Do these speakers have open backs? Do they come with enclosures?

This is actually a great question. As the others have said, the backs are open, which is typically not an issue when installing into a wall or ceiling. HOWEVER...if you install into a ceiling that has blown insulation above it (the loose cellulose kind, not the rolled fiberglass kind) then you WILL want to come up with your own way of keeping the loose insulation off the backs of the speaker. If you don't (as I didn't the first time I bought these) then over time the quality and volume of the sound will lessen because of the insulation working into and pressing against the cones. I had to replace one set because of this problem.

How much sound is transferred to the room above? I'm installing in a basement ceiling below a bedroom.

Depends on the construction of the house. I would Place a bat of fiberglass insulation behind the speaker if there is no insulation in the ceiling. This will reduce the transmission of sound upstairs , and improve the sound of the speaker in the room it's installed.

what is the difference between the 6.5 inch vs the 8 inch versions?

The tweeters are exactly the same between the two. The 8" model has a larger woofer and therefore will provide better bass reproduction (i.e., deeper low end bass). The reason for the different sizes is sometimes the spacing distances between the ceiling joist and wall studs will dictate which one you can use . If your wall studs or ceiling joist are on 16" centers then get the 8"... if they are on 12" centers you'll have to settle for the 6.5". Hands down... if you have the room get the 8". Just FYI: The 8" version outsells the 6" version 2 to 1.

ASIN	B00006BMQT
Additional Features	Bass Boost, Hi Res Audio, Usb Port
Age Range Description	Adult
Antenna Location	For Music Players
Audio Driver Size	8 Inches
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Audio Output Mode	Stereo
Audio output mode	Stereo
Battery Average Life	1 Hours
Best Sellers Rank	#24,506 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #9 in Ceiling & In-Wall Speakers
Brand	Polk Audio
Built-In Media	2 Grilles, 2 Speakers, 2 cardboard templates with paint masks, Owner's manual, Registration Card
Color	White
Compatible Devices	Television
Compatible with Vehicle Type	Car
Connectivity Protocol	Wi-Fi
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Connectivity technology	Wired
Control Method	Touch
Controller Type	App Control
Customer Package Type	Standard Packaging
Customer Reviews	4.6 out of 5 stars 2,089 Reviews
Enclosure Material	Aluminum
Frequency Response	35 Hz
Frequency response	35 Hz
Global Trade Identification Number	00747192106898
Impedance	8 Ohms
Is Waterproof	True
Item Dimensions D x W x H	30D x 30.7W x 24.9H centimeters
Item Weight	4.08 kg
Item height	9.8 inches
Manufacturer	Polk Audio
Model Name	RC80i
Model Number	AW0080-B
Mounting Type	Ceiling Mount
Mounting type	Ceiling Mount
Number of Audio Channels	2.0
Number of Items	1
Power Source	Corded Electric
Speaker Maximum Output Power	50 Watts
Speaker Size	8 Inches
Speaker Type	Ceiling
Speaker maximum output power	50 Watts
Specific Uses For Product	Outdoor
Subwoofer Connectivity Technology	Wired
Subwoofer Diameter	8 Inches
Tweeter Diameter	1 Inches
UPC	747192106898
Warranty Description	5 Years parts & labor
Warranty Type	Limited
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Wireless Technology	Bluetooth
Woofer Diameter	8 Inches

Polk Audio Rc80I 2-Way Premium In-Ceiling 8" Round Speakers, Set Of 2 Perfect For Damp And Humid Indoor/Outdoor Placement - Bath, Kitchen, Covered Porches (White, Paintable-Grille)

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