Polk Audio 265-RT 3-way In-Wall Speaker – The Vanishing Series | Easily Fits in Ceiling/Wall-Complete Features/User Guide

Polk Audio 265-RT 3-way In-Wall Speaker – The Vanishing Series | Easily

Fits in Ceiling/Wall

Specifications

• Product Dimensions
  23 x 10.8 x 12.8 inches

• Item Weight
  8.14 pounds

• Department
  Grocery & Gourmet Food

• Speaker Type
  Woofer, Tweeter

• Connectivity Technology
  Wired

• Recommended Uses For Product
  Home Theater

• Brand
  Polk Audio

Introduction

Full-range, dynamic audio is provided by in-wall 3-way speakers from the Vanishing Series 265-RT with paintable grilles. The revolutionary Power Port bass venting mechanism and superior controls ensure fantastic sound in any room setting. These discrete loudspeakers can be used to create a complete, high-performance audio system that always delivers and never causes distraction. Utilize the best audio controls to adjust the performance to the surroundings of your room for the most amazing sound. This speaker is simple to install and fits in with your decor perfectly. Almost transparent, incredibly small perfs and dramatic, unhindered sound are delivered by the special, wafer-thin grille, which is magnetically fastened. Vanishing RT speakers are an excellent value in today’s most popular custom-installed loudspeaker type, even when operating at this caliber.

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 a 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

Besides 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)
4. Port plug (265-ls, 65f/x-ls, 65-ls, 265-rt, 65f/x-rt & 65-rt only)
5. One Owner’s Manual
6. 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.

Wire Recommendations

(minimum recommended)

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 an appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut).

Trace around the template

Cut the hole with the appropriate tool

Important information Before you Install your LoudSpeaker

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 are flat on 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 is where you place your surround speakers requires some careful thought, as installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall or ceiling

The 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 loudspeakers 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 pinpoint sound; the sound is more localized. The location of sounds in the sound field is more identifiable.

Tweeter Switch
(LS and RT models except for 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, the 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 an in-wall loudspeaker be installed closer than 2’ (60cm) from the 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 the response and eliminates “boominess” without sacrificing deep bass response, for a 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

Thinking of using this for the front left and right. What would be the best center speaker that will match the timbre? On wall or bookshelf.

I don’t think you will tell any difference. I use the center A6 and it sounds great. I would get the matching in the wall center. The bookshelf type is large. FYI. Bookshelves so have more bass. Not that you need that from a center. My center is very large and has lots of low ends. It needs to be turned down to match my in-wall speakers.

Does this come with a back box enclosure?

It does not. In typical installations, the wall you mount it in serves as the acoustic enclosure.

I need shallow speakers to replace what i have. Cant find anything appropriate. If i wanted to install these in a custom box what would be the size?

I don’t have exact measurements as mine are installed in walls. They easily fit into a wall 4 inches deep. I assume you can find actual dimensions with an internet search.

I have 6 Polk audio rc80i 2-way premium in-ceiling 8″ speakers and 1 Polk audio 265-rt 3-way speaker, what receiver should I use to connect to the tv?

Use a big one, so you can easily support the 2-way speakers.

I thinking to use this speaker as the Back Left/Right speakers but I only have a 12 cm gap between the beams.is this speaker fits in between a 12 cm gap?

Not sure but, keep looking, i do the same.

Does it matter that I purchased 2 “Right” side spkrs (265RT). Manual says – “LS” (265LS) for left side in surround sys. I am hooking to 2 ch. stereo.

The LS and RT do not depict right or left. They are two different models of Polk speakers. Either can be used as a left or right speaker. Two 265rt are fine in-wall speakers for a right and left application.

What Gauge of speaker wire to use?

I used the flat stuff that sits nicely under the wood flooring. Not sure of the gauge.

I was told that if I could go with 3 of these for my fronts l /c /r. instead of getting a center speaker use this as my center. recommend?

it depends if you have the room, but the speakers need a box for better sound.

I’m upgrading to this with a 120-inch projector screen. It will be behind the screen. Are these really worth it for the price? I love deep sound clean bas

no for deep sounds you need stands not inwall, although with good amplify sounds great.

Do you need to purchase the pre-construction brackets for wall installation or are they included with the speaker purchase?

They are not necessary for installation. Some building contractors require then so the dry wall crew knows where to make holes in the walls/ceilings and where to run the speaker wires.

The picture doesn’t show the face cover on the speaker. Does it come with one? Is it white?

Yes all the vanishing series come with a flat white paint-able magnetic cover screen. They are very thin so pretty flush to wall and very nice.

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