Polk Vanishing Series 265-LS In-Wall 3-Way Loudspeaker

Polk Vanishing Series 265-LS In-Wall 3-Way Loudspeaker

• OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 20-7/8″ H x 8-7/8″ W (530.2mm x 225.4mm)
• CUTOUT DIMENSIONS: 19-3/16″ H x 7-1/4″ W (487.4mm x 184.2mm)
• PRODUCT DEPTH: 3-3/4″ (95.3mm)
• MOUNTING DEPTH (USING ½” DRYWALL): 3-1/4″ (82.6mm)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 33kHz
• DRIVER: 5”
• OUTPUT WATTAGE: 200 watts

Dual 6.5″ Powerful Balance Drivers provide clean, precise mids and dynamic lows for the in-wall speaker, while a 1″ Ring-Radiator Tweeter provides outstanding imaging. While reducing undesired resonances, the speaker enhances your audio with deep, rumbling bass thanks to Polk’s patented Power Port Bass Technology. The reflective room compensation control switch is located on the front panel, and it enables you to digitally correct for harsh reflected surfaces like smooth walls, glass windows, and hardwood floors to provide smooth sounds.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
10. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.

Product Disposal—
certain international, national and/or local laws and/or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this product. For further detailed information, please contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk Audio Importer/ Distributor in your country. A listing of Polk Audio Importer/Distributors can be found on the Polk Audio website www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at 5601 Metro Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA—Phone: +1 410 358-3600.

WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers are capable of playing at extremely high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage. Polk Audio, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or property damage resulting from the misuse of its products.  Keep these guidelines in mind and always use your own good judgment when controlling volume: You should limit prolonged exposure to volumes that exceed 85 decibels (dB). For more about safe volume levels, go to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/standards_more.html

TAKE INVENTORY

Inside each speaker container, you should find the following:

1. One in-wall loudspeaker or one set of loudspeakers for F/X® models only.
2. Speaker cutout mounting template
3. One Sheer-Grille (for each speaker)

Port plug (265-LS, 65F/X-LS, 65-LS, 265-R     T, 65F/X-RT & 65-RT only)

4. One Owner’s Manual
5. Registration Card

Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if your speaker fails to operate, notify Polk Audio Customer Support Services immediately at 800-377-7655.

INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

Important Note :
Vanishing Series Loudspeakers are not magnetically shielded and should not be placed closer than 1’ (30cm) from a CRT (tube) television or video monitor.

Important Note:
You should have a thorough understanding of and adhere to all local building and fire codes. Also, you should be familiar with the area behind the wall or ceiling into which you plan to install your speakers. Always use wire that meets appropriate building and fire codes. (Note: Wiring is best performed by an experienced professional.)

When installing your loudspeakers, be aware of the weight of your particular model and the sturdiness of the material into which you are installing the speaker. Be aware of any concealed studs, electrical wiring or plumbing in the wall or ceiling into which you are installing the speakers. If you doubt that you possess the necessary skills or tools, consult your Polk Audio dealer or a professional installer.

LOUDSPEAKER INSTALLATION

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.
• Level.
• Screwdriver, preferably powered, with Phillips Head bit.
• Power drill with appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR LOUDPSPEAKER

Wall Or Ceiling Surface Preparation
If you’re installing your Vanishing Series speaker into a heavily textured wall or ceiling (e.g. stucco or popcorn finish), you must prepare the wall surface immediately around the speaker  cutout. Sanding and smoothing the wall or ceiling surface will ensure the speaker and grille both seat properly and flat to the surface.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PAINT YOUR GRILLES
Because of its ultra-thin profile, the Vanishing Series Sheer-Grille™ requires a specific painting procedure to ensure smooth, even coverage. The grille scrim and perforated grille come assembled and require no disassembly.

Paint Recommendation
We highly recommend you use a can of spray paint matched to the wall color you want the Sheer-Grilles to blend with.

Important Note: Never use a brush or roller to paint the grilles, as this will clog the perf holes.

To paint the Sheer-Grille

1. Elevate the Sheer-Grille off of a flat surface. This will ensure even coverage of the grille frame and make it easier to pick up. Mounting Idea: Two spray can caps will raise the grille high enough.
2. Hold the spray paint about 12″ from the grille and at a 45° angle.
3. Apply one light, thin coat, moving evenly side to side over the grille, then work your way around the perimeter of the grille to ensure you cover the grille frame.
4. After each application of paint, wait approximately 1 minute, rotate the grille 90°, and apply the next thin coat. Important Note: You must rotate the grille 90°. Use your hands to define the next 90° rotation and always rotate the grille in the same direction of travel.
5. Three light, even applications should cover the grille and frame adequately. Remember to work your way around the grille frame to cover it evenly and completely.

**SURROUND SPEAKER PLACEMENT

**

Polk Audio F/X® surround loudspeakers give you nearly endless placement options. But remember that where you place your surround speakers requires some careful thought, as installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall or ceiling.

Diagram shows speaker locations for 5.1 and 7.1 systems, when two additional in-wall speakers are installed in the rear wall.

Left/Right Orientation:
F/X® surround loud- speakers have a left/right orientation, and each speaker is clearly marked on the serial number label on the back of the magnet for installation on either the right or left. Right and left are defined from your listening area as you face your system’s center channel.

Center Channel Speaker Placement
Install the 255C-LS or 255C-RT as close as possible to ear level. If the speaker needs to be installed higher, aim the tweeter down as required.

Do not block the center channel with your TV or furniture.
Please Note: For more on speaker placement go to: www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=15 or www.polkaudio.com/downloads/hthandbook.pdf

ROOM ENVIRONMENT CONTROLS

Imaging (65F/X-LS model only)
F/X Surround Loudspeakers offer switchable “Diffuse” and “Solid” imaging patterns to create the surround effect you desire.
A “Diffuse” image is defined as one which creates a “cloud” of sound; think of the effect as ambient sounds which fill the environment all around you, but are less localizable.
A “Solid” image is one which creates a more pin-point sound; sound is more localized. The location of sounds in the sound field is more identifiable.

Tweeter Switch

(LS and RT models except F/X models)

Filter—
If your listening room is very reflective, with smooth sheetrock walls, hardwood floors,  and non-cushioned furniture, the sound will be overly “bright” and unnatural. Selecting the “Filter” setting compensates for the effect of reflectivity in a hard room. Tweeter attenuation flattens room response, without hindering higher frequency response, for warmer, more realistic sound and more accurate imaging.

Norm—
If your room is not reflective, with curtains, artwork, lots of cushioned furniture and carpeting, sound will be absorbed by the room, resulting in more realistic reproduction and more accurate imaging. In this case, select the tweeter “Norm” setting.

Wall Distance Switch
(65F/X-RT and all LS Models except the Center Channel)
In-wall loudspeakers excel when placed more than 2’ (60cm) from side walls. If position limitations demand that in-wall loudspeakers be installed closer than 2’ (60cm) from side walls or ceiling, the proximity of the surface can result in a response “bump” between 50 and 200Hz.  This can cause in-wall speakers to sound “boomy.” The “Wall Distance” switch flattens response and eliminates “boominess” without sacrificing deep bass response, for more lifelike sound.

WHEN TO USE THE PROVIDED PORT PLUG

Important Note:
Use the provided port plug when you are installing any of the in-wall loudspeakers listed below in an area larger than a standard open stud bay. Ensure the plug seats all the way into the port.

The port plug should be used on the following models: 265-LS, 65F/X-LS, 65-LS, 265-RT, 65F/X-RT & 65-RT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which speaker wire size do you suggest?

14 or 12 AWG stranded

Does this speaker need a ceiling installation bracket, and if so, which one?

These speakers are by far the simplest to install. Simply cut the speaker through the templet, insert the speakers, and secure the screws. No mounting at all necessary.

Are there two posts or four posts for bi-wiring on these?

There are four posts for bi-wiring.

To these speakers, where do I connect speaker wire?

The receiver is connected to your wall or ceiling via a speaker cable that is hooked up behind the speaker.

On these speakers, where are the cable posts?

On our Polk Audio 265-LS in-wall speakers, the speaker wire posts are found on the rear middle RT of the speaker.

Do these speakers have a power rating of 100W or 200W?

They were made to operate with amplifiers that could produce up to 200 watts per channel.

Are the in-wall speakers audible?

The sound from the many in-wall speakers is excellent. If you install them correctly and utilize a good speaker, the only thing you give up with a stereo layout is that the sound quality might not be quite as excellent.

What is the name of the in-wall speakers?

They can also be referred to as architectural speakers, built-in speakers, in- wall speakers, in-ceiling speakers, or built-in speakers.

Which is better, on-wall or in-wall speakers?

On-wall speakers and their in-wall equivalents only differ in a few minor ways. On-wall speakers are the best choice if you have a limited amount of space because they take up very little area.

Do the 265-ls have a pivoting tweeter?

Yes, they have a pivoting tweeter.

Are wall-mounted speakers preferable to tower speakers?

While in-wall speakers are great for low bass and peaceful sound, floor- standing speakers are best for songs with strong bass and big volume.

Do built-in speakers merit the cost?

When installed appropriately, high-quality in-wall or in-ceiling speakers provide a home entertainment system a number of benefits.

Are built-in speakers a fire risk?

It is believed that a speaker’s heat output is much too low to ignite a fire.

How are speakers on walls powered?

There will be ceiling and wall-mounted passive speakers. As a result, they are not required to be wired into a power source. All that’s needed for them to function is a connection to a power-supply-capable receiver or amplifier.

Do in-wall speakers cost more?

In-wall speakers may be mounted in any wall and are more expensive but are bigger, stronger, and more versatile.

How durable are in-wall speakers?

Depending on the materials they are made of and the environment where the equipment is used, high-quality speakers can last up to 40 to 50 years before showing any signs of wear and tear.

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