Pros
Good sound at a reasonable price
Super easy install
Great bass for size
Angled tweeters for better listening position
Minimal distortion even at high volumes
Almost unnoticeable appearance
Ideal for damp and humid environments
Perfect for a 7.1 setup
Excellent speaker for rear surrounds
High value for money
Cons
Included cutting template is inaccurate
One speaker had a defective tweeter
Speaker depth can be problematic for installation
Main Product Advantages
9 Value for Money
Most users felt they received excellent value for money, considering the performance and sound quality at a relatively low price point. The addition of features like angleable tweeters enhanced their appeal.
8 Sound Quality
The speakers provide excellent sound quality with clear highs and deep bass. The sound was better than expected, especially considering the price. Many users found the sound quality impressively balanced and comparable to more expensive options.
8 Design
The speakers are aesthetically pleasing and designed to be paintable to blend with surroundings. The low-profile design makes them nearly unnoticeable when installed properly.
8 Compatibility
The speakers are compatible with various receivers and work well within different audio setups, including complex multi-channel systems. Proper pairing with a good receiver enhances their performance significantly.
7 Installation
Most users found the installation process straightforward and easy, though a few noted difficulties such as the included cutting template being slightly off. Overall, the installation was smooth for those with basic DIY skills.
7 Flexibility
The speakers can be used both indoors and outdoors, and are suitable for damp or humid environments. This versatility makes them appealing for various installation scenarios.
7 Ease of Use
The speakers are user-friendly in terms of installation and operation. Generally, users found them easy to manage once installed, though wiring and placement required some attention.
6 Durability
Durability seems generally good, though there were occasional reports of defective components such as non-functional tweeters. Users who experienced issues appreciated the good sound when functional but were frustrated with the lack of available replacement parts.
5 Manufacturer Support
There were mixed reviews regarding manufacturer support and warranty services. Some users faced challenges in replacing defective parts like tweeters, which were costly and difficult to find.
Product Review: Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way Premium In-Wall 8" Speakers (Pair)
The Polk Audio RC85i 2-way In-wall Speakers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a stealth home theater or enhance their home audio system without sacrificing floor or shelf space. These speakers are designed for easy installation, requiring only three simple steps: cutting a hole, feeding the wires through, and dropping the speaker in. The rotating cams secure the speakers safely and ensure a vibration-free setup, removing the need for any extra assembly or mess.
Design and Installation
The paintable grilles and flange allow the RC85i to blend seamlessly with any decor, making the speakers virtually disappear into the room. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining an unobtrusive look in your living spaces. Additionally, the use of durable, moisture-resistant materials makes these speakers suitable for damp and humid indoor or outdoor locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, or even under outdoor eaves.
Sound Quality
The RC85i speakers boast an eight-inch dynamic-balance, mineral-filled polymer composite cone with a rubber surround, offering superior longevity compared to cheaper foam surrounds. The one-inch dynamic-balance, metalized soft dome tweeter with an aimable swivel mount further enhances the sound quality. This design ensures spacious imaging and excellent clarity, even from off-axis listening positions, providing well-balanced sound in any listening position.
Performance
The wide-dispersion design ensures even sound coverage throughout large rooms, making these speakers ideal for various environments. The RC85i also features infinite baffle tuning, using the virtual enclosure of in-wall space for superior bass response. The speakers are timbre-matched to the Polk Audio Monitor Series, ensuring seamless, enveloping imaging when used in a home theater system.
Conclusion
Overall, the Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way Premium In-Wall 8" Speakers offer exceptional sound quality, ease of installation, and unobtrusive design. Whether you are looking to create a home theater, multi-zone sound system, or simply enhance your audio experience, these speakers are a dependable and high-quality choice. Their moisture-resistant build even makes them versatile enough for use in more challenging environments like bathrooms and outdoor spaces. The RC85i speakers deliver excellent value and performance, making them a worthy investment for any audio enthusiast.
