Polk Audio RC85i 2-way Premium In-Wall 8" Speakers User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Package Contents
2. Installation
3. Speaker Placement
4. Speaker Connection
5. Painting the Grille
6. Troubleshooting Tips
7. FAQs

1. Package Contents

• 2 x Polk Audio RC85i In-Wall Speakers
• 2 x Paintable Grilles
• 2 x Perfect Fit Templates
• User Manual

2. Installation

1. Choose the desired location for the speakers, ensuring there are no studs or obstructions in the wall.
2. Place the Perfect Fit template on the wall and trace the outline with a pencil.
3. Carefully cut out the traced area using a drywall saw or utility knife.
4. Feed the speaker wire through the hole and strip the ends of the wire, exposing about 1/2 inch of copper.
5. Connect the speaker wire to the speaker terminals, ensuring the positive (red) terminal is connected to the positive wire and the negative (black) terminal is connected to the negative wire.
6. Insert the speaker into the hole, aligning it with the cutout.
7. Turn the Rotating Cam system screws clockwise to secure the speaker in place. Do not overtighten.
8. Attach the paintable grille to the speaker. If desired, paint the grille to match your wall color before attaching it.

3. Speaker Placement

For optimal sound quality, consider the following speaker placement guidelines:

• For a stereo setup, place the speakers at an equal distance from the listening position and angle them slightly towards the listener.
• In a home theater setup, place the front left and right speakers at an equal distance from the listener, with the center speaker directly above or below the TV screen.
• For surround sound, place the rear speakers on the side walls or in the ceiling, aiming the tweeters towards the listener.

4. Speaker Connection

Connect the speaker wires to your audio receiver or amplifier, ensuring the positive (red) terminal on the speaker is connected to the positive terminal on the receiver/amplifier, and the negative (black) terminal is connected to the negative terminal.

5. Painting the Grille

If you wish to paint the grille to match your wall color, follow these steps:

1. Remove the grille from the speaker.
2. Clean the grille with a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris.
3. Apply a thin, even coat of paint to the grille using a spray paint or brush. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats if necessary.
4. Once the paint is dry, reattach the grille to the speaker.

6. Troubleshooting Tips

• If you experience rattling or buzzing sounds, check for loose objects on the wall or adjust the metal grille to eliminate any contact with the speaker.
• If the sound quality is lacking, ensure the speaker wires are securely connected and not damaged. Experiment with different speaker placements to find the best sound quality for your room.
• If the speakers are not producing sound, check the connections to your audio receiver or amplifier and ensure the correct input is selected.

7. FAQs

Can these speakers be used outdoors?

RCi Series speakers are not suitable for exposed outdoor use. For outdoor speaker options, consider Polk's Atrium Series.

What is the recommended power for these speakers?

The recommended amplifier power for the RC85i speakers is 20-100 watts per channel.

How do I connect these speakers to my TV?

Connect the speakers to an audio receiver or amplifier, and then connect the receiver/amplifier to your TV using an HDMI, optical, or analog audio cable.

Do these speakers require a subwoofer?

While the RC85i speakers have an 8" woofer, adding a dedicated subwoofer can enhance the bass response and overall sound quality of your audio system.

What is the purpose of the rubber seal on the speakers?

The rubber seal helps to improve the speaker's response and prevents moisture from entering the speaker, making it suitable for use in damp or humid areas such as bathrooms or covered porches.

Q: What is the depth needed in the wall for the Polk Audio RC85i speakers?
A: The PDF spec sheet indicates that 2 3/8" is needed assuming mounted to 1/2" drywall.

Q: Do you need a subwoofer for these speakers, or do they sound okay without it?
A: These speakers have an 8" dynamic-balance woofer and a 1" tweeter, which add more depth and detail to your music. They also feature a rubber seal that drives better response and prevents moisture access, making them suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, and covered porches. While they can be used without a subwoofer, it is recommended for home theater setups.

Q: Can I paint these speakers with my wall color?
A: Yes, you can paint the frames and grilles to match your existing interior. The speakers come with a clear plastic insert that acts as masks for the frame. It is recommended to use sprayed paint or a small roller with several very light coats.

Q: Can these speakers be used on a concrete wall?
A: These speakers require a 1/2" or 5/8" drywall to mount effectively. If you have drywall over the top of your concrete wall, then this should work (although running speaker wiring presents its own challenge). However, installing in-ceiling speakers in a concrete wall can pose challenges due to the required opening size being larger than the drywall.

Q: What's the maximum wattage for these speakers?
A: These speakers should be used with amplifiers from 20 to 100 watts/channel.

Q: Can these be used as rear speakers? If so, what size is recommended to go with the 8" for in-wall fronts?
A: These can be used as rear speakers. It is recommended to match them with 6.5" speakers for all surround speakers, matched up to 8" front mains.

Q: How do these speakers compare to the Polk Audio RC80i for a 5.1 ceiling system in an 18'x24'x10' room for music and movies?
A: While there is no direct comparison available, the RC85i speakers have an 8" dynamic-balance woofer and a 1" tweeter for more depth and detail in music. They are also suitable for use in high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Q: Can the RC85i speakers be removed and reinstalled after initial installation?
A: Yes, it is possible to remove and reinstall these speakers after initial installation. However, it requires a big square of drywall and some skills to close the hole.

Q: Do I need construction brackets for these speakers?
A: No, all the hardware for mounting these speakers onto drywall (plasterboard) is included in the box. No other brackets are required.