, Klipsch refreshes its lineup 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 with compact speakers often lies in their low frequencies. Klipsch responds with the Tractrix Hyperfold Port, a bass-reflex duct folded in five stages that increases the port length without enlarging the enclosure. This geometry increases airflow and reduces turbulence, sources of unwanted noise (the famous “chuffing” heard 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 reaches down to 58 Hz (±4 dB), and even 48 Hz with a 10 dB attenuation. For a speaker with a 13.3 cm woofer, this remains a respectable result. Three folded Tractrix ports work together to achieve this performance.

Compression and titanium for the highs

The tweeter adopts 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 consistent polar response in the mid frequencies, delivering more uniform 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 area with fewer speakers. The 89 dB sensitivity makes amplification easier, while maximum sound pressure level reaches 104 dB continuously.

Ready for evacuation systems

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

Public-access buildings (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 sound system without any additional components.

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 standard 8-ohm operation. In this case, the speaker can handle 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 connection 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. Heavy rain, splashes near a pool, high-pressure cleaning: the speaker is designed to withstand them. The high-impact ABS enclosure can receive a coat of paint to blend into a specific architectural environment.

The included wall mount allows vertical or horizontal mounting and enables angle adjustments. The grille mounting screws prevent it from coming loose due to 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 problematic.

Usage contexts

The PSM-525-T is suited to background music playback 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 rugged 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 fastening

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