Name: Polk Audio RC55i
Brand: Polk Audio
SKU: 107RC55I
Price: 129.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (78 reviews)

Overview

by Crutchfield's Kramer Crane

Good things come in small packages

Our customers have been using Polk Audio's RC55i in-wall speakers for movies and music for years — and their glowing reviews are telling. These compact speakers provide clear, accurate sound, and are an ideal choice for small- to medium-sized rooms. Want to make them totally disappear? Paintable grilles let you easily match them to your décor.

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Good things come in small packages

Versatile entertainment options

The value-packed RC55is work great as the left and right front or surround channels of an in-wall home theater. You can also use a pair of these with your favorite amp for a music system with minimum visual clutter. Team them up with a powered subwoofer for a rockin' 2.1 system.

DIY installation

Here's a tip I learned when installing my Polk in-wall speakers. If you're placing the RC55is six feet or higher on your wall, turn them upside down so that the tweeter is at the bottom. Then, aim the tweeter towards your seat. You'll get better high-frequency detail since the tweeter is closer to ear level.

If this is a do-it-yourself installation, check out our guide to installing in-ceiling speakers, along with our selection of in-wall speaker wire. Optional pre-construction brackets are recommended for new construction. Free lifetime technical support is provided with every Crutchfield purchase.

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Product highlights:

ideal for stereo music or the left and right front or surround channels of a home theater
5-1/4" woofer and 3/4" swivel-mount tweeter
frequency response: 70-20,000 Hz
impedance: 8 ohms
sensitivity: 89 dB
recommended amplification: 20 to 100 watts
cutout dimensions: 6-3/16"W x 9-5/8"H
mounting depth: 2-1/16"
includes paintable white matte grilles
warranty: lifetime
MFR # AW0055-A

What's in the box:

Polk Audio RC55i owner's manual

2 White in-wall speakers
2 White grilles
1 Cardboard Mounting Template
Owner's Manual
Online registration sheet
Product Registration Card

Features & specs

Features
Quantity in Package	Pair
Tweeter	Hard-Dome
Aimable Tweeter	Yes
Woofer Composition	Polypropylene
Woofer Surround	Rubber
Connector Type	Spring clip
Bi-Amp Inputs	No
Built-in Back-box	No
Moisture Resistance
Indoor (Moisture-resistant)	Yes
Outdoor (Partial Exposure)	No
Outdoor (Full Exposure)	No
Specs
Tweeter Size	0.75
Midrange Size	N/A
Woofer Size	5.25
Speaker Shape	Rectangle
Cutout Width	6.1875
Cutout Height	9.625
Mounting Depth	2.012
Power Range (Watts)	20-100
Sensitivity	89 dB
Impedance (Ohms)	8
Frequency Response	70-20kHz
Parts Warranty	Lifetime
Labor Warranty	Lifetime

The Polk Audio RC55i replaces these items:

Polk Audio AB510 / AB710

Product Research

Features

Dynamic Balance Technology: Dynamic Balance drivers are used for wide, smooth response and low distortion.

Woofers: Each speaker features a 5-1/4" Dynamic Balance, mineral-filled polypropylene woofer for clean midrange and deep, accurate bass. For a smoother response and improved durability, each woofer uses a rubber surround.

Tweeters: Each speaker uses a 3/4" Dynamic Balance, metalized soft dome tweeter in a ball-and-socket swivel mount. The aimable tweeters give you direct high-frequency control, resulting in excellent imaging even for off-axis listening positions.

Infinite Baffle Tuning: Infinite Baffle Tuning uses the virtual enclosure of in-wall space for superior bass response.

Moisture-resistant: Durable, moisture-resistant materials allow you to install the speakers in bathrooms, kitchens, even under the eaves of an enclosed porch. (The speaker is not recommended for exposed outdoor use.)

Installation: Each speaker requires a cutout 6.1875" wide and 9.625" high with a mounting depth of 2.012". Once the holes are cut, each speaker can be dropped in and the Rotating Cams can be tightened, allowing you to secure each speaker to the drywall without any extra assembly (the Rotating Cams protrude out 0.625" from the cutout opening). If you will not be mounting these speakers in drywall, make sure the wall or ceiling material can safely support the weight of the speakers before installation; each speaker weighs approximately 3.5 pounds.

Paintable: The grille and flange can be painted, allowing these speakers to match any decor.

Frequency Response:

Overall: 67 Hz-20 kHz
-3 dB Limit: 70 Hz-20 kHz

The Polk Audio RC55i replaces these items

Polk Audio AB510 / AB710

In-wall/in-ceiling speakers

Coaxial design w/ 5-1/4" woofers
frequency response 78-18,000 Hz
rotating cam mounting system

Accessories

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Q&A

13 questions already asked

Looking to put a speaker in a shower that I am doing. Want it to be a in wall speaker that I can Bluetooth my phone to without using a receiver. What kind of speaker should I get so that the speaker has its own power, as to say I could plug it into a power source?

dan May 06, 2023

1 answer

Thank you for your question, Dan. We don't carry waterproof Bluetooth speakers that wouldn't require any type of amp/receiver to power them. I recommend reaching out to one of our Advisors by phone at 1-800-324-9695 or online chat to discuss options for your setup.

andrea May 06, 2023 (Staff)

The wall cut off is 6x9. Which speakers best fit my needs? I need a pair.

john Apr 25, 2023

1 answer

Greetings John, and thank you for your question. These Polk Audio in wall speakers need a bit larger cut out that 6x9. If you can make the hole a bit bigger, they are a great affordable speaker. If you are dead on 6x9, and cannot make the cutout larger, these B&W's are right on 6x9 cutout. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_749CWM652/Bowers-Wilkins-Performance-Series-CWM652.html?tp=192

thomas Apr 25, 2023 (Staff)

Rc55i Polk. Outside grill frame dimensions please?

robert Oct 27, 2022

1 answer

The grille frame is 7.524" x 10.974".

zachary Oct 27, 2022 (Staff)

Can these speakers fit in a larger opening such as 7"x11" or does it have to be exact to the cutout measurements? I am replacing existing speaker and the cutout is 7"x11"

william j. Apr 27, 2021

4 answers

Don't remember the size they are but they come with a template that is slightly smaller the outside measurements. This way when you trace and cut drywall the don't fall through. If the speaker is less than 7 x 11 then it definitely will be to small.

albert Apr 30, 2021

The cutout needs to be exact based upon the way these speakers are designed to be mounted/secured in the wall. They will not mount properly in a larger opening.

todd Apr 30, 2021

I don't think so. The recommended opening size is 6 1/4 x 9 5/6. There are little wings that pop out but I don't think they would reach a 7" wide opening. Go up a size to the RC65 and make the hole slightly bigger if needed.

michael Apr 30, 2021

Almost exact to the cut out measurements. Outer edge flange is 7" x 11".

brian Apr 30, 2021

Are this speakers good for surround sound rear speakers in wall?

troy t Jan 01, 2021

6 answers

These worked very well as my front side speakers on my surround system. I suspect they would work equally well as the back speakers in a surround system. They fit quite nicely in my 2X4 wall when used for my surround system and sound quality is quite good.

todd Jan 01, 2021

I think they would work perfectly for that. I am using them as the Left & Right front speakers in a surround sound system where I have the center channel hung on the wall under the TV, and there is no room for anything else but in-wall for the left and right.

ken Jan 01, 2021

Yes. I have these in the walls at ear level in line with the seating. They work great as surround speakers. They mount very easily in drywall. I also have Polk ceiling speakers as part of my 7.1 system. Definitely sounds immersive with the surround sound.

andrew martin Jan 01, 2021

I have them as both the side and rear speakers in a 7.2 theater setup and they work well for me. It is a big room and they provide good fill without distortion, even at high volume.

michael Jan 01, 2021

Yes. I use them for side and rear speakers in a full Atmos setup. Spray paint the grills and they disappear.

kelly Jan 01, 2021

Have had for about a year and work well. As with any make sure to pick your spot appropriately.

troy Jan 01, 2021

Do these speakers require a separate electrical outlet?

v Aug 27, 2019

3 answers

No.

michael Apr 30, 2021

If you ask this question you don't deserve an answer

brendan Aug 28, 2019

No they do not

dean Aug 27, 2019

is the front cover magnetic or do you have to screw it in the wall?

sierra Aug 14, 2018

4 answers

The front grille almost snaps in. The speaker gets cut into the wall and has wings that holds it in place.

william stewart Aug 17, 2018

The grill is pushed into place, and the friction between the grill and speaker holds the grill in place.

john Aug 17, 2018

The outside white piece that you see is attached to the main speaker assembly. Then just the grill part pops snugly into the frame. If you are wondering how they attach to the wall, first you cut the hole to match the guide that they include in the box, then they have those little clips that swing out and grab the back of the drywall and screw to tighten. They take a matter of minutes to install. Just make sure you miss the studs. These sound great. I have a couple pairs around the house.

chris Aug 17, 2018

snaps in

michael Aug 17, 2018

What are the outside dimensions of the grill? Thanks in advance.

charles Oct 23, 2017

1 answer

The grill itself is 5 7/8" x 9 3/8"

bill Oct 25, 2017

I am putting a pair of these in a small shed I am converting to a game/movie room for my kids. Since I am only installing a pair where should I place them for best sound? In Ceiling or wall and both in front, back, side, or split at each end? Any help would be great.

jeff May 25, 2016

2 answers

Hey Jeff, I own a set of these speakers and they sound pretty good! I currently have them as my surround (in-wall) speakers on a 5.1 setup, but if you are using them for general purpose (watching TV, music, etc.) I will put them flanking your TV in the wall and the distance between speakers should be equal to the distance between your TV and the sitting (viewing) area approx. Good luck!

jose May 25, 2016

If these are the only speakers I would put them on the wall with the TV as a Front left and Front Right

ryan May 25, 2016

If I install these in my ceiling, I'm concerned about whether they should have enclosures, since my attic has blown-in insulation, which would cover the back of the speakers. Thoughts?

lawrence Jan 26, 2015

1 answer

I have the same situation. Cut some wood blocking and put plywood on top.It became a shelf speaker on the ceiling.To me it souds much better.

assen Jan 27, 2015

Can these speakers be installed horizontally?

brian Jan 22, 2015

4 answers

Sure. I think they're designed to be installed vertically, but there's no reason other than for audio perfection that they cannot be installed horizontally.

ryan j Jan 23, 2015

I installed a pair in my ceiling as rear speakers and they work well. No reason they couldnt be installed horizontally in a wall. Radiation pattern will change but probably not a big deal

scott Jan 23, 2015

Sure. If you have enough room between the studs.

greg Jan 23, 2015

Yes. I have them up & down, sideways and in the ceiling.

bill Jan 23, 2015

This is brand new or refurbished?

lu Sep 22, 2014

3 answers

Mine was new as far as I can tell. Crutchfield would have to answer for anything you get from them, of course.

stephen c Sep 23, 2014

These are new

kuaka Sep 23, 2014

New

edward w Sep 23, 2014

Would these be good for the middle of a 7 and 1 set up or should the go to the rear?

alex Nov 27, 2013

1 answer

These speakers should work well in most locations of a 7.1 system, but the best location will depend on the type of 7.1 system you are going for. Call or chat with an Advisor to discuss the set-up you are looking at, and they will be able to help determine the best speakers to fit your room and needs.

jeff Nov 27, 2013 (Staff)

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