PSB CS650 6.5" Premium 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The CS650 is a premium 2-way in-ceiling flush mount speaker from PSB Speakers (Lenbrook Industries, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. The flagship model of the PSB CustomSound CS600 series, the CS650 is engineered with driver technology derived from PSB's acclaimed Imagine T3 floorstanding speaker, bringing reference-class acoustic performance to an invisible ceiling installation. It features a proprietary 6.5" carbon-filled polypropylene woofer with rubber surround, a proprietary 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a verified frequency response of 48Hz to 20,000Hz (±3dB). Developed inside the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council (NRC), the CS650 delivers deep, well-defined bass alongside exceptional high-frequency clarity, making it an outstanding choice for primary stereo listening rooms, multi-room audio installations, and home theatre applications across the Greater Toronto Area.

Imagine T3 Driver Technology in an Architectural Package

What elevates the CS650 above standard 6.5" in-ceiling speakers is its direct lineage to PSB's Imagine T3, the company's flagship tower loudspeaker. PSB carried proprietary woofer techniques from the Imagine T3 into the CS650's driver design, resulting in higher sensitivity and lower harmonic distortion at high playback levels compared to the more affordable CS630 and CS610 models in the same series. The 6.5" (165mm) woofer uses a fiber-filled injection-moulded polypropylene cone with a rubber surround and a high-temperature voice coil, providing controlled bass extension down to 48Hz. The 1" (25mm) titanium dome tweeter is ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, concentrically mounted, and paired with a precision waveguide that controls dispersion and reduces off-axis coloration. A ball-joint pivot mount assembly enables the tweeter to be aimed precisely toward the primary seating position using indexed angle adjustment, ensuring on-axis high-frequency accuracy wherever the listening position is located relative to the ceiling.

LR4 Crossover, Level Optimization, and Installation Flexibility

The CS650 incorporates a dedicated 1800Hz LR4 crossover network, an audiophile-grade Linkwitz-Riley fourth-order design that achieves a clean acoustic handoff between woofer and tweeter with excellent phase coherence and flat summed response. Independent dual-position level switches for both the tweeter and midwoofer allow output adjustment of 0dB or +3dB after installation, enabling room-by-room tonal optimization without an external equalizer. Gold-plated spring-loaded binding posts accept bare wire, pin connectors, and single banana plugs, simplifying in-wall wiring connections. The heavy-duty dogleg mounting system secures the speaker firmly to ceilings up to 1.25" thick, and a cutting template is supplied in the box. Optional pre-construction brackets and backcans (model BCN-600, sold separately) are available for new construction installs where the ceiling is not yet closed.

Key Features

• 6.5" Imagine-Derived Woofer: Proprietary carbon-filled polypropylene cone with rubber surround and high-temperature voice coil, engineered using techniques from the PSB Imagine T3 for higher sensitivity and lower distortion at elevated playback levels.
• 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter with Waveguide: Ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, with a precision waveguide for controlled dispersion and a ball-joint pivot for indexed tweeter aiming toward the listening position.
• 1800Hz LR4 Crossover Network: Audiophile-grade Linkwitz-Riley fourth-order design ensures phase-coherent integration between woofer and tweeter for smooth, accurate wide-band response.
• Dual-Position Level Switches: Independent tweeter and midwoofer output adjustment (0dB / +3dB) enables room-specific tonal tuning after installation without external processing equipment.
• Indexed Tweeter Angle Adjustment: Aimable ball-joint pivot mount allows the tweeter to be directed precisely toward the primary seating area for optimized on-axis imaging.
• Gold-Plated Spring-Loaded Binding Posts: Accept bare wire, pin connectors, and single banana plugs, providing flexible and secure connection to in-wall speaker cable.
• Heavy-Duty Dogleg Mounting System: Foolproof installation into finished ceilings between 3/8" and 1.25" thick, with secure clamping and tool-accessible removal for future servicing.
• Round and Square Magnetic Frameless Grilles Included: Both grille shapes are supplied, allowing the CS650 to suit varied ceiling aesthetics; grilles are paintable to match any decor.
• NRC Anechoic Chamber Design: Engineered at Canada's National Research Council, reflecting over 45 years of PSB acoustic research and loudspeaker development.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• PSB CS650 6.5" In-Ceiling Speaker (1 unit)
• Round Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Square Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Cutting Template
• Mounting Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSB CS650?

The PSB CS650 is a premium 2-way in-ceiling flush mount speaker featuring a 6.5" carbon-filled polypropylene woofer, a 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a frequency response of 48Hz to 20,000Hz (±3dB). It is the flagship model of PSB's CustomSound CS600 architectural series and is sold individually as a single unit.

How does the PSB CS650 compare to the Polk Audio Reserve R800 or Klipsch CDT-5800-C II?

The PSB CS650 stands apart through its Imagine T3 driver heritage and NRC-validated acoustic design. The Polk Audio Reserve R800 is a strong 8" competitor with Polk's X-Port bass extension technology, but uses a 2" silk dome tweeter rather than the CS650's titanium dome with precision waveguide. The Klipsch CDT-5800-C II employs a tractrix horn for high efficiency, which favors cinema-style dynamics, while the CS650's LR4 crossover and titanium dome prioritize low-distortion accuracy across both music and home theatre content. For listeners in Toronto, Canada seeking a 6.5" in-ceiling speaker with audiophile-grade driver pedigree and flexible room tuning, the CS650 is the benchmark choice in its size class.

Can the PSB CS650 be used for Dolby Atmos height channels in a home theatre?

Yes, the CS650 is well suited for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X overhead height channels in a home theatre system. Its aimable titanium dome tweeter can be directed toward the primary seating area to improve overhead sound localization, and the 6.5" woofer provides sufficient dynamic output for cinematic overhead effects in rooms up to a large listening area.

What is an LR4 crossover and why does it matter?

An LR4 crossover is a Linkwitz-Riley fourth-order filter design that divides the audio signal between the woofer and tweeter at 1800Hz with near-perfect phase coherence and a flat summed acoustic response. Unlike simpler first- or second-order crossovers, the LR4 design in the CS650 ensures that both drivers combine accurately across the crossover frequency, reducing coloration and improving the overall coherence of the speaker's output across the listening room.

What amplifier power does the PSB CS650 need?

The CS650 has a recommended power range of 10 to 100 watts per channel into its 6-ohm nominal impedance. Most home theatre receivers and stereo integrated amplifiers from brands such as NAD Electronics, Bluesound, and Anthem will drive the CS650 without issue. The speaker's 86dB anechoic sensitivity (88dB in-room) means it reaches comfortable listening levels with modest amplifier power.

Are pre-construction brackets available for the PSB CS650?

Yes, pre-construction brackets and a backcan enclosure for the CS650 are available as optional accessories, sold separately. The backcan model number for the CS650 is BCN-600. These accessories are recommended for new construction installations where the in-ceiling speaker location needs to be roughed in before drywall is installed, ensuring precise placement and optional acoustic isolation from the ceiling cavity.

Where can I buy the PSB CS650 in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB CS650 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized PSB dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full PSB CustomSound architectural speaker lineup and provides expert guidance on amplifier pairing, whole-home audio system design, and professional installation services for residential and custom integration projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada.

Is the PSB CS650 sold as a pair or individually?

The CS650 is sold as an individual unit (each). Customers building a stereo in-ceiling system will need to purchase two units. Both round and square magnetic frameless grilles are included with each speaker, so no additional grille purchase is required regardless of which shape best suits the ceiling design.