PSB Passif 50: Anniversary stands-mount speaker set

Canadian brand PSB Speakers made good on its promise to deliver “something special” for its 50th anniversary in early July. The surprise is the Passif 50 stands-mount speaker, a successor to the classic Passif II, which debuted back in 1974.

The replica gets quite a modern set of drivers: one-inch tweeter with titanium dome, neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping, 6.5″ woofer and 8″ passive cone.

It might not have been possible in 1974, but the style is unmistakable: purposely rectangular cabinets in real walnut veneer with woven cloth grilles, retained magnetically but unaffected by the design. The ensemble is rounded off by special stands that make the speakers look quite artistic.

On the back of the PSB Passif 50, you’ll see a plaque that says “Passif 50 – 1972-2022” emblazoned with a maple leaf. The speaker cable terminals, also located there, provide both single channel and bandpass connections.

The first 500 pairs of Passif 50 sold will be accompanied by a handwritten letter from founder and brand leader Paul Barton. The owners of these systems will also receive an offer to purchase an anniversary gift set via a QR code – a cotton backpack, a braided water bottle and a commemorative keychain.

Pre-orders for the Passif 50 will open on the first of August, with finished kits due in September.

In the US, the PSB Passif 50 will cost $2,500.

PSB Passif 50 Specifications

• Frequency Response:
  On Axis @0 +/- 3db 50-20,000Hz
  On axis @0 +/- 1 1/2db 70-16kHz
  off Axis @ 30 =/- 1 1/2db 70-10,000Hz
  LF Cut Off @0 – 10db 30Hz
• Sensitivity:
  Anechoic 87dB
  Listening Room 89dB
• Impedance:
  Nominal 6 Ohms
  Minimum 4 Ohms
• Input Power:
  Recommended 30-200 Watts
  Program 200 Watts
• Acoustic Design:
  Tweeter 1” (25mm) titanium dome with ferrofluid and neodymium magnet
  Woofer 6.5” (165mm) cast aluminum basket, paper cone, and filleted rubber surround
  Crossover 1800Hz, LR4
  Design Type 2 way with passive radiator
• Dimensions:
  26” x 11” x 10”
  Size Without Stands (W x H x D) 660mm × 280mm × 254mm ” (26”x 11” x 10”)
  Size With Stands (W x H x D) 870mm H × 280mm W × 254mm D (34” x 11” x 10”)
  Net Weight 30.3 lbs (13.7kg) per speaker
  Gross Carton Weight 48.5 lbs (22 kg) per speaker
  Finish open-grain walnut veneer