Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way Premium In-Wall 8" Rectangular Speakers Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Polk Audio RC85i in-wall speaker delivers immersive, room-filling sound without visible bulk, making it suitable for home audio and home theater systems. These speakers feature an 8-inch Dynamic Balance woofer for robust bass and a 1-inch swivel tweeter for directing high frequencies. The design allows for seamless integration into your living space.

2. What's in the Box

Upon opening the package, you will find the following components:

• 2 x White in-wall speakers
• 2 x White grilles
• 1 x Cardboard Mounting Template
• 1 x Owner's Manual
• 1 x Registration Card

3. Key Features

• Dynamic Balance Woofer: Equipped with an 8-inch Dynamic Balance, mineral-filled polymer-composite cone with a durable rubber surround for clear midrange and powerful bass.
• Swiveling Soft-Dome Tweeter: Features a 1-inch metalized soft dome tweeter with a swivel mount, allowing you to aim high frequencies for optimal sound in any listening position.
• Moisture-Resistant Materials: Constructed with durable, moisture-resistant materials, making them suitable for use in humid environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, or covered outdoor eaves.
• Paintable Grille: The paintable grille and flange allow the speaker to blend seamlessly with your room's decor.
• Easy Installation: Patented secure mounting clamps facilitate a simple, flush installation without requiring specialized tools.
• Timbre-Matched: Designed to be timbre-matched to the Polk Audio Monitor Series for seamless, enveloping imaging when integrated into a home theater system.

Image 1: Front view of the Polk Audio RC85i speaker with the grille removed, highlighting the woofer and tweeter components.

Image 2: Detailed view of the 1-inch swiveling soft-dome tweeter, which can be aimed for optimal sound direction.

Image 3: Close-up of the 8-inch Dynamic Balance woofer, designed for clear midrange and powerful bass reproduction.

4. Setup and Installation

The Polk Audio RC85i speakers are designed for straightforward installation into walls or ceilings. Follow these general steps:

1. Planning: Determine the optimal placement for your speakers. Ensure there are no obstructions (e.g., electrical wiring, plumbing, studs) in the desired location.
2. Wiring: Run speaker wires to your chosen installation points. It is recommended to plan wiring in advance, especially during new construction or renovation.
3. Cutting the Opening: Use the provided cardboard mounting template to trace the exact size of the opening required for the speaker. Carefully cut the hole in the drywall.
4. Connecting Wires: Feed the speaker wires through the cut opening and connect them to the speaker terminals. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
5. Mounting the Speaker: Insert the speaker into the opening. The patented secure mounting clamps will engage. Tighten the rotating cams to secure the speaker firmly in place. Caution: Avoid over-tightening the screws to prevent damage to the drywall.
6. Attaching the Grille: Once the speaker is securely mounted, snap the paintable grille into place. The grille is designed for easy attachment and removal.

Image 4: Detail of the secure mounting clamp system, which simplifies flush installation.

Image 5: The Polk Audio RC85i speaker with its paintable grille, demonstrating its ability to blend into the wall.

5. Operating Instructions

Once installed, connect your Polk Audio RC85i speakers to a compatible receiver or amplifier. These speakers are designed to deliver a clean and balanced sound experience across various volume levels.

• Tweeter Adjustment: Utilize the swivel feature of the tweeter to direct high frequencies towards your primary listening area. This helps optimize sound imaging and clarity.
• Volume Control: Adjust the volume through your connected audio system. The speakers are engineered to maintain sound quality without distortion, even at higher volumes.
• Integration: For home theater setups, the RC85i speakers are timbre-matched with the Polk Audio Monitor Series, ensuring a cohesive soundstage when used as part of a larger system.

6. Maintenance

Maintaining your Polk Audio RC85i speakers is simple:

• Cleaning: The grilles can be gently wiped with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. For deeper cleaning, the grilles can be carefully removed.
• Painting Grilles: If you wish to paint the grilles to match your decor, refer to the detailed instructions provided in the owner's manual for proper preparation and application. Ensure the paint does not clog the perforations, which could affect sound quality.
• Environmental Considerations: Due to their moisture-resistant construction, these speakers are suitable for damp environments. However, avoid direct water exposure or submersion.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Polk Audio RC85i speakers, consider the following:

• No Sound: Check all speaker wire connections at both the speaker and the receiver/amplifier. Ensure correct polarity. Verify the audio source and amplifier settings.
• Distorted Sound: Reduce the volume on your amplifier. Check for loose connections or damaged speaker wires. Ensure the amplifier's power output is appropriate for the speakers (up to 100 Watts).
• Poor Bass Response: Ensure the speakers are securely mounted. For optimal bass, some users recommend adding insulation behind the speaker in the wall cavity to prevent sound from being lost into the wall.
• Uneven Sound: Adjust the swivel tweeter to direct sound towards your listening position. Check the balance settings on your receiver/amplifier.

For further assistance, consult the full owner's manual or contact Polk Audio customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The Polk Audio RC85i speakers come with a Limited Warranty. For specific details regarding warranty coverage, duration, and terms, please refer to the registration card included in your product packaging or visit the official Polk Audio website.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or any product-related inquiries, please contact Polk Audio customer service through their official channels. You may also find additional resources and FAQs on the Polk Audio Store on Amazon.