Test of the PSB Image T65 speaker system

Last year, Canadian engineer and violin enthusiast Paul Barton’s PSB Speaker International updated its popular Image series, founded back in 1999.

TEST RESULTS

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES: The updated models in the series use the original block design of the front panels. The front of all the speakers is assembled from the same type of modules – panels of non-resonant plastic, which contain the appropriate drivers: tweeters or midrange woofer drivers. In all the speakers of the series the same tweeters with 25-mm aluminum domes and coil cooling with ferromagnetic fluid are used. In addition, two types of MF/HF drivers are used, with molded polymer cones, the outer surface of which is metallized with aluminum foil, and resilient rubber suspensions. Drivers are available in two sizes – 133 and 165 mm. Each MF/HF module has its own reflex port. This modular design allows for significantly unified production of different speakers and thus reduce production costs. Although the new speakers have a lot of expensive technological solutions, the Canadians managed to “squeeze” them into the average price category, without changing the principle of the original Image series, which was positioned as a speaker accessible to everyone. The cluster design also has several other benefits: the commonality in loudspeaker design and the resulting automatic tonal consistency of all speakers in a home theater setup.

The Image T65 is the top floorstanding model in the redesigned Image series. The front panel consists entirely of four units: a “squeaker” module and three identical modules with 165 mm diameter bass/midrange drivers and 50 mm phaso inverters. Each module has a curved anti-diffraction profile, and the plastic surface around the tweeter also has an unusual texture. The sides and back of the enclosure are MDF. The distances between the side panels narrow slightly as you approach the front and back. The rare case depth of more than half a meter attracts attention. The inside of the cabinet is reinforced with ties, but there is no compartmentalization of the cabinet, all the midrange/midrange drivers with ports work in the same volume. The passive crossover configuration is designed for 2.5 lanes with 500 Hz and 2.5 kHz split points. All speakers are shielded by metal covers, so you can safely put the speakers near TV sets and computer monitors. At the back of the cabinet there is a patch panel with two pairs of universal terminals, embedded in plastic. The T65 thus accepts Bi-Wiring or Bi-Amping as a two-cable system. The speakers stand on slightly protruding four plastic feet which have space for spikes or rubber feet. The design of the T65 and other Image Series speakers allows for two color options: ash black cabinet with a black front panel or maple with a silver front panel.

AUDIO QUALITY: the sound of the Image T65 pair is backed by a solid foundation of dynamic bass. The low end of about 40Hz is a great result, so you can get by with virtually any music without a subwoofer in stereo. The bass seems quite even to the ear with only a slight rise in its midrange. Such a distinctive midbass should appeal to fans of modern music. With good attack, the bass register sound has average microdynamics and some lack of speed, which seems to be a legitimate price to pay for using three reflex ports in the same volume. Fortunately, as the frequency of sound increases its structure becomes more clear and detailed. Mids and tops are clean and quite detailed. Though it doesn’t offer a wealth of timbre riches, the basic timbre of the acoustic instruments comes across as natural. I liked the vocal parts, the male voices sound solid, with a good middle and female voices sound clear, without irritating shrillness.

The name of the series Image imposes on T65 certain obligations. The stereopanorama opens wide and fills evenly along the azimuth. The foreground slightly comes forward and the images are perfectly localized in space. The background is less of a contrast, but still intelligible. So the Canadian speakers completely justify their name.

PRICE: $980.

SUMMARY

ASKS: deep, dynamic bass, even middle and top without extraneous accents.

Cons: Slightly delayed bass.

CONCLUSIONS: The Image T65 can rightfully claim to be a versatile speaker, which performs well in stereo in almost any genre. Although, it should be noted that the modern styles are reproduced by T65 more interesting than chamber forms or even more symphonic music. Deep and dynamic bass of Canadian speakers is very useful for multichannel DT systems.