Polk Audio RC80i In-Wall Speakers Owner’s Manual

Polk Audio RC80i In-Wall Speakers

PLACEMENT OPTIONS

Polk Audio RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers give you nearly endless placement options. But remember that placement choice for your in-wall speakers bears careful consideration, as installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall! Fill a room with sound by installing in-wall speakers in nearly any wall or ceiling location [figure 1]. Polk RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers have a wide dispersion pattern and amiable tweeters that allow you to focus their sound.

FIGURE 1
RC Series audio and A/V placement options, in the wall or ceiling. Recommended measurements for HT front-stage placement.

ADJUSTING THE TWEETER

Aiming the tweeter toward your listening position improves imaging and detail. When using RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers as front/main home theater speakers [figure 2], aim the tweeter toward your listening posi-tion. For rear/surround speakers installed in walls or ceilings [figure 3], aim the tweeter toward the nearest reflecting surface (an adjacent wall or ceiling) for a more diffuse sound field (if you so desire; for more direct sound, aim the tweeters at your listening position).

FIGURE 2
Recommended measurements for HT front-stage placement.

RC55i, RC65i, RC85i models: Holding the edges of the tweeter carefully between the thumbs and forefingers of both hands, rock the tweeter slightly to aim it [figure 4]. RC60i, RC80i models: Grasping the round tweeter with the tips of the fingers of one hand, pivot the tweeter toward the direction you desire [figure 5]. Do not “turn” the tweeter like a door knob.

Note: RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers are not magnetically shielded and should not be placed closer than 1’ (30cm) from a television or video monitor. If you experience discoloration or distortion, immediately move the speakers away from your TV.

FIGURE 3
Examples of in-wall and in-ceiling placement. When used as rear/surrounds, aim the tweeter toward the nearest reflecting surface (an adjacent wall or ceiling) for a more diffuse sound field.

FIGURE 4
RC55i, RC65i, RC85i models: Holding the edges of the oblong tweeter carefully between the thumbs and forefingers of both hands, rock the tweeter slightly to aim it.

FIGURE 5
RC60i, RC80i models: Grasping the round tweeter with the tips of the fingers of one hand, pivoting the tweeter in the direction you desire. Do not turn the tweeter like a door knob.

PAINTING YOUR RCi SERIES IN-WALL LOUDSPEAKERS

You will need:

• Paint of your choice (to make the job easier, we recommend spray painting the grille)
• A paperclip or corkscrew (for removing the paintable grille, corkscrew can also be used to open the wine when you relax with your newly painted RCi speakers))
• Masking tape
• Paint mask (to cover unpaintable parts, supplied!)

FIGURE 6
Use a paperclip to remove the grille.

PREPARING TO PAINT:

1. Separate the parts of the speaker. If the speaker is not yet installed, the grille can be removed simply by pushing the clamp screws forward to push the grille of the speaker from the inside. If the speaker is already in the wall, carefully hook the grille with a bent paper clip and pull it gently away from the frame [figure 6].
2. When painting the frame of the speaker, use the supplied paint masks to carefully mask off the front of the speakers to pro-tect the drivers and baffles while painting. You can do this while the speaker is already installed in the wall (if, for instance, you’re repainting the room). If you do not have the paint masks, carefully mask the speaker components using paper and masking tape.

FIGURE 7
Mask the drivers and baffles, then spray paint in thin coats.

PAINTING THE FRAME:

1. Apply paint to exposed (unmasked parts). Use two or more thin coats. Spray painting is recommended [figure 7].
2. When the paint is completely dry, remove the masking material.

PAINTING THE GRILLE:

1. The grille of the RCi Series speaker features an even, protective powder coating. This powder coating is an ideal primer.

2. Grilles must be spray painted. Do not use a brush and paint. Thick, brushed paint may clog the grille holes.

3. RC55i, RC65i, and RC85i models: Before spray painting the grille, carefully remove the grille’s fabric scrim by peeling it away from the inside of the grille [figure 8]. Place this on a clean, flat surface where it will not get wrinkled.
   FIGURE 8 Peel away the fabric grille scrim before painting the grille.

4. After removing the grille by carefully hook-ing it with a bent paper clip and pulling it gently away from the frame, spray on two thin coats of finish color. If you’re using a compressor and spray gun, use the finest, most diffuse setting. Be careful not to fill the holes in the grille with paint [figure 9].

5. When the paint is completely dry, carefully reinstall the grille by fitting it into its recess so that it is just resting on the frame. Starting with one corner, go around the speaker and push the grille into the grille notch a little bit at a time. Be gentle; the grille may be easily bent out of shape by rough handling. You will feel a positive snap when it is fully in place.

6. RC55i, RC65i, RC85i models: When the grille is dry, carefully press the fabric scrim back into place on the inside of the grille. The special fabric scrim hides the speaker’s drivers from view, and will not interfere with the sound.

FIGURE 9
Paint the grille. Use thin coats of spray paint. Do not block grille holes with paint.

INSTALLATION

Out of the box and into the wall, that’s how easy it is to install Polk RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers. If you intend to do the installation yourself we recommend that you possess some skill in the proper use of hand and power tools. You should have a thorough understanding of local building and fire codes and a familiarity with the area behind the wall or ceiling into which you plan to install your speakers. Install speaker wires before installing speakers. Wire meeting appropriate building and fire codes must be used. Use at least 18 gauge wire or heavier for the utmost sound quality. Wiring is best performed by an experienced professional. If you are in doubt that you possess the necessary skills or tools, consult your Polk Audio dealer, or a profes- sional installer.

FIGURE 10a
Round Template: Trace within the pop-out area.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Pencil for marking the location of installation
• Keyhole saw, utility knife, or material-appropriate incising implement for cutting drywall or other wall material
• Level
• Screwdriver, preferably powered, with Phillips head bit
• Power drill with an appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut)

FIGURE 10b
Rectangular Template: Trace around the template.

FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS:

• Make sure the material into which you plan to mount the speakers (plaster, drywall, paneling, stone, etc.) can support the weight of the speakers (see specification page for the weight of your model).
• Make sure the locations you select do not conceal studs, electrical wiring, or plumbing. Prior to installation, hold the speaker in your chosen location to make sure it safely clears obstacles such as studs, corners, beams, lighting fixtures, and door/window frames. Your cutout must be at least 1″ (25mm) from adjoining walls or ceiling, internal studs, or plumbing.
• Using the template, trace the installation location with a pencil. You can do this by holding the template in your preferred location and tracing around it (rectangle) or within the template pop-out area (round). Use a level to make certain the template is straight and plumb. This is the exact cutout size [figures 10a & 10b].

FIGURE 11
Cut the hole with the appropriate tool.

• Carefully cut the hole with the appropriate cutting tool for your wall or ceiling material. Start the hole by drilling a hole on the inside of the tracing (with the drill bit touching the line). Use this hole to insert the saw or knife and begin cutting [figure 11].
• Once you have cut the hole, fish your previously positioned wiring out of the hole and connect the speaker. Follow the hookup directions included with your receiver. Strip 2 inches (12 mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors of the wire to expose the bare metal and twist each of the conductors into a single unfrayed strand (so you have two unfrayed strands). Note that one of the terminals on the rear of each speaker is red (+) and the other is black (-). Make certain that you connect the wire from the red terminal (+) of your amplifier or receiver to the red terminal (+) on your speaker and the wire from the black terminal (-) of your amplifier or receiver to the black terminal (-) on your speaker. Most wire has some indicator (such as color-cod-ing, ribbing, or writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency [figure 12].

FIGURE 12
Hook up the speaker wires.

• To install the speaker, first, carefully remove the grille using a straightened paperclip or another pointed metal tool. Insert the point into one of the grille perforations near a corner and lift the grille free. Never use
  a knife or screwdriver to pry between the grille and the speaker frame. This will damage your speaker.

• Loosen the rotating wall clamps by unscrewing them. Make sure that the rotating wall clamps are flipped inwards so that your speaker fits into your cutout without nicking your wall. Then place the speaker carefully into the cutout [figure 13]. If you have a level, use it to help you correctly align the speaker. Tighten the wall clamp screws with a screwdriver. This will rotate the wall clamps and secure the speaker to the wall. Hint—on the RC55i, RC65i, and RC85i models, tighten the center screws before tightening the corners for the most flush fit to your wall. Do not over-tighten the wall clamp screws [figure 14].

FIGURE 13
Place the speaker carefully into the cutout.

• Carefully reinstall the grille by fitting it into its recess so that it is just resting on the frame. Starting with one corner, go around the speaker and push the grille into the grille notch a little bit at a time. Be gentle; the grille may be easily bent out of shape by rough handling. You will feel a positive “snap” when it is fully in place. (Where’s the corkscrew?)

FIGURE 14
Tighten retaining wall clamps to engage the wall. Use a #2 Phillips head screwdriver or a powered screwdriver.

SAFETY FIRST

When installing your RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers, be aware of the weight of your particular model (see specification page for the weight of your model) and the sturdiness of the material into which you are installing the speaker. Also be aware of any concealed studs, electrical wiring, or plumbing in the wall or ceiling into which you are installing the speakers. If you are not sure of a safe way to install these speakers, consult a professional installer, your authorized Polk Audio dealer, or a building contractor.

If you plan to install your RCi Series speakers where water will directly contact them, it is advisable to use a silicone sealant or caulk between the frame of the speaker and the wall surface. This seal should prevent water from getting behind the loudspeaker and possibly damaging the wall surface. Do not position the speaker where water can pool on the surface of the woofer cone or tweeter dome, as this will greatly decrease the speaker’s useful life (and everything will sound—glub! glub!—like it’s coming from underwater!).

SPECIFICATIONS

POLK AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY

Polk Audio, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser only that this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer. However, this Warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration of the five (5) years if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as “you.” To allow Polk Audio to offer the best possible warranty service, please fill out the Product Registration Card(s) and send it to the Factory, at the address provided on the Product Cards(s) within ten (10) days of the date of purchase.

Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the Polk Audio Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the Factory at 2550 Britannia Boulevard, Suite D, San Diego, California 92154. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the Factory or Polk Audio Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Polk Audio or the Polk Audio Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Products become the property of Polk Audio. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid. This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence,  inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved by Polk Audio. This warranty shall terminate if the Serial number on the Product has been removed, tampered with, or defaced.

This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Polk Audio, Inc. be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Polk Audio, Inc. or a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party? Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state.

This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in the United States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges and audio clubs. The Warranty terms and conditions applicable
to Products purchased in other countries are available from the Polk Audio Authorized Distributors in such countries.

“Polk Audio,” “Polk,” “The Speaker Specialists,” “Power Port” and “Dynamic Balance” are trademarks of Britannia Investment Corporation used under license by Polk Audio Incorporated. Dolby, Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and AC-3 are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Polk Audio RC80i In-Wall Speaker?

The Polk Audio RC80i is an in-wall speaker designed for home audio systems. It is designed to be mounted flush with the wall or ceiling, providing a discreet and immersive audio experience.

What is the power handling of the Polk Audio RC80i?

The Polk Audio RC80i has a power handling capacity of up to 100 watts per speaker, providing ample volume and clarity for most home audio setups.

Can the Polk Audio RC80i be used in outdoor environments?

While the RC80i is not specifically designed for outdoor use, it is moisture- resistant, which means it can be used in covered outdoor areas where it won't be directly exposed to the elements.

What is the frequency response of the Polk Audio RC80i?

The frequency response of the Polk Audio RC80i is 35Hz to 20kHz, allowing it to reproduce a wide range of audio frequencies.

Are the grilles of the Polk Audio RC80i paintable?

Yes, the grilles of the Polk Audio RC80i are paintable, allowing you to match them to the color of your walls or ceilings for seamless integration.

Can the Polk Audio RC80i be used as a part of a surround sound system?

Yes, the Polk Audio RC80i can be used as part of a surround sound system, providing high-quality audio for both music and movies.

Do the Polk Audio RC80i speakers require a separate amplifier?

The Polk Audio RC80i speakers are passive speakers and require a separate amplifier or receiver to power them.

What is the speaker impedance of the Polk Audio RC80i?

The Polk Audio RC80i has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, which is the standard for most home audio speakers.

Can the Polk Audio RC80i be installed in a wall without professional help?

The Polk Audio RC80i is designed for easy installation and comes with a rotating cam system that makes the installation process straightforward. However, if you are unsure about the installation process, it's always recommended to seek professional help.

Can the Polk Audio RC80i be used in a home theater setup?

Yes, the Polk Audio RC80i can be used as part of a home theater setup, providing immersive sound for movies and other multimedia content.

Are the Polk Audio RC80i speakers magnetically shielded?

No, the Polk Audio RC80i speakers are not magnetically shielded. If you plan to place them near a CRT television or other sensitive electronic devices, it's advisable to leave some distance to prevent any interference.

Are the Polk Audio RC80i speakers sold as a pair?

Yes, the Polk Audio RC80i speakers are typically sold as a pair, providing a stereo sound experience.

Can the Polk Audio RC80i be used with a multi-room audio system?

Yes, the Polk Audio RC80i can be used with a multi-room audio system, allowing you to enjoy music throughout your home.

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