Polk Audio MC85 Built-in Speaker

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range for each of its passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typically that specification will be expressed as a range of power such as 20-200 Watts (per channel). It is important to understand what those numbers mean when choosing a receiver or amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower number indicates the lowest continuous rated power that will yield acceptable performance in a typical listening environment. The higher number indicates the highest per channel power that should be used with your Polk speakers. That number should not be confused with a “Power Handling” specification and it does not imply that the speaker will safely handle that full amount of power on a long-term basis. We specify a wide range of power ratings because not all electronics manufacturers use the same method for rating power. In fact, high quality lower-rated amplifiers sound better and play louder than low quality units with higher power rating. We recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated power above the Power Handling limits of our speakers because having extra power available for short term peaks is conducive to better sound quality, maximum dynamic range and effortless high volume output. But we strongly urge you not to use the full power of your amplifier or receiver for daily listening. Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce. Operation at this level can result in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening material. If you hear distortion—turn the volume down or risk damaging your speakers. You can damage just about any speaker, regardless of power rating, if you drive an amplifier to or beyond the point of distortion. For a complete list of performance specifications, including recommended amplification, go to: www.polkaudio.com

PRODUCT DISPOSAL

Certain international, national and/or local laws and/or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this product. For further detailed information, please contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk Audio Importer/ Distributor in your country. A listing of Polk Audio Importer/Distributors can be found on the Polk Audio website www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at: 5601 Metro Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA—Phone: +1 410 358-3600.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

If, after following the hookup directions, you experience difficulty, please double-check all wire connections. Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk Audio dealer where you made your purchase, or contact Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9-6 EST, US & Canada only) or via email at polkcs@polkaudio.com. Outside the US & Canada, call 410-358-3600. More detailed information—including audio how-to articles, FAQs, and online manuals are available on our award-winning website www.polkaudio.com/home.

PLACEMENT OPTIONS

Polk Audio MC Series Loudspeakers give you nearly endless placement options. But remember, where you locate in-wall speakers bears careful consideration, as installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall!

Fill a room with sound by installing

Speakers in nearly any wall or ceiling location. Polk MC Series Loudspeakers have a wide dispersion pattern and amiable tweeters that allow you to focus their sound.

ADJUSTING THE TWEETERS

Aiming the tweeters toward your listening position improves imaging and detail. When using MC Series Loudspeakers as front/main home theater speakers (figure 2), aim the tweeters toward your listening position. For rear/surround speakers installed in walls or ceilings (figure 3), aim the tweeter toward the nearest reflecting surfaces (an adjacent wall or ceiling) for a more diffuse sound field. For a more direct sound, aim the tweeters at your listening position. (See figures 4 & 5 for aiming the tweeter.)

• MC Series audio and A/V placement options, in wall or ceiling.
• Recommended measurements for home theater front stage placement.
• Examples of in-wall and in-ceiling placement. When used as rear/surrounds, aim tweeter toward the nearest reflecting surfaces (an adjacent wall or ceiling) for a more diffuse sound field.
• MC65, MC85 Models: Carefully use your index fingers to aim the tweeter.
• MC80 Models: While supporting the tweeter bridge, carefully use your index finger to aim the tweeter.

Important Note: MC Series In-Wall Loudspeakers are not magnetically shielded and should not be placed closer than 1′ (30cm) from a television or video monitor. If you experience discoloration or distortion, immediately move the speakers away from your TV.

PAINTING YOUR MC SERIES

IN-WALL LOUDSPEAKERS

You will need:

• Paint of your choice. (To make the job easier, we recommend spray painting the grille.)
• A paperclip or corkscrew. (For removing the paintable grille, corkscrew can also be used to open the wine when you relax with your newly painted MC speakers.)
• Masking tape.
• Paint mask. (To cover unpaintable parts, supplied!)

PREPARING TO PAINT:

1. If the speaker is not yet installed, the grille can be removed simply by pushing the clamp screws forward to push the grille off the speaker from the inside. If the speaker is already in the wall, carefully hook the grille with a bent paper clip and pull it gently away from the frame.
2. When painting the frame of the speaker, use the supplied paint masks to carefully mask off the front of the speakers to protect the drivers and baffles while painting. You can do this while the speaker is already installed in the wall (if, for instance, you’re repainting the room). If you do not have the paint masks, carefully mask the speaker components using paper and masking tape.

PAINTING THE FRAME

1. Apply paint to exposed (unmasked parts). Use two or more thin coats. Spray painting is recommended.
2. When the paint is completely dry, remove the masking material.

PAINTING THE GRILLE

1. The grille of the MC Series speaker features an even, protective powder coating. This powder coating is an ideal primer.
2. Grilles must be spray painted. Do not use a brush and paint. Thick, brushed paint may clog the grille holes.
3. Remove the grille by carefully hooking it with a bent paper clip and pulling it gently away from the frame.
4. Before spray painting the grille, carefully remove the grille’s fabric scrim by peeling it away from the inside of the grille (figure 8). Place this on a clean, flat surface where it will not get wrinkled.
5. Spray on two thin coats of finish color. If you’re using a compressor and spray gun, use the finest, most diffuse setting. Be careful not to fill the holes in the grille with paint.
   Peel away fabric grille scrim before painting grille.
6. When the grille is dry, carefully press the fabric scrim back into place on the inside of the grille. The special fabric scrim hides the speaker’s drivers from view, and will not interfere with the sound.
   Paint the grille. Use thin coats of spray paint. Do not block grille holes with paint.
7. First install the speaker. Then carefully reinstall the grille by fitting it into its recess so that it is just resting on the frame. Starting with one corner, go around the speaker and push the grille into the grille notch a little bit at a time. Be gentle; the grille may be easily bent out of shape by rough handling. You will feel a positive “snap” when it is fully in place.

INSTALLATION

If you intend to do the installation yourself, we recommend that you possess some skill in the proper use of hand and power tools. You should have a thorough understanding of local building and fire codes and a familiarity with the area behind the wall or ceiling into which you plan to install your speakers. Install speaker wires before installing speakers. Wire meeting appropriate building and fire codes must be used. Use at least 18 gauge wire or heavier for the utmost in sound quality. Wiring is best performed by an experienced professional. If you are in doubt that you possess the necessary skills or tools, consult your Polk Audio dealer, or a professional installer.

You Will Need:

• Pencil for marking the location of installation.
• Keyhole saw, utility knife or material appropriate cutting tool for drywall or other wall material.
• Screwdriver, preferably powered, with Phillips head bit.
• Power drill with appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut).

Follow These Easy Steps:

1. Prior to installation, hold the speaker in your chosen location to make sure it safely clears obstacles such as studs, corners, beams, lighting fixtures and door/window frames. Your cutout must be at least 1″ (25mm) from adjoining walls or ceiling, internal studs or plumbing.
2. Using the template, trace the installation location with a pencil. Use a level to make certain the template is straight and plumb. This is the exact cutout size.
3. Round Template: Trace within the pop-out area.
4. Rectangular Template: Trace around the template.

3. Carefully cut a hole with the appropriate cutting tool for your wall or ceiling material. Start the hole by drilling on the inside of the tracing (with the drill bit touching the line). Use this hole to insert the saw or knife and begin cutting.
   Cut the hole with the appropriate tool.
4. Once you have cut the whole, fish your previously positioned wiring out of the hole and connect the speaker. Follow the hookup directions included with your receiver. Strip 3/8″ (9.5 mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors of the wire to expose the bare metal and twist each of the conductors into a single un-frayed strand (so you have two un-frayed strands). Connect the wire from the red terminal (+) of your amplifier or receiver to the red terminal (+) on your speaker and the wire from the black terminal (–) of your amplifier or receiver to the black terminal (–) on your speaker. Most wire has some indicator (such as color-coding, ribbing or writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency.
   Hook up the speaker wires
5. To install the speaker, first carefully remove the grille using a straightened paperclip or other pointed metal tool. Insert the point into one of the grille perforations near a corner and lift the grille free. Never use a knife or screwdriver to pry between the grille and the speaker frame. This will damage your speaker.
6. Loosen the rotating wall clamps by unscrewing them. Make sure that the rotating wall clamps are flipped inward so that your speaker fits into your cutout without nicking your wall. Then place the speaker carefully into the cutout.
   Place the speaker carefully into the cutout
7. If you have a level, use it to help you correctly align the speaker. Tighten the wall clamp screws with a screwdriver. This will rotate the wall clamps and secure the speaker to the wall. Hint—on the MC65 and MC85 models, tighten the center screws before tightening the corners for the flushest fit to your wall. Do not over tighten the wall clamp screws.
   Tighten retaining wall clamps to engage wall. Use a #2 Phillips head screwdriver or a powered screwdriver
8. Carefully reinstall the grille by fitting it into its recess so that it is just resting on the frame. Starting with one corner, go around the speaker and push the grille into the grille notch a little bit at a time. Be gentle; the grille may be easily bent out of shape by rough handling. You will feel a positive “snap” when it is fully in place

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• User Manual