Name: Polk Audio RC65i
Brand: Polk Audio
SKU: 107RC65I
Price: 229.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (120 reviews)

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by Crutchfield's Kramer Crane

Classic Polk Audio sound

Crutchfield offers a smorgasbord of great-sounding home speaker options. Yet few products have enjoyed the popularity or longevity that Polk Audio's RC65i in-wall speakers have. They originally debuted in the summer of 2001. And ever since, our happy customers have been using these awesome speakers for dynamic sound with movies, music, and sports broadcasts.

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Classic Polk Audio sound

Versatile entertainment options

The value-packed RC65is are ideal for 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 minimal visual clutter. A 6-1/2" woofer and 3/4" tweeter deliver sweet sound. Team them up with a powered subwoofer for a rockin' 2.1 system.

Want to make these stealthy speakers totally disappear? Paintable grilles let you easily match them to your décor.

DIY installation tips

Here's a trick I learned when installing my Polk in-wall speakers. If you're placing the RC65is 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. 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
6-1/2" woofer and 3/4" swivel-mount tweeter
frequency response: 60-20,000 Hz
impedance: 8 ohms
sensitivity: 89 dB
recommended amplification: 20 to 100 watts
cutout dimensions: 7-5/16"W x 10-3/4"H
mounting depth: 2-7/16"
includes paintable white matte grilles
warranty: lifetime
MFR # AW0065-B

What's in the box:

Polk Audio RC65i owner's manual

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

Featured review

Bought these to replace old Phase Acoustic. They were very easy to install, even had same cut out dimensions. Sound great, always impressed with the sound quality of Polk Audii!

Andrew from Jacksonville, FL

See all 120 reviews

Customer Q&A

When we first purchase and installed our speakers, we spray painted the grill/frame to blend in with our wall color. We are now repainting our room, from Brown to light blue and am wondering if the original spray paint can be removed and how. Has anyone done this?

Clean surface, then respray with a new color. do not try to remove the existing paint.

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Quantity in Package	Pair
Tweeter	Soft-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	6.5
Speaker Shape	Rectangle
Cutout Width	7.3125
Cutout Height	10.75
Mounting Depth	2.407
Power Range (Watts)	20-100
Sensitivity	89 dB
Impedance (Ohms)	8
Frequency Response	60-20kHz
Parts Warranty	Lifetime
Labor Warranty	Lifetime

Product Research

Features

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

Woofers: Each speaker features a 6-1/2" 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 7.3125" wide and 10.75" high with a mounting depth of 2.407". 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 3.75 pounds.

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

Frequency Response:

Overall: 32 Hz-20 kHz
-3 dB Limit: 60 Hz-20 kHz

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19 questions already asked

gracie Sep 28, 2023

1 answer

Clean surface, then respray with a new color. do not try to remove the existing paint.

sven e Oct 04, 2023

Can these be installed on an outdoor wall which is out of direct contact from rain? Such as under an eave?

mhb144 Jun 07, 2022

1 answer

These speakers are moisture resistant and could be used outdoors as long as they are not directly exposed.

zachary Jun 08, 2022 (Staff)

Can a single speaker be purchased? I need 3.

tony Jun 30, 2021

3 answers

Unfortunately no, they can only be bought in pairs.

ryan Jul 02, 2021

They are sold in pairs. You may be able to buy a single, used speaker

gabriel Jun 30, 2021

I believe they are only sold in pairs.

edward Jun 30, 2021

How do these speakers compare to the Polk MC65 speakers?

hall Nov 09, 2020

5 answers

sorry haven't wired them up yet.

benjamin Nov 24, 2020

The MC65 is a discontinued item and the RC65i are the closest thing to the MC65. I'm vary happy with them and have not had any cracking when watching a movie at high tones. Works well with the Klipsch SPL-100

brian Nov 23, 2020

Sorry, I have rci 65 and the 85

dw Nov 23, 2020

Don't know, I don't know how the MC65 speakers sound. The RC65i speakers have worked well in my home.

ben Nov 23, 2020

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.

kristina Nov 23, 2020 (Staff)

Can you use these speakers in a wall that is open on the other side or would I have to build a box? Or close the back?wall

bill Nov 01, 2020

2 answers

I don't know the answer to your question. Mine are installed in a insulated wall with a layer of poly between the speaker and the insulation. They sound very good.

craig s. Nov 02, 2020

The speakers are enclosed, so there's no need to box them in

rick Nov 01, 2020

Is the Polk RC65i wall speakers UL Fire Rated (for 1 hour)?

tim Sep 04, 2020

1 answer

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 Sep 24, 2020 (Staff)

Can i install in-wall speakers on brick walls?

lauro Apr 19, 2020

3 answers

I'm sure you can. You will have to remove some bricks of course. If you don't feel comfortable do it yourself, I'm sure some home builder can make recommendations. Ours are installed in Sheetrock. Very easy.

dean Apr 20, 2020

Not sure. My installation was in pre wired drywall.

david Apr 20, 2020

I don't believe you can with the conventional mounting screws, The screws that are supplied would be to short but you might be able to find longer screws to replace the original ones. The hardest part for you would be removing the brick! A guy might be able to just Silicone the speaker to the wall but removal would be difficult. It might be worth asking crutchfield's technical people for their advice.

james Apr 19, 2020

what are the dimensions of the smallest in the wall speaker?

w Mar 14, 2020

3 answers

I'm confused by your question. Are you asking the total dimension of the speaker or the tweeter demension?

jason Mar 31, 2020

The cutout dimensions required for those Polk speakers are 7-5/16"W x 10-3/4"H with 2 7/16" mounting depth.

casey Mar 30, 2020 (Staff)

do not need. just do a sound bar

edmund Mar 28, 2020

How would I install these speakers in a pole barn? No drywall up,6x6 posts and sheetmetal on the outside.

leonard Aug 21, 2019

1 answer

Hi Alsn, thanks for your question! I recommend consulting a professional installer in your area that can come out, and check out your space. While you can install these in situations that don't include drywall, there will need to be some sort of enclosure in order for the speakers to function properly. An installer should be able to look things over, and build an enclosure for these to be mounted into if need be.

jessica Sep 04, 2019 (Staff)

I have some old Boston Acoustics 350 wall Mount with a cut out of 5.75" x 8 3/8" Do you have any replacements that will fit in that area?

gary Apr 13, 2019

1 answer

I don't have any that will use that size cutout. The closest I can get with my current stock are the Bose Virtually Invisible 691 speakers with a 5.75" x 8.625" cutout. Here they are: www.crutchfield.com/p_018VI691/item.html My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Paul

jason Apr 22, 2019 (Staff)

Whats the overall speaker measurements? I see the cutout measurements but need the overall for the RC65 and RC55

danny Mar 05, 2018

1 answer

The grill cover dimensions are 14 1/8" X 10 1/8" in.

jim Mar 10, 2018

My studs don't meet the foam insulation on the concrete block on my basement. There is a 1" air gap between the back of the studs and the foam. Will I need to build a box before putting these in the wall space?

jeff Jun 02, 2017

1 answer

Hey Jeff. No need to build a box. I installed my speakers in an exterior wall with batt insulation. No problems with drafts and sounds fantastic. If for some reason you do have a problem, you can try the box. -Mike

michael Jun 03, 2017

Do these speakers ship with a pre-construction bracket to locate the hole prior to the drywall going up?

michael Feb 21, 2017

1 answer

Thanks for your question. I'm sorry, no. The brackets are not included with the order. They only come with a cardboard mounting template. The brackets are recommended and available here for purchase, the link is below. Hope this helps. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107PB65/Polk-Audio-PB-65.html

kenneth Feb 21, 2017 (Staff)

I am deciding between and 5.1 setup with the RC85i speakers or a 7.1 with the RC65i speakers. Curious what people recommend?

scott May 08, 2016

1 answer

I have a 5.1 with the RC65i in the rear. The center channel is very important in your surround sound and so was a good subwoofer for me. I don't think you can go wrong with either setup.

cody May 09, 2016

how far beyond the edge of the drywall cut-out do the clamping tabs extend?

nicholas Nov 12, 2015

1 answer

The installation manual calls for a 1" clearance from any objects, studs, joists, etc. Because those tabs pivot on a screw, you might be able to get away with a little less, but you want the speaker to be firmly mounted, so that there are no vibrations. Hope this helps a little. Gary

gary Nov 13, 2015

I'm planning to install on a wall that is accented with wood paneling- so I have wood attached to drywall. Total wall depth is about 2.25". Will have enough clearance to secure the screw clamps to a wall that thick?

josh Nov 21, 2014

7 answers

take it that you don't have two by four studed walls? Measure from edge that meets the surface of your wall to the end of your speaker.

david g Jan 01, 2015

Hi Josh C, I installed my RC65i in a ceiling outside over an enclosed so it was only the thickness of the sheet rock,say half to three quarters inch thick, they secured up nice n tight,2.25 is pushing it in my opinion. As a suggestion I would call Polk Audio on there free 800 # an ask there advisers if the clamps extend that far out?

joseph Nov 22, 2014

You should contact polk audio directly as they might be able to give you the exact answer.

gustavo Nov 22, 2014

I had these installed a while back but if I had to bet, I'd probably say no. I don't remember the clamp being that wide, even in its fully "unclamped" position.

gustavo Nov 22, 2014

I don't knoe, as I installed in ceiling drywall. My recollection is plenty of room to spare.

nathan Nov 22, 2014

Hi Josh, It's been about a year since I installed mine, so I don't remember exactly how deep the clamps will reach, but I don't think the screw clamps would have 2.25" of depth. They have enough depth for standard drywall plus the available mounting brackets, plus a bit extra. Maybe 1/4"-1/2" extra from my recollection. I hope you are able to find a solution. I'm happy with mine. Good luck!

gabriel Nov 22, 2014

At worst you will just need a longer screw for the tabs that hold it to the wall. I'm sure easily found at any hardware store. Am overall happy with them.

peter Nov 22, 2014

My television is in the corner of the room, would it be acceptable to mount these speakers on each adjacent wall for front L-R speakers or should I use a externally mounted speaker so I can position it at 45deg facing the couch?

emery Jun 13, 2014

1 answer

I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: You can do either. The RC65i's come with a tweeter that can swivel. You can aim the tweeter towards the direction of your couch. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.

kristina Jun 14, 2014 (Staff)

I see you have a separate section for ceiling mounted speakers. Can these not be ceiling mounted?

pete aversa Dec 29, 2013

6 answers

Yes, they can be mounted in the ceiling. The round one are labeled as ceiling mount because they will blend in with round recessed lighting. Same speakers the round ones have the tweeter in the middle and these have the tweeter separate.

todd Jan 02, 2014

I do have them celling mounted and they sound fantastic... Both round and rectangular can mount in ceiling perfectly

vincent j Dec 30, 2013

I have used these with great success as ceiling mounted speakers. The directional tweeters are a plus. Hope this helps.

michael Dec 30, 2013

yes I use them in my ceiling

michael Dec 30, 2013

These speaker can be ceiling mounted. Circular speakers are typically used in ceilings because lights and other ceiling mounted things such as smoke detectors and sprinklers ect. are round therefore the idea is that round speakers disappear more than rectangular ones.

jeremy Dec 30, 2013

I used these as ceiling speakers- 8" in front and 6" in back with center and sub. Sounds very good.

james n Dec 30, 2013

Want to know if there is a post construction bracket or mountingg technique?

steve Dec 04, 2013

9 answers

Steve, I installed brackets in my walls prior to sheetrock in a new construction home. Having just installed the speakers into the walls yesterday with the brackets in place, I'm not sure they are absolutely necessary although they would prevent the mounting latches from digging into the back of the sheetrock. Depending on your mounting location, you might be able to slip the brackets through the holes you cut in your wall, and secure them from behind with adhesive or sheetrock screws driven through the sheetrock and into the plastic of the brackets. Hope this helps!

gabriel Dec 14, 2013

Yes. You use a template to cut a hole in the drywall. The speakers have tabs that fold out as the screws are tightened to secure them to the drywall like an old work electrical box.

greg Dec 06, 2013

I mounted my speakers on sheet rock. Each speaker has four tabs. They are located on each corner. As you tighten the screw which is attached to the tab, it swings the tab out and as you keep tightening the screw the tab gets closer to the sheetrock until it secures it in place.

kenneth jeffrey Dec 05, 2013

Not sure what you mean about 'post construction'. Meaning putting these into an existing wall? The whole speaker fits into the wall and is held in place by four screw clamps that come attached to the speaker housing. Very easy to put in, takes less than a couple minutes. The grill then gets snapped back into place. If you mean a house that is post and beam, where you would have to hang a speaker versus mounting in a wall, then these are not for you. They are in wall only.

peter Dec 05, 2013

No there is no bracket the speakera self mount. I just ran wires before sheet rock and marked with electric boxes where I wanted the speaker wire to be and mounted the speakers at the end of home construction

nathan Dec 04, 2013

There is no bracket needed. There are 6 posts that rotate out to grip the wall board and hold the speaker in place. The only restriction is that you cannot mount the speaker too close to a stud or other obstruction. It is best to allow around an inch, though half an inch would still work.

david Dec 04, 2013

The brackets are pre-construction as they allow for the holes in the drywall to be cut exactly as needed during that phase. If all construction is done, the brackets are not really necessary as the speakers will clamp directly to the drywall. The brackets do give a little reinforcement and remove the guess work out where to cut a hole. Basically, there is no OEM solution for brackets when there is no access to the studs.

mark e Dec 04, 2013

there is no special bracket but you just cut the hole in the drywall using the template included with the speaker and when you place the speaker in the hole the 4 mounting screws have a special tab the rotates and grips the backside of the drywall. Works best if the speaker isn't against a stud but has drywall around the whole speaker. hope this helps

loren Dec 04, 2013

No bracket. No mounting hardware. Nice, cardboard template. The speakers have 1" "flaps" that swing into place behind sheetrock to keep them in place.

william Dec 04, 2013

SHOW MORESHOW LESS

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