Polk Audio RC6s Custom Wall & Ceiling Speaker Owner’s Manual

Polk Audio RC6s Custom Wall & Ceiling Speaker

PERFORMANCE ENHANCING ACCESSORIES

Your authorized Polk Audio dealer can recommend a slew of audiophile accessories to help you get more performance from your system. Or, for high- quality speaker stands that match our speaker finishes, wall-mount brackets, system-enhancing accessories, exclusive Polk Audio logo wear, and more, visit our website: http://shop.polkaudio.com.

FEATURES

• True stereo sound from a single speaker: Dual tweeters in a stereo faceplate deliver left & right channel highs, while a dual voice coil driver automatically “sums” left & right channel mids and bass, for lifelike stereo imaging.
• Delivers stereo sound in locations where there is only enough space for a single speaker (corners or even enclosed shower stalls!).
• Round shape and flush design mimics the look of a recessed lighting fixture for the ultimate in “stealth” sound.
• Dynamic Balance® Composite Cone Driver is timbre-matched to other Polk Audio speakers for seamless, enveloping imaging when used in a home theater or whole-house sound system.
• Durable Rubber Surround outlasts the competition’s foam surrounds for years of trouble-free performance.
• Moisture-resistant materials make it safe for use in bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, and even under outdoor roof eaves.
• Polk’s Rotating Cam Mounting System: the fastest and easiest installation system ever!
• Infinite Baffle Tuning uses the virtual enclosure of in-wall space for superior bass response.
• The paintable grille and flange allow the RC Series in-wall speakers to virtually disappear in your room.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IN-WALL, IN-CEILING PLACEMENT FOR STEREO SPEAKER

The RC6s Stereo In-Wall Loudspeaker delivers lifelike stereo sound with a single speaker in places where a pair of speakers would be impractical. [Figure 1]

This stereo in-wall loudspeaker is designed to work well in any standard ceiling (or wall) mounting. The mounting surface must be at least 3/8″ thick, and the best performance will be achieved when the in-wall air volume is greater than .5 cubic feet. (This speaker’s Infinite Baffle Tuning uses the virtual enclosure of in-wall space for superior bass response.)

Placement for custom in-wall and in-ceiling speakers demands careful consideration since installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall or ceiling!

FIGURE 1
The RC6s gives you lifelike stereo imaging from a single speaker, It’s made to fit locations where a pair of speakers would be impractical, such as corners, hallways, or even shower stalls.

A NOTE ABOUT SPEAKER SHIELDING

This speaker is NOT magnetically shielded and should not be placed within 6″ of a television set or video monitor. If you see any color distortion on your TV or monitor, move the speaker away from the TV or monitor. Contact Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9-6 EST, US only) or via email at polkcs@polkaudio.com. Outside the US, call 410-358-3600.

SAFETY FIRST

When installing your 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.

PAINTING YOUR RC 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 a nice bottle of wine when you relax with your newly painted speakers).
• Masking tape.
• Paint mask (to cover the unpaintable parts, supplied!).

FIGURE 2

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 off 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 2]
2. When painting the frame of the speaker, use the supplied paint mask to carefully mask off the front of the speaker to protect the driver and baffle 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 3]

FIGURE 3

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.
2. Remove the masking material as soon as you apply the final coat. This avoids peeling up the dried paint on the speaker along with the masking tape or paper later.
3. Allow the speaker to dry fully before handling.

PAINTING THE GRILLE:

1. The grille of your loudspeaker features an even, protective powder coating. This powder coating is an ideal primer.

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

3. If your speaker model features a removable fabric scrim, carefully remove it by peeling it away from the inside of the grille. Place this on a clean, flat surface where it will not get wrinkled. [Figure 4] FIGURE 4
   Peel away the fabric grille scrim before painting the grille.

4. After removing the grille from the speaker frame by carefully hooking it with a bent paperclip 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 5]

5. If your speaker model features a removable fabric scrim, carefully press the fabric scrim back into place on the inside of the grille before replacing the grille. The speaker fabric scrim hides the speaker’s drivers from view and will not interfere with the sound.

6. When the paint is completely dry, carefully reinstall the grille by fitting it into its recess so that it is resting on the frame. Starting with one side, 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.

FIGURE 5

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

INSTALLATION

IN-WALL, IN-CEILING PLACEMENT

• Out of the box and into the wall, that’s how easy it is to install Polk Audio in-wall and in-ceiling 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.
• Proper installation of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers requires that you run your speaker wires before the installation begins. Wire meeting appropriate building and fire codes must be used (and this is your responsibility, of course). 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 professional installer.

YOU WILL NEED:

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

FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS:

1. Make sure the material into which you plan to mount the speakers (plaster, dry-wall, paneling, stone, etc.) can support the weight of the speakers (see specification page for the weight of your model).

2. 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″ from adjoining walls or ceiling, internal studs, or plumbing.

3. Using the template, trace the installation location with a pencil. You can do this by holding the template in your preferred location and tracing within it or around it. This is the exact cutout size. [Figure 6]
   FIGURE 6
   Round Template: Trace within the pop-out area.

4. 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 7]

5. 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 and in this manual.

FIGURE 7
Cut the hole with the appropriate tool.

USING SPRING CLIP CONNECTORS

Push the Push Post “in” to open the hole located on the post. Insert bare wire into the hole and release the post, which grasps the wire and makes the connection. Do not insert the insulated section of the speaker wire; this will result in a poor connection. Repeat for each terminal. [Figure 8]

FIGURE 8
Hook up the speaker wires.

IN-WALL MOUNTING

1. To mount the speaker, 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 9] Tighten the wall clamp screws with a screwdriver. This will rotate the wall clamps and secure the speaker to the wall.[Figure 10] Hint: Do not overtighten the wall clamp screws.
   FIGURE 9
   Place the speaker carefully into the cutout.

2. 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. FIGURE 10
   Tighten retaining wall clamps to engage the wall. Use a #2 Phillips head screwdriver or a powered screwdriver.

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Your Polk Audio Loudspeakers are constructed of the highest quality materials for years of trouble-free performance. However, damage to loudspeakers can occur when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce. This is usually beyond the “noon or 1 o’clock” position on the volume control. Operation at this level can result in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening material. Contrary to popular belief, a speaker is more likely to be damaged by trying to get too much volume from a low-powered amplifier or receiver than from a high-powered one.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

If, after following the hookup directions, you experience difficulty, please double-check all wire connections. Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk Audio dealer where you made your purchase, or contact Polk Audio Customer Service at 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9-6 EST, US only) or via email at polkcs@polkaudio.com. Outside the US, call 410-358-3600.

More detailed information — including audio how-to articles, FAQs, and online manuals —is available on our award-winning website www.polkaudio.com.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Frequency Response : 40Hz-20Khz
• Recommended Power : 20-100wrms
• Impedance : Compatible with 8-ohm amplifiers
• Efficiency (dB 1w/1m) : 89db
• Drive Unit Complement :
  • Mid-Bass : 1–62″ (16.5cm) mineral-filled polypropylene cone, rubber suspension
  • Tweeter : 2–w” (1.9cm) soft dome
• Cutout Dimensions : 7b” (19.2cm)
• Depth with 2″ drywall : 2a” (5.56cm)

POLK AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY

Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original retail purchaser only. This warranty will terminate automatically prior to its stated expiration if the original retail purchaser sells or transfers the Product to any other party. Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that the LOUDSPEAKER(S), PASSIVE CROSSOVER COMPONENT(S), and ENCLOSURE on this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.

Furthermore, Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that any AMPLIFIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENT that may be included in this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer. 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 Registration Card(s) within ten (10) days of the date of original 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 that 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,” AND “DYNAMIC BALANCE” ARE TRADEMARKS OF BRITANNIA INVESTMENT CORPORATION USED UNDER LICENSE BY POLK AUDIO INCORPORATED.

the speaker specialist s®

5601 METRO DRIVE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21215, USA,800-377-7655, FAX: 410-764-5266

www.polkaudio.com

RC6s

Custom Wall & Ceiling Speaker

Owner’s Manual

High-Performance In-Wall Speakers

FAQs

Where can I ideally use this speaker?

It's an ideal choice for use in bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, and covered porches. The rubber surrounds prevent moisture access, making it suitable for high-moisture areas.

Can I adjust the direction of the tweeters?

Yes, the directional tweeters ensure that you get crisp highs and crystal- clear vocals from every direction. You can position the tweeters towards your listening area for the best experience.

Is installation complicated?

No, it's designed for an easy out-of-the-box installation. You can quickly and easily install this speaker, recessed and vanishing into the ceiling without any mess.

What makes Polk Audio special?

Polk Audio is renowned for its unwavering commitment, reliability, and craftsmanship. It's one of the most trusted names in home audio, ensuring the best in surround sound systems and acoustic excellence.

Can I paint the grilles?

Yes, the paintable grilles allow the RCi Series speakers to blend seamlessly into any room.

What is the maximum output power of the speaker?

The speaker's maximum output power is 100 Watts.

Are there any design features to note?

Yes, the speaker boasts a Streamlined Design, uses Klippel motor optimization for uniform performance, has Superior Components suitable for high moisture areas, and offers a Simple Setup with a patented Rotating Cam system for a secure fit.

What makes this speaker unique for rooms with limited space?

This speaker is unique for such rooms as it provides great stereo sound using just a single speaker unit, ensuring both left and right sound channels.

How does the speaker ensure quality sound in various environments?

The speaker is equipped with timbre-matching. This means RCi Series speakers are timbre-matched to other Polk speakers, ensuring seamless blending in systems that combine traditional and built-in speakers.

How does the speaker handle moisture-prone environments?

The speaker features rustproof stainless steel hardware, durable butyl rubber surrounds, and specially coated grilles, making it suitable for areas like bathrooms or transitional spaces. However, it's not suitable for fully exposed outdoor use.

Does the speaker come with any warranty or quality assurance?

Polk Audio is known for its unwavering commitment, reliability, and craftsmanship. While the specific warranty details are not provided, Polk Audio is a trusted name in home audio, indicating a commitment to quality.

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