Polk Audio 65-RT Vanishing In-Wall Speakers User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Polk Audio 65-RT Vanishing In-Wall Speakers. These speakers are designed to deliver high-quality audio performance while seamlessly integrating into your home environment. This manual provides essential information for proper installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your speakers.

Product Overview

The Polk Audio 65-RT In-Wall Speakers are engineered for superior sound with a discreet profile. Featuring Polk's patented Power Port bass venting system, they deliver deep, efficient bass. The virtually-flush mounting and minimal-flange design ensure they blend into your wall, making them almost invisible. Equipped with a Dynamic Balance woofer and a silk dome tweeter, these speakers provide solid bass, detailed high-frequency response, and crisp, clear imaging. They are timbre-matched to Polk RTi speakers for seamless integration in mixed systems.

Image: Two Polk Audio 65-RT in-wall speakers, one with the grille on and one with the grille off, showcasing their design and the separate grilles.

Features

• Power Port Bass Venting System: Eliminates turbulence for bigger, more efficient deep bass impact.
• Dynamic Balance Woofer: Provides powerful, impactful bass.
• 1" Silk Dome Tweeter: Set in a 15-degree swivel housing for flexible placement and detailed high-frequency response.
• Virtually-Flush Mounting: Minimal-flange design for a nearly invisible look that blends seamlessly into your home.
• Sheer-Grille™: Wafer-thin grille with ultra-small perforations for dynamic, unimpeded sound.
• Reflective Room Compensation: Ensures seamless blending in systems combining traditional and built-in speakers.
• Timbre-Matched: Designed to blend seamlessly with other Polk RTi series speakers.
• Easy One-Cut, Drop-In Installation: Simplifies the installation process with Perfect Fit templates.

Image: A detailed view of the Polk Audio 65-RT speaker highlighting its key components: the 1" silk dome tweeter, 6-1/2" Dynamic Balance woofer, and the patented PowerPort for enhanced bass.

Image: An illustration detailing the fine-tuned installation features of the speaker, including the rotating cam system for simple setup, the Sheer-Grille™ for unimpeded sound, reflective room compensation, and timbre-matching technology.

Setup and Installation

Safety Precautions

• Always turn off power to the circuit before beginning installation.
• Ensure wiring complies with local electrical codes.
• Use appropriate safety gear (eye protection, gloves).
• Consult a professional installer if you are unsure about any steps.

Tools Required

• Pencil
• Drywall saw or utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver (Phillips head)
• Drill (optional, for pilot holes)

Choosing a Location

Select a location in the wall that is free of studs, electrical wires, and plumbing. Use a stud finder to locate studs. For optimal sound, consider placement relative to listening area and other speakers in a home theater setup.

Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Opening:

   Use the provided Perfect Fit template to trace the cutout dimensions on the wall. The cutout dimensions are approximately 12.75" Height x 7.25" Width. Ensure the template is level before tracing.

   

   Image: A diagram illustrating the precise cutout dimensions (12 3/4" Tall x 7 1/4" Wide) and overall dimensions (14 3/8" Tall x 8 7/8" Wide x 3 1/2" Deep) for the Polk Audio 65-RT in-wall speaker, along with the grille dimensions.

   Carefully cut along the traced line using a drywall saw or utility knife. Remove the cut-out section of the wall.
2. Run Speaker Wire:

   Run high-quality speaker wire from your amplifier/receiver to the wall opening. Leave enough slack to comfortably connect to the speaker terminals.

3. Connect Speaker Wires:

   Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the speaker wires. Connect the positive (+) wire (usually red or marked) from your amplifier to the red (+) terminal on the speaker, and the negative (-) wire (usually black or unmarked) to the black (-) terminal. Ensure a secure connection and no stray wire strands.

   

   Image: The rear view of the Polk Audio 65-RT speaker, revealing the internal wiring, crossover components, and the speaker terminals for connection.
4. Mount the Speaker:

   Carefully insert the speaker into the wall opening. The speaker features a rotating cam system for secure installation. Tighten the mounting screws (usually located on the front baffle) which will rotate the cams outwards to clamp the speaker firmly to the drywall. Do not overtighten.

5. Attach the Grille:

   Once the speaker is securely mounted, attach the magnetic Sheer-Grille™ to the speaker baffle. The grille will snap into place.

Operating Instructions

After installation, connect your amplifier or receiver to the speaker wires. Ensure the amplifier is turned off before making connections. Once all connections are secure, you can power on your audio system and begin enjoying your Polk Audio 65-RT speakers. Adjust volume and audio settings on your amplifier as desired.

Tweeter Adjustment

The 1" silk dome tweeter can swivel up to 15 degrees, allowing you to direct high frequencies towards your primary listening area for optimized sound imaging. Gently pivot the tweeter to adjust its direction.

Room Compensation Switch

The speaker may include a room compensation switch (often labeled "Wall Dist." or "Tweeter Filter/Norm"). This switch allows you to adjust the speaker's response to compensate for room acoustics or placement near boundaries. Experiment with the settings to achieve the most balanced sound in your environment.

Image: A close-up view of the Polk Audio 65-RT speaker's front baffle, highlighting the adjustable tweeter and the "Wall Dist." and "Tweeter Filter/Norm" switches for acoustic adjustments.

Maintenance

Polk Audio 65-RT speakers require minimal maintenance. Follow these guidelines to keep them in optimal condition:

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the grilles and speaker frame with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning sprays, or abrasive materials.
• Grille Care: If the grilles become dusty, you can carefully remove them and use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean them.
• Avoid Moisture: Do not expose the speakers to excessive moisture or liquids.
• Temperature: Avoid extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, which can degrade speaker components over time.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Polk Audio 65-RT Vanishing In-Wall Speakers come with a Full Warranty. For specific terms and conditions of your warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Polk Audio website.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Polk Audio customer service. You can find contact information on the official Polk Audio website or through your authorized dealer.

Online Resources: For additional information, FAQs, and product registration, please visit the Polk Audio Store on Amazon or the official Polk Audio website.