PSB CS850 8" Premium 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The CS850 is a premium 2-way in-ceiling flush mount speaker from PSB Speakers (Lenbrook Industries, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Part of the PSB CustomSound architectural speaker series, the CS850 is engineered with components derived from PSB's acclaimed Imagine T3 floorstanding speaker, bringing reference-grade performance to an invisible ceiling installation. It features a proprietary 8" carbon-filled polypropylene cone woofer with cast basket, a proprietary 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz (±3dB). Designed and voiced inside the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council (NRC), the CS850 delivers deep, powerful bass alongside exceptional clarity, making it an outstanding choice for stereo listening rooms, multi-room audio systems, and home theatre overhead effects.

Drivers Derived from PSB's Imagine Series

What sets the CS850 apart from standard in-ceiling speakers is its driver pedigree. PSB carried over key technologies from the Imagine T3, its flagship tower speaker, directly into the CS850's driver design. The proprietary 8" woofer uses a carbon-filled polypropylene cone mounted on a rigid cast basket, a combination that reduces cone resonance and improves dynamic accuracy at high playback levels. The 1" titanium dome tweeter is ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, concentrically mounted, and fitted with a precision waveguide that controls dispersion and reduces off-axis coloration. A ball-joint pivot mount assembly allows the tweeter to be aimed precisely toward the primary listening position using indexed angle adjustment, ensuring the high-frequency axis is directed where it matters most. The result is higher sensitivity and lower harmonic distortion compared to other models in the CustomSound 800 series.

Precision Crossover and Level Optimization

The CS850 incorporates a dedicated precision crossover network engineered for smooth wide-band response, seamlessly blending the woofer and tweeter across the frequency range. Two dual-position level switches, located on the front baffle and accessible after installation, allow independent adjustment of both tweeter and midwoofer output by +3dB or 0dB. This flexibility lets installers optimize the tonal balance to suit each room's acoustics, ceiling height, and furnishings without the need for an external equalizer. Spring-post terminals accept bare wire up to 12AWG, pin connectors, and single banana plugs, making integration with in-wall wiring or amplifier outputs straightforward.

Key Features

• 8" Carbon-Filled Polypropylene Woofer: Proprietary Imagine-derived cone with cast basket construction reduces resonance and delivers deep, controlled bass from 45Hz in large listening rooms.
• 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter with Waveguide: Ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, with a precision waveguide and ball-joint pivot for targeted high-frequency dispersion toward the listening position.
• Indexed Tweeter Angle Adjustment: The aimable tweeter can be precisely oriented after installation, allowing accurate pointing toward the primary seating area for optimized imaging.
• Dual-Position Level Switches: Independent tweeter and midwoofer level adjustment (0dB / +3dB) allows room-specific tuning without external processing.
• Precision Crossover Network: Engineered for smooth wide-band response, seamlessly integrating the woofer and tweeter for a cohesive, musical sound.
• Heavy-Duty Dogleg Mounting System: High-strength doglegs secure the speaker firmly to ceilings between 3/8" and 1.25" thick, and allow tool-free removal for servicing.
• Round and Square Magnetic Frameless Grilles Included: Both grille shapes are supplied in the box, allowing the CS850 to suit different ceiling aesthetics and design preferences.
• NRC-Engineered Design: Developed inside the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council, the CS850 reflects over 45 years of PSB acoustic research.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• PSB CS850 8" In-Ceiling Speaker (1 unit)
• Round Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Square Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Cutting Template
• Mounting Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSB CS850?

The PSB CS850 is a premium 2-way flush mount in-ceiling speaker featuring an 8" carbon-filled polypropylene woofer, a 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz. It is the flagship model in PSB's CustomSound architectural speaker series and is sold individually (each).

How does the PSB CS850 compare to the Polk Audio Reserve R900 or Klipsch CDT-5800-C II?

The PSB CS850 distinguishes itself through its NRC-validated driver technology and Imagine-series heritage. The Polk Audio Reserve R900 uses a 8" woofer and Polk's proprietary X-Port technology but lacks the CS850's indexed tweeter aim adjustment and dual-position level switches. The Klipsch CDT-5800-C II employs a tractrix horn tweeter optimized for high efficiency, while the CS850's titanium dome with waveguide prioritizes smooth, low-distortion wide-band response suited to both music and home theatre. For listeners in Toronto, Canada who prioritize acoustic accuracy and installation flexibility, the CS850 is the stronger choice.

Can the PSB CS850 be used for home theatre overhead effects?

Yes, the CS850 is fully suited for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X height channel and overhead effects in a home theatre system. Its 8" woofer delivers the dynamic output needed for cinematic impact, and the aimable tweeter allows the high-frequency axis to be directed precisely toward the seating area, improving localization cues for overhead audio objects.

What is the NRC anechoic chamber and why does it matter for PSB speakers?

The NRC anechoic chamber is the acoustic testing facility at Canada's National Research Council in Ottawa, Ontario. PSB Speakers has used this facility since the company's founding to measure and refine its speaker designs under controlled, reflection-free conditions. Designing the CS850 in this environment ensures that its frequency response, dispersion, and distortion measurements reflect real-world acoustic performance rather than optimized showroom listening conditions.

What amplifier power does the PSB CS850 require?

The CS850 is compatible with standard home theatre receivers and stereo amplifiers. PSB recommends pairing the speaker with an amplifier rated between 20W and 150W per channel at 8 ohms for optimal performance. Brands such as NAD Electronics, Bluesound, and Anthem are natural matches for a whole-home audio installation using the CS850.

How do the dual-position level switches work on the CS850?

The CS850's dual-position switches allow independent adjustment of both the tweeter and midwoofer output level between 0dB and +3dB. These switches are located on the front baffle and are accessible after the speaker is installed in the ceiling. Rooms with highly absorbent surfaces may benefit from the +3dB setting, while live, reflective spaces may sound best at 0dB for both drivers.

Where can I buy the PSB CS850 in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB CS850 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized PSB dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full PSB CustomSound architectural speaker range and can advise on amplifier pairing, multi-room system design, and professional installation for residential and custom integration projects across the Greater Toronto Area.

Is the PSB CS850 sold as a pair or individually?

The CS850 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 necessary regardless of which shape suits the ceiling design.

PSB CS850 8" Premium 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The CS850 is a premium 2-way in-ceiling flush mount speaker from PSB Speakers (Lenbrook Industries, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Part of the PSB CustomSound architectural speaker series, the CS850 is engineered with components derived from PSB's acclaimed Imagine T3 floorstanding speaker, bringing reference-grade performance to an invisible ceiling installation. It features a proprietary 8" carbon-filled polypropylene cone woofer with cast basket, a proprietary 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz (±3dB). Designed and voiced inside the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council (NRC), the CS850 delivers deep, powerful bass alongside exceptional clarity, making it an outstanding choice for stereo listening rooms, multi-room audio systems, and home theatre overhead effects.

Drivers Derived from PSB's Imagine Series

What sets the CS850 apart from standard in-ceiling speakers is its driver pedigree. PSB carried over key technologies from the Imagine T3, its flagship tower speaker, directly into the CS850's driver design. The proprietary 8" woofer uses a carbon-filled polypropylene cone mounted on a rigid cast basket, a combination that reduces cone resonance and improves dynamic accuracy at high playback levels. The 1" titanium dome tweeter is ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, concentrically mounted, and fitted with a precision waveguide that controls dispersion and reduces off-axis coloration. A ball-joint pivot mount assembly allows the tweeter to be aimed precisely toward the primary listening position using indexed angle adjustment, ensuring the high-frequency axis is directed where it matters most. The result is higher sensitivity and lower harmonic distortion compared to other models in the CustomSound 800 series.

Precision Crossover and Level Optimization

The CS850 incorporates a dedicated precision crossover network engineered for smooth wide-band response, seamlessly blending the woofer and tweeter across the frequency range. Two dual-position level switches, located on the front baffle and accessible after installation, allow independent adjustment of both tweeter and midwoofer output by +3dB or 0dB. This flexibility lets installers optimize the tonal balance to suit each room's acoustics, ceiling height, and furnishings without the need for an external equalizer. Spring-post terminals accept bare wire up to 12AWG, pin connectors, and single banana plugs, making integration with in-wall wiring or amplifier outputs straightforward.

Key Features

• 8" Carbon-Filled Polypropylene Woofer: Proprietary Imagine-derived cone with cast basket construction reduces resonance and delivers deep, controlled bass from 45Hz in large listening rooms.
• 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter with Waveguide: Ferrofluid-cooled for thermal stability, with a precision waveguide and ball-joint pivot for targeted high-frequency dispersion toward the listening position.
• Indexed Tweeter Angle Adjustment: The aimable tweeter can be precisely oriented after installation, allowing accurate pointing toward the primary seating area for optimized imaging.
• Dual-Position Level Switches: Independent tweeter and midwoofer level adjustment (0dB / +3dB) allows room-specific tuning without external processing.
• Precision Crossover Network: Engineered for smooth wide-band response, seamlessly integrating the woofer and tweeter for a cohesive, musical sound.
• Heavy-Duty Dogleg Mounting System: High-strength doglegs secure the speaker firmly to ceilings between 3/8" and 1.25" thick, and allow tool-free removal for servicing.
• Round and Square Magnetic Frameless Grilles Included: Both grille shapes are supplied in the box, allowing the CS850 to suit different ceiling aesthetics and design preferences.
• NRC-Engineered Design: Developed inside the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council, the CS850 reflects over 45 years of PSB acoustic research.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• PSB CS850 8" In-Ceiling Speaker (1 unit)
• Round Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Square Magnetic Frameless Grille
• Cutting Template
• Mounting Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSB CS850?

The PSB CS850 is a premium 2-way flush mount in-ceiling speaker featuring an 8" carbon-filled polypropylene woofer, a 1" titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter with waveguide, and a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz. It is the flagship model in PSB's CustomSound architectural speaker series and is sold individually (each).

How does the PSB CS850 compare to the Polk Audio Reserve R900 or Klipsch CDT-5800-C II?

The PSB CS850 distinguishes itself through its NRC-validated driver technology and Imagine-series heritage. The Polk Audio Reserve R900 uses a 8" woofer and Polk's proprietary X-Port technology but lacks the CS850's indexed tweeter aim adjustment and dual-position level switches. The Klipsch CDT-5800-C II employs a tractrix horn tweeter optimized for high efficiency, while the CS850's titanium dome with waveguide prioritizes smooth, low-distortion wide-band response suited to both music and home theatre. For listeners in Toronto, Canada who prioritize acoustic accuracy and installation flexibility, the CS850 is the stronger choice.

Can the PSB CS850 be used for home theatre overhead effects?

Yes, the CS850 is fully suited for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X height channel and overhead effects in a home theatre system. Its 8" woofer delivers the dynamic output needed for cinematic impact, and the aimable tweeter allows the high-frequency axis to be directed precisely toward the seating area, improving localization cues for overhead audio objects.

What is the NRC anechoic chamber and why does it matter for PSB speakers?

The NRC anechoic chamber is the acoustic testing facility at Canada's National Research Council in Ottawa, Ontario. PSB Speakers has used this facility since the company's founding to measure and refine its speaker designs under controlled, reflection-free conditions. Designing the CS850 in this environment ensures that its frequency response, dispersion, and distortion measurements reflect real-world acoustic performance rather than optimized showroom listening conditions.

What amplifier power does the PSB CS850 require?

The CS850 is compatible with standard home theatre receivers and stereo amplifiers. PSB recommends pairing the speaker with an amplifier rated between 20W and 150W per channel at 8 ohms for optimal performance. Brands such as NAD Electronics, Bluesound, and Anthem are natural matches for a whole-home audio installation using the CS850.

How do the dual-position level switches work on the CS850?

The CS850's dual-position switches allow independent adjustment of both the tweeter and midwoofer output level between 0dB and +3dB. These switches are located on the front baffle and are accessible after the speaker is installed in the ceiling. Rooms with highly absorbent surfaces may benefit from the +3dB setting, while live, reflective spaces may sound best at 0dB for both drivers.

Where can I buy the PSB CS850 in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB CS850 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized PSB dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full PSB CustomSound architectural speaker range and can advise on amplifier pairing, multi-room system design, and professional installation for residential and custom integration projects across the Greater Toronto Area.

Is the PSB CS850 sold as a pair or individually?

The CS850 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 necessary regardless of which shape suits the ceiling design.