Polk Audio RC85i

Can I paint the grills with spray paint?

If you have pre-existing in-wall or in-ceiling speakers you will need an amplifier to power them, Andre. Depending on the layout of your speakers physically and whether you are using them for home theater or 2-channel music will determine the type of amplifier that is best for you. For home theater consider the 7-channel Denon AVR-X2700H in the first link below. This would allow you to drive all your current speakers and add a center channel for great home theater performance. If your speakers are in different rooms and strictly for music, you will want to use the Sonos Amp in the Second link below to drive 2-4 speakers each. They are stackable and link to your Wi-fi so you can use as many as you need! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX2700/Denon-AVR-X2700H.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_616AMP/Sonos-Amp.html

[ Bo Feb 11, 2023 ] Staff

[ Logan Feb 09, 2023 ]

My home is pre-wired with 5 locations (3 front, 2 rear). Can these be used and what setup would you recommend?

Yes. The grilles are paintable.

[ ZACHARY Feb 10, 2023 ] Staff

[ Scott Oct 25, 2022 ]

I have 11" between studs in the location I want to mount these speakers. Will they fit that space? Can you confirm wall/cam mounts don't swing out more than an inch? Thx

The RC85i could be used as surround speakers in 5 locations as described. Keep in mind, however, that these speakers are sold in pairs of two, which means you'd have to buy 3 sets to get enough speakers for a 5-channel application. For further help with selecting speakers for your home audio applications, please reach out to our advisors via chat or phone at 1-800-324-9695.

[ ZACHARY Oct 26, 2022 ] Staff

[ MICHAEL Oct 03, 2022 ]

Several years ago I purchased 4 RC65 s and recently a capacitor blew up what must I do to start the warranty process? r RC 65

Greetings Michael, and thank you for your question. I checked with this same question a bit back with Polk Audio. They say the clamps need 1-2 inches. If all you have is an inch, they will still clamp.

[ THOMAS Oct 03, 2022 ] Staff

[ Steve Aug 28, 2022 ]

How precise does my cutout need to be? Will the clips still hold if the cutout is 1/16" wider, and 1/8" taller?

So that's easy if you got the speakers from us Steve. If you did we will have a record of the purchase, whenever that was. We can start the replacement process there! I did not see any order info come up on your email attached to this question, so we may have to look you up with the shipping address for that order or some other way, etc. Give our Customer Service portal a call at 1-800-955-9091 and we can help get you started!

[ Bo Aug 28, 2022 ] Staff

[ DAVID Dec 13, 2021 ]

Can these be mounted in a regular 2x4 wall or is the depth too much?

had some size issues compared to the template. Didn't relate to any issues with the installation or function.

[ HAROLD Dec 14, 2021 ]

The clips swing out beyond the total width of the speakers. So as long as you are talking about 1/16" and 1/8" wider/taller than the hole you are supposed to cut in the drywall, you should be fine.

[ Patrick Dec 14, 2021 ]

That will work no problem.

[ ANDREW Dec 13, 2021 ]

[ LEVI Sep 02, 2021 ]

The pre-construction brackets for these have for some reason been discontinued. Does anybody know of a replacement product?

Yes... I have these mounted within my 2x4 walls which are 16" on center. Even if you are mounting next to a stud it is not a problem as the clamps will catch on at least three corners.

[ JONATHON M Sep 02, 2021 ]

They will fit fine in a regular 2 x 4 wall - i used 5 of them for my surround system with a Yamaha NS-SW300 sub and it sounds awesome. I did cut the insulation (thin the depth) where the speakers are, so if this is an outside wall you may want to reconsider. Mine are in a basement and the insulation isn't really a factor. The ability to angle the tweeter is awesome. i didn't think i would use it, but angling them towards or away from the target listening area makes a huge difference for the surround.

[ JEFFREY Sep 02, 2021 ]

Yes, designed to mount in standard 2x4 wall

[ DAVID Sep 02, 2021 ]

[ DAVID Aug 11, 2021 ]

I have a window where I would need to install in-wall. If I mounted these higher on the wall, above the window, could I aim the tweeter down towards the couch to get the same sound effect as if it were installed at sitting ear level?

At the time of this reply, we do not have any preconstruction brackets from other brands that will work with these speakers. This may change in the future and I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to check

[ JASON Aug 14, 2021 ] Staff

[ DAVID Aug 10, 2021 ]

What gauge of wire would I use for these speakers?

Yes

[ MARK Aug 12, 2021 ]

[ JOSE Jun 24, 2021 ]

What is the Watts for the RC 85i Woofers?

I used 14 gauge

[ Bruce Jun 25, 2021 ]

I used 18.

[ DOUGLAS Jun 24, 2021 ]

[ Godson Jun 12, 2021 ]

Can I use these with a sonos amp and app on my phone?

We do not have the watt rating for only the woofers in these speakers and can only confirm that with the woofer and tweeter both wired together, they handle up to 100 watts RMS. We recommend contacting Polk's support by calling 800-377-7655 to check if they have the specs for only the woofer

[ JASON Jun 26, 2021 ] Staff

[ Scott Mar 03, 2021 ]

I have sprayed foam insulation in my walls. Some customers say to have insulation behind the speaker for better sound, but Polk tech says to have 1 cubic foot of air for better sound....does anyone have a suggestion for how much insulation I should chisel out?

Absolutely!! But beware because Sonos products are like chocolates, you can't stop at just one!

[ STEVE Mar 05, 2021 ]

[ ROBERT Dec 10, 2020 ]

Im looking to mount speakers into 55 gallon whiskey barrels in a brewery restaurant. They would be about 3 feet off the floor. What speakers do you recommend for this project? I will have to make some kind of sealant for the mount as it is concave shaped. Would ceiling speakers work?

I have fiberglass insulation in the walls with mine. They sound good. I would probably consider the Polk recommendation and the need for thermal insulation though. If you are in a moderate climate or on an interior wall, then remover more, if not, start with what you need to fit the speaker. Its not too hard to pull it out and remove some more.

[ DANIEL Dec 11, 2020 ]

[ MattM Oct 02, 2020 ]

I've got the Polk Signature Series as my center and front left/right. moving the system to my basement, i can't use my signature series bookshelf speakers as my surrounds. could i use these and hook them into the same receiver?

We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.

[ Thomas Oct 21, 2020 ] Staff

I'm not sure I would mount any speaker that low to the floor except maybe outdoor?.. but if you have to I'd say the round in-ceiling with adjustable tweeters would be easiest to install.

[ Michael Oct 20, 2020 ]

[ Christopher Aug 27, 2020 ]

Can I use these as rear speakers with the RM8 front speakers?

These will work fine in that application. You'll need to run the speaker wire through the wall. I ran the wire on mine to a wall plate inside the cabinet where I keep the amp so everything is clean. These are a little more sensitive than the Signature bookshelf speakers so they are louder with the same amount of power, but the sound signature is voiced to blend with other Polk speakers. Really, they are quite neutral and blend well with several speakers from several brands that I have paired with them.

[ DANIEL Aug 28, 2020 ]

[ MARK Aug 23, 2020 ]

Hi i am using the Polk Audio RC85i for front right and left and the Polk RC 80i for Rear surround, what do you suggest for the center channel ? ( IN WALL)

I have these as rear speakers and they work great.

[ JOHN S. Aug 23, 2020 ]

[ David Dec 28, 2019 ]

might install Polk AB700 in-wall speakers in car. Great quality speaker, priced right... paid for. How would they perform if installed somewhere like the hatchback panel of 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback, Probably with the factory stereo (not a Sony factory receiver)? thanks, Mark

Th best match up would likely be this : https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107255CRT/Polk-Audio-255C-RT.html

[ Thomas Jan 08, 2020 ] Staff

[ MarkBarnardBOI Dec 19, 2019 ]

I need to replace some front channel speakers and am trying to decide between the RC85i and the smaller version, RC65i. Is the RC85i overkill since I already have a subwoofer for the deeper sounds?

Hi Mark, thank you for your question. We would not recommend using these speakers as an addition to a car audio system. These are 8ohm speakers, and a factory head unit will not be able to supply power to these, you would also run into an issue with air space for the speakers to properly function. We would not be able to offer any advice other than this, Mark. Polk Audio does make car audio gear, so if you would like to discuss options for upgrades for your vehicle, please chat with us online or by phone at 1-800-324-9695.

[ JESSICA Jan 03, 2020 ] Staff

[ einjester Aug 15, 2019 ]

I'm looking for speakers with wires that have to be clipped. Stereo is at least 30 years old?

It may be overkill, but they sound Great! The low end is very responsive. Scares my Aussie every time I watch Twister.

[ Wesley Aug 15, 2019 ]

[ Amack May 15, 2019 ]

What is the best in wall center channel speaker to pair with these?

If you mean that you strip off the insulation so that you have bare wires, then these speakers will work.

[ JIM D May 15, 2019 ]

[ JASON Nov 17, 2018 ]

I'm looking to use these as front L and R. For my application I can't have an in-wall center channel speaker. Which Polk out-of-wall centers are these timbre matched to? I'm looking at the CSi A4 especially.

Polk audio 255rc

[ MARINALDO Nov 18, 2018 ]

[ Ryan Jun 19, 2017 ]

Can these speakers be mounted for outside use?

I used these for just that purpose ... installed and operational in 20 minutes. For the price point they deliver great performance. In full disclosure these were added to an existing surround sound system.

[ Jesse Jun 19, 2017 ]

[ Tyrel May 28, 2017 ]

I would like to mount these as my front channel. Is anyone using the same for the rear channel and or are you using a different speaker?

I would not mount these outside, they are made to be mounted in an interior wall or ceiling.

[ JAMES May 29, 2017 ]

[ Emilio May 15, 2017 ]

Can they be mounted upside down or horizontal?

I use a number of these as my front channel connected to my Sonos Connect Amps, they work great. Added a Polk Sub to a couple of the rooms and they work good as well. Good product for the price.

[ DAN May 16, 2017 ]

I am using six RC85i and one 255C-RT for my 7.1 system and they are fantastic.

[ NICHOLAS May 16, 2017 ]

I have six of these in my 7.1 system (2 front, 2 surround, 2 rear surround). They sound fantastic.

[ CHAD May 16, 2017 ]

[ STEVEN Feb 25, 2017 ]

4 answers

I don't see why not. I actually thought of doing this with my two pair, as I mounted them a bit too high in the wall.

[ CHRISTOPHER Feb 26, 2017 ]

Yes. There's a template that you use to cut the hole, you can place them any direction you want. We have 2 vertical and 2 horizontal. They sound great! Hope that helps.

[ TERRY Feb 25, 2017 ]

I don't see anything that would prevent you from mounting them in any orientation.

[ Scott Feb 25, 2017 ]

I believe they can be mounted in any direction. I mounted mine vertically and they work great.

[ Tom Feb 25, 2017 ]

Can these speakers be used in the ceiling?

[ tim Nov 05, 2016 ]

Is it advisable to mount these in a wood paneled wall or does it need to be in regular drywall? (Think thin plywood 1960's style paneling.)

I'm pretty sure. They are held in place by pivoting flange tabs, a bit like on screen window frames, and assuming your studs are 16" on center, the drywall should take the weight. We mounted ours in the ceiling with the caveat that they are in a sloped portion. If you get into the physics then a bit of the weight is distributed differently but even so, you should be fine. Really nice speakers btw.

[ ERIK Nov 05, 2016 ]

I have these mounted in my ceiling and they sound great. They are amazing speakers for the price.

[ JESSE Nov 05, 2016 ]

[ Brian Oct 27, 2016 ]

According to Polk, the best match for an in wall center channel is the SC-C which Crutchfield does not offer. From what I've read the 255c-Rt isn't timbre matched to the RC series. Will this work or is there a better option?

Excellent sound very happy with them, however because of the woofer keep in mind Vibration... i had to be sure the speaker was securely installed(i have drywall) if your panel is thin it may vibrate causing poor sound. if panel is secured well so as not to rattle when speaker is on(woofer fully working). it should be OK. I did put Spray-on insulation on the wall behind the speaker, that seemed to help sound as well. "Speaker Vibration/Rattling" may or may-not be a concern in your installation. Hope you enjoy them i sure do :-) Aloha

[ Mark Oct 28, 2016 ]

[ Matt Nov 12, 2015 ]

can rc85i be mounted in celling ?

I have in wall and in ceiling speakers (Frt, Sur, SR) 3 besides my center and subwoofers. Still Polk, 10" sub by TV, 12" sub in rear of room. I have a CSi A6 on the built in shelf above my TV. Had it for 4 years and always sounded great.

[ Lawrence Nov 12, 2015 ]

[ CHARLES Sep 07, 2015 ]

5 answers

In my application, I placed them in the wall. I see no reason why they wouldn't work as long as the ceiling is finished. They do have some weight to them.

[ JUSTIN Sep 09, 2015 ]

Yes, I have two pairs in my house, one pair is wall mounted and the other is ceiling mounted. both pairs sound great!!!

[ Lawrence Sep 08, 2015 ]

It's pretty large and I think it would look awkward. I would stick with round speakers for ceilings myself.

[ Matthew Sep 08, 2015 ]

Yes, that's what I did. And, they sound great.

[ JAMES N Sep 08, 2015 ]

Yes, I use these for my ceiling install. Pretty simple installation.

[ LAURANCE Sep 08, 2015 ]

Is there an angled bezel available which would allow the speaker to be angled as opposed to lying flat?

[ GARY Mar 18, 2015 ]

Could I use this as a center channel speaker?

The bezel/trim is a part of the speaker and covers the rough opening in the wall when the speaker is installed. I don't think the bezel can be removed as it's all a one-piece design. You may be better off getting on-wall speakers which would allow you to angle them.

[ KNICK TRAN, Mar 18, 2015 ]

No such bezel is included with the speakers. I am not aware of anything like that being available. However, it would be easy to fashion such a bezel with a jigsaw or table saw.

[ GARY Mar 18, 2015 ]

[ Brad Jan 26, 2015 ]

Do these speakers have two sets of inputs so I can use them for ambient sound throughout my home and get stereo sound from each speaker?

Sorry, I really do not know. I am very pleased with the speakers as left and right front channel, but I have a different front channel speaker. Gary

[ Gary Jan 27, 2015 ]

I am not using this for the center channel. I am using MC85

[ RAVI Jan 27, 2015 ]

You could. I think it is a little heavy on the woofer. You might want more mid and tweeter focused. It is a great sounding speaker though.

[ STEVEN R Jan 27, 2015 ]

[ Gilbert Oct 02, 2014 ]