Theory Audio Design has a new loudspeaker to add to its collection, and attendees to CEDIA Expo 2026 will get an exclusive opportunity to see it first-hand. The p9 is a high-output, 9-inch pendant loudspeaker which, according to Theory CEO Paul Hales, punches well above its compact size.
“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.”
Integrators can see and hear the speaker at Booth 1300 and in Audio Room 202 during CEDIA Expo 2026 show, which runs Sept. 1 – 4 , 2026.
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.
The p9 also offers extremely wide dispersion of 120 degrees to the highest frequencies, giving it a massive coverage area.
Why Integrators Should Take Note
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.
Theory also says the speaker fills a void at the premium end of the market for a high-output yet compact and flexible pendant solution.
Availability
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.
Design-wise, 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.
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.
