Key Things to Know
- Theory Audio Design is debuting the p9 pendant loudspeaker at CEDIA Expo 2026, booth 1300 and in Audio Room 202.
- The p9 is a 9-inch coaxial pendant speaker slated for a Q1 2027 release.
- It features a proprietary carbon fiber sandwich diaphragm and the Theorem High Frequency Waveguide.
- The p9 delivers 120-degree dispersion and low-frequency output down to 45 Hz, so no subwoofer is required.
- Its bezel-less coaxial driver fits within the diameter of a typical 8-incch driver.
- The speaker will ship in passive (16-ohms/70V) and PoE versions.
What Is Theory Audio Design Previewing at CEDIA Expo 2026?
Theory Audio Design is previewing the p9, a high-output 9-inch pendant loudspeaker, at CEDIA Expo 2026. The audio brand says the p9 is an innovative, sleek and high-performing addition to its lineup, packaging wide bandwidth, lively dynamics and refined acoustic performance into a slender profile. Integrators can see and hear the speaker at booth 1300 and in Audio Room 202 during the show, which runs Sept. 3-5, 2026.
When Will the p9 Be Available?
The p9 is slated for release in the first quarter of 2027. Theory spent two years developing the speaker before this CEDIA Expo preview. That timeline gives integrators a window to plan the product into upcoming projects ahead of shipment.
What Drives the p9’s Acoustic Performance?
The p9’s performance comes from a 9-inch coaxial driver fitted with a proprietary carbon fiber sandwich low-frequency diaphragm. That driver leverages the company’s Theorem High Frequency Waveguide profile, which provides smooth, wide dispersion of high frequencies along with robust low-frequency output down to 45 Hz. Because the low end reaches that far, the p9 needs no subwoofer even in foreground music applications. The frequency response stays remarkably flat and extended, and at very low volume the speaker still delivers clear, open sound suited to background music.
How Wide Is the p9’s Coverage?
The p9 offers extremely wide dispersion of 120 degrees to the highest frequencies, giving it a massive coverage area. That wide pattern means everyone hears wide-band, detailed sound, even in low-ceiling environments. For integrators, the broad coverage can reduce the number of speakers needed to fill a space while maintaining consistent sound quality across the room.
What Does the p9’s Design Look Like?
The p9 features a black anodized all-aluminum enclosure built to integrate into modern spaces. Its bezel-less coaxial driver enjoys the radiating area of a 9-inch driver but fits within the diameter of a typical 8-inch driver, which lets the speaker maximize performance while minimizing its footprint. That clean, compact design suits high-end residences, restaurants, hotels and spas where both audio quality and aesthetics matter.
What Configurations Will the p9 Offer?
The p9 will be available in Q1 2027 in passive (16-ohms/70V) and PoE versions. Those options give integrators flexibility for different distribution schemes and installation types. Theory says the speaker fills a void at the premium end of the market for a high-output yet compact and flexible pendant solution.
What Is Theory Saying About the p9?
Theory says the p9 speaker punches well above its compact size. CEO Paul Hales points to its resolution and bandwidth as standouts among pendant designs.
“Those who are amazed by our current in-ceiling, pendant, and bollard loudspeakers will be absolutely floored when they experience the p9,” says Paul Hales, CEO of Theory Audio Design. “The sound quality we get from the p9, a surprisingly slender pendant loudspeaker, rivals the sound of some large, expensive high-end floor-standing speakers in resolution, accuracy, and even bandwidth. You have to hear it to believe it.”
Where Can Integrators Experience the p9?
Integrators can experience the p9 at CEDIA Expo 2026 in booth 1300 and in audio demo room 202. Theory will run demos every hour on the hour, except for 12 p.m., all three days of the show. That schedule gives integrators multiple chances to hear the speaker before its 2027 release.
