Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Voorheesville, NY on 1/19/2021
Set up as a surround system Speakers sound and look awesome
Pros: Clean looking sounds awesome
Cons: Had to remove stud in order to fit Wasn't a bearing wall so not a big deal
0 of 0 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Ankeny, IA on 12/11/2020
bigger than i imagined, looks great in the walls and sounds even better!
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Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Headland, AL on 10/27/2020
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Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Clarkston, MI on 10/20/2020
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Initial Review on quality and shipping
Crutchfield customer from Mount Joy , PA on 10/3/2020
I received these speakers, along with 6 others from Crutchfield in 2 days time. Very fast, in my opinion, but in today's world of online shopping, pretty normal. Packaging was good, no issues or damage. These speakers are large and of nice quality. I especially like the magnetic grille feature. I'll give a performance review after I finish the audio install.
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0 of 0 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Alexandria, MN on 8/31/2020
Arrived very promptly and easy to install. Good looking when installed. Appears to be very good quality construction. Very good mid and high range sound but I was hoping for better base response. I maybe should have spent a little more.
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1 of 2 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from North Pole, AK on 8/12/2020
0 of 2 found this helpful
Great speakers!
Crutchfield customer from Plano, TX on 7/29/2020
The speakers are just what I needed for the two front speakers of my home theater setup. They sound and look great. I like the slim magnet mounted grills. I did find that when I had to take one out and reinstall, I had to 'reset' the clamps that hold the speakers against the wall. If the clamps are too tight, they won't swing out correctly and if they are too loose, they will not hold still and will get in the way. I found myself more comfortable using a handheld screwdriver for installation than a drill with a philips head.
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0 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Franklin, TN on 7/13/2020
Excellent sound, very easy installation, punchy wide range, great price.
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A three star meh
Crutchfield customer from Asheville, NC on 5/26/2020
Sound is decent, not as good as I was expecting. Definitely not impressed with the build quality, was very careful with the install (I'm a bit anal when working on my own stuff) but still has issues with the mounting tabs. One of the mounting tabs jammed and broke with almost no turning force, on another the cheap screw snapped in half also with very little force. I would have sent them back but I already had two holes in my wall that were sized for these speakers so I'll just live with them. Should have purchased some Klipsch instead.
Pros: Look decent when installed with cover on, with cover off they look like the cheap plastic that they are.
Cons: Poor build quality, average sound
0 of 6 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Wesley Chapel, FL on 5/9/2020
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Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Mesa, AZ on 5/5/2020
Havent installed yet but shipping and packing were good.
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0 of 1 found this helpful
Polk 265 RT Speakers awesome sound
Crutchfield customer from Rochester, NY on 5/2/2020
I purchased four of the Polk Audio 265 RT for my ceiling height speakers that were on sale. I just installed them and they have an awesome sound, clear, full, with enough base (not tiny) to be accurate for height sounds. Before I purchased them from Crutchfield I called for advice as to my idea to use the 265 RT's as height speakers. Zac answered my call and after explaining my ideas to him he agreed they would work well. After I purchased them I emailed Crutchfield referring Zac's name in the email with a question as to what I should do to insulate behind the speakers. Researching on the internet was not helpful enough. Zac replied by calling me which impressed me because I needed a discussion not an email response. An email would have been inadequate to communicate in a conversation that requires exchanging ideas quickly. Emails are more for documenting a short conversation not for exchanging ideas and Zac new this and that's why he called. I did not expect a call, super conversation! Thanks Crutchfield and Zac for your help, Tom.
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5 of 6 found this helpful
Great Speakers
Crutchfield customer from Clayton, OH on 4/28/2020
Great sound quality. Love the almost seamless look, but that's the look I was going for. Little on the expensive side for the average person, but you won't be disappointed.
Pros: Near seamless look Paintable grill, if desired
Cons: Price
0 of 0 found this helpful
Good Value
Crutchfield customer from Omaha, NE on 3/31/2020
Installed a pair of 265Rts in the great room ceiling as stereo speakers to replace some classic Bose 601s. Very happy with the sound for the speaker size and the built-in look blends right in. Not as hard hitting as a box speaker but sufficient for appreciating the ambiance of vinyl. Reinforced the drywall with wood to prevent vibrations and added insulation between the ceiling joists to create a chamber. Sounds great even when pushing higher volumes. Budget friendly speaker with above average sound.
Pros: Easy installation. Blended in look.
Cons: Not a hard hitting bass speaker.
2 of 2 found this helpful
Polk in walls
Crutchfield customer from Satsuma, AL on 3/15/2020
Great build quality, super easy to install.....replaced some 35 year old Polk floorstanding speakers.....not overwhelmed by what I was hoping would be a unreal, new technology, upgraded sound. I suppose you have to consider there is no engineered cabinet to help the sound but overall, I'm satisfied.
Pros: Quality build Easy install
Cons: Sound not "knocking me over"
0 of 0 found this helpful
Easy install!,
Crutchfield customer from Lake Point, UT on 1/27/2020
Super easy to install and awesome sound. Comes with a cardboard cutout for the right size to cut in the wall. Was supper easy and now I have awesome sound.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Duboistown, PA on 1/20/2020
0 of 1 found this helpful
The Polk 265 RT 's are great full sounding speakers
Crutchfield customer from Martinsburg, WV on 1/3/2020
The Polk 265 RT 's are great full sounding speakers. Easy to install, and love the magnetic grills. I have them installed as side surrounds and the Polk 65RT as the rear surrounds. The system sounds great. Installation note, it's best if you cut your hole in the center of the studs. This will give the speaker tabs plenty of room turn out. Also if your walls have no insulation you may wanna add some above and below the speaker.
Pros: Easy to install,
Cons: None so far.
1 of 1 found this helpful
Game room
Crutchfield customer from Dawsonville, GA on 4/7/2019
Spoke with Jenny , she helped me make the selection, my game room sounds like a concert hall. Thank you Jenny
Pros: Sounds great as my center and front speakers
Cons: None yet
1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from St Simons Is, GA on 4/1/2019
Awesome sound. Great for surround sound in the wall next to your flatscreen television.
Pros: Great for a media room.
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2 of 2 found this helpful
Awesome Sound
Dennis from Muldoon, TX on 2/23/2019
I bought these speakers for a new home my wife and I are building. We are probably about 4 months from actually installing them in the new home. For this reason, I hooked everything together to 55" TV and blue ray player to make sure of the working condition of the components. Sound awesome sitting just 4' apart. There is no doubt that this equipment will give us exactly what we were looking for . Thank to Cole for all of the help in putting together this system. Items purchased together: 1 Ea - Denon AVR Model S64OH 1 Ea - Polk Audio In-Wall Dual Center Channel 255C-RT 2 Ea - Polk Audio In-Wall Daul 265-RT (Front R&L) 2 Ea - Polk Audio 6-1/2"; 70-RT (Rear R&L) 1 Ea - Klipsch R-100SW 10" Powered Sub-Woofer
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4 of 5 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Mount Airy, MD on 12/21/2018
I built these into a fireplace surround into sealed plywood boxes and used a separate sub and they sound great.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Fallston, MD on 11/17/2018
I was setting up a new theatre room and was very please With how easy the speakers were to install and now the sound is amazing.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Brings tears to your eyes
Mick from Maple Grove, MN on 11/7/2018
Pick an old favorite, fire these up and get ready! The music is true and great sounding. I bought these for music and I am not disappointed. Dare I say that they are as clear as my Time Windows? Better base than i expected for this size. Excellent turn around and presentation by Crutchfield.
Pros: Great sound. Great looks. Easy installation.
Cons: Lots of tough turns to lock in place.
1 of 2 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Salem, AL on 10/22/2018
AWESOME sound!!! Used in my Surround System. Just like in the Theaters...
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0 of 0 found this helpful
Bang for the buck!
Guest from Allentown, NJ on 10/7/2018
Super crisp dialogue and full sound - amazing product. We painted them to match our wall - it was a process but the end result is perfect. We use 4 of these plus the equivalent Polk Center Speaker in our theater room.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Daphne, AL on 7/24/2018
Easy to install, excellent sound, great price and quick delivery.
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0 of 2 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Dudley, MA on 4/21/2018
So far i like my sets of 265RT Polk Audio speakers.
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0 of 2 found this helpful
Polk 265 RT in wall speakers
Jeremy from Oxford, MI on 4/3/2018
Excellent sound, easy install. Very satisfied!
Pros: Great sound, easy install
Cons: None yet
0 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT Each
ram from Aldie, VA on 12/18/2017
I purchased a pair of these speakers to replace Bowers & Wilkins CM8 tower speakers in my family/living room. These speakers are louder than my previous speakers but sound quality is lagging. I am using pioneer Elite sc-71 receiver and calibrated the speakers using receiver's calibration system.
Pros: Easy to install sound is good for the price
Cons: too bossy
2 of 3 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Hampton Bays, NY on 8/2/2017
Great speakers , painted my grills , don't use latex paint even in spray gun holes are very small , good chance of clogging
Pros: Sound , price , look
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5 of 5 found this helpful
Great sound to match a clean and modern look.
Brian from Murray, UT on 7/22/2017
I love these in-wall speakers! They are just what we desired for great sound and a new modern and clean feel to our room. They sound better than the expansive RBH Sound speakers that were there previously. We matched up our 265 RT speakers with 4 Polk MC60s for a 7.1 setup and I love it. For the center speaker we have a Polk Signature S35 since it was not possible to use an in-wall speaker there.
Pros: High value sound and construction for the price.
Cons: For my purposes, none.
1 of 1 found this helpful
Fantastic sound at a reasonable price
Brian from Thornton, CO on 6/5/2017
the speakers are very easy to install, and look great with the flush mount grill covers. I have not painted them yet, but will do so once the home theater room is completed. The sound is fantastic at all volume levels with zero distortion. They deliver clean crisp sounds. I would recommend these to anyone.
Pros: great sound and looks, easy to install
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Great sound
Hector from Spring, TX on 3/4/2017
This speaker has great sound. Very easy to install and look good anywhere. Price matching dropped price by 50%
Pros: Amazing sound and style
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3 of 3 found this helpful
Great sound for all types of listening
Brad from Saugatuck, MI on 12/24/2016
I installed these in my newly finished basement as a pair of front left and right channels and I am thrilled with their sound. I was considering the smaller version of the RT series, but after hearing these in a friends house and finding them for the great price that I did at Crutchfield, I made the plunge. I have them paired with a Polk 255C-RT center channel speaker and 3 Polk 6.5" 2-way in-ceiling speakers and the sound is amazing. The full spectrum of sounds is easily discernible in music and movies. The listening experience for music rivals that of the towers I had previously in this room. Movie experiences are just as good. I wouldn't hesitate to make this purchase again, they are with a little more in expense.
Pros: Sounds like high quality towers.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Quality
Jack L. from Tucson, AZ on 5/15/2016
The 265Rt's are very easy to install and fit flush to the wall. They sound great and blend perfectly with my RTiA9 towers. Shipping was fast ! Crutchfield is the only way to go!
Pros: Polk quality. Mounting is sturdy and easy.
Cons: None.
0 of 0 found this helpful
In Wall Spekers
Kathy M. from Virginia on 1/2/2016
These are wonderful speakers. we purchased 4 of them for our front and back speakers in our great room. They sound amazing. The treble sounds great without being tinny.
Pros: Ease of install! This was our first time installing and the process was very smooth. Great high range sounds without being tinny. Love the look.
Cons: None
0 of 0 found this helpful
Very Happy
cspann from Maryland on 10/6/2015
Extremely pleased with ease of installation and sound quality. Built in filters for near wall reflection and cavity constraints a plus. Way easy to pop into the wall and clean looking once installed.
Pros: awesome instructions and included drywall cut template
Cons: none
1 of 2 found this helpful
Awesome
JohnnyT from South Carolina on 6/10/2015
Sounds super, I'm using this with 4 625RT fronts and RM8 surrounds with 2 660 powered sub. The grills look even better then I hoped for, so thin and clean. They carry mid and high's very cleanly. The mid bass is tight and accurate and work very well with the 12" Polk powered sub 660wi. They mount solidly so I haven't heard any vibrations even with high volume.
Pros: EZ mounting, Very clean look
Cons: None yet
1 of 1 found this helpful
review
Crutchfield customer from 54313 on 5/2/2015
Great speakers! Plan on sound insulation of you can for dampening sound on the back side. Good sound
Pros: Easy install
Cons: Not used to alot of mid range sounds.
0 of 0 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
TomS from Kansas on 3/26/2015
Very pleased with the fullness of the sound these sparkers deliver. They were very easy to install, my walls were prewired for speakers just needed to cut holes and connect the speakers.
Pros: Great sound in my basement bar area which is about 15x25. Also sounds great in the adjacent TV viewing area.
Cons: None from me
0 of 0 found this helpful
good deal
someGuy from usa on 3/3/2015
These are great speakers for the price. Good balance of brand, value, and cost
Pros: Good quality and sound for the price. Looks great
Cons: Could use a little more midrange, but dialing things in via the amp and pivoting the tweeter seems to be acceptable
2 of 2 found this helpful
Excellent speakers
Emre from Arkansas on 1/31/2015
I purchased 2 pairs of these for our house that was under construction at that point in time. Also got the plastic templates to be attached to the framing to mark drywall openings. Easily installed after moving in, hooked up to Yamaha RX-A1020, and absolutely amazed with the quality of the sound, which is very clear and crisp. I installed one pair in the den with Polk 111 sub and the other pair in the living room with another Polk 111. Using these for listening music only, although the pair in den is also attached to my TV. I am not a music pro, but I enjoy listening music loud and I really like what these pieces can deliver. Of note, the wall in the living room that these were installed has insulation and the one in den does not. To me, they give equally good results. If you are looking for a pair of speakers that literally vanish in your wall as their name implies and give excellent sound at the same time, these are for you.
Pros: Quality of sound in listening music
Cons: Nothing so far.
4 of 4 found this helpful
Great sounding in-wall speakers
Crutchfield customer from Lafayette, CO on 1/2/2015
Great option if you don't want large speakers sitting on the ground. Created a very clean look in the wall and the sound in my opinion was just a good as traditional towers because the other speakers installed with it (5.1) complemented very well. Easy to install.
Pros: Good sound, easy to install, reasonable price
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Lakeway, TX on 6/24/2014
0 of 2 found this helpful
Polk 265 RT
Steven from MS on 3/7/2014
0 of 1 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
Crutchfield customer from Sunrise, fl on 1/18/2014
The craftmanship of this speaker is great, the quality of crisp sound, very sophisticated speaker system,
Pros: The lows, highs and mids make it the perfect speaker
Cons: None
1 of 2 found this helpful
Polk does it again
Anthony from Huntington ct on 9/9/2013
Another great product from Polk audio excellent sound powerful base crisp clear highs great value for the price
Pros: Easy install look great clean neat appearance no need to paint due to the stream line trim all you see is the speaker grills
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1 of 1 found this helpful
Awesome Sound
JimH from Carmel, IN on 8/18/2013
Awesome sound. Much better than the Bose AM10 System they replaced.
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1 of 1 found this helpful
In-wall speaker technology at it's BEST!!!!!!!
Toby L. from Davidsonville, MD on 6/3/2013
I installed these 265RT speakers as front L & R speakers in my media room and am currently driving them (along with a Polk 255C-RT center channel speaker) with an Emotiva XPA-3 amplifier. Each speaker is being pushed by 200 watts and they are POWERFUL, PRISTINE AND PUNCHY. I also have a PSA XV-15 sub in the room but even without it, they hang pretty well in terms of bass, mids and highs. These speakers met and exceeded all of my expectations right out of the box. I've only got about 20-30 hours on them but I know they are only going to get better. I highly recommend driving these speakers with an amp to really make them shine. I have a 7.1 surround system in my media room with a pair of Polk 65RT's as surrounds (in-wall) and a pair of Polk RC80i's as rear surrounds (in-ceiling). The 7 speakers together are just magnificent and are all timbre-matched. The grills on the 265RTs are really well made and they are flush with the wall just as long as your walls are flush as well! Looking forward to years of enjoyment out of these for both movies and music!
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13 of 13 found this helpful
Polk Audio 265 RT
JH from Glenwood Springs, CO on 3/23/2013
The speakers are being used for music. They are matched to Polk 550 sub. Still working to adjust sound between sub and 265 RT, but am happy with the sound quality. These were super easy to install. Used "you-tube" and Crutchfield site for tips on installation. I have not painted the grille yet but speakers fit well into wall and look decent.
Pros: Easy install, decent sound.
Cons: None
1 of 1 found this helpful
265RT
Tony 7.1 from San Antonio Texas on 12/31/2012
Awesome Speakers especially for the price! I bought this along with the RC 55, 65, and 85 in wall speakers for my 7.1 system and it sounds amazing! My suggestion though would be to get a great receiver to get the maximum sound you are looking for. I lucked out as i have a friend who upgraded to a 11.2 system and sold me his $1500 Pioneer receiver for $400! God is Good and my system sounds Great! The installation was easy to install as i had my room pre-wired for a 7.1 system so all i had to do was cut out the holes in the walls and install. Once installed I painted the grill as the instructions said with spray paint and my Theater Room looks amazing! I'm not one to pay somebody to do what I can do myself and I'm no professional but the installation was a breeze and my room looks professional grade! Also, they sent me the Polk PSW111 for free with my purchase and OMG! My room is booming! I haven't had to push the limits of my system but I have turned it way up and the sound is crystal Clear! My wife talked me into getting the 7.1 and I'm glad she did because I am one satisfied customer. Thanks Crutchfield!
Pros: Easy Installation
Cons: none so far
4 of 4 found this helpful
Only one complaint
Crutchfield customer from pittsburgh, pa on 2/26/2012
I LOVE these speakers and hands down I would have given them a 5 but the reason I gave them a 4 is due to the poor construction/design of the magnets that hold the speaker grill/cover in place. The problem I had with ALL 4 of the speakers I purchased was after I placed the cover on and then removed it to make adjustments the magnets pulled out from their "glued" position on the speaker and stuck to the cover; something I did not expect and actually took me a minute to realize it happened after I tried to place the cover back on only to discover that it would not "stick" to the speaker frame. So I figure the little magnets will not stay in place unless they are glued back on the speaker, which I have not attempted to do. For the price this is just something I think should not be a problem. The result: my speaker covers are in place, but there are corners that are not flush with the speaker/wall making for a not so clean finished look.
Pros: Sound is great.
Cons: Read my review.
7 of 7 found this helpful
pretty sweet
Rob from Cincinnati, OH on 3/18/2011
Got this one as a center in a 5.1 system. Awesome full sound. Worth the price. The sound is sparkley and clear with lots of detail. I had set this system up and was listening to some music before the sub was delivered and in my 12 x 15 room the sound was decently rich. More to the point, I heard a lot of nuance that was not apparent either in good headphones or my crappy old speakers. For my $ this was a good value choice.
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11 of 11 found this helpful