Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way Premium in-Wall 8" Speakers (Pair) | Perfect for Damp and Humid Indoor/Outdoor Placement (White, Paintable Grille)(Pack of 2)

The install was super simple if you follow the one necessary rule: Measure, verify , measure and verify again, and again and again BEFORE you cut into the wall. I am pleased with the sound (some adjustments on my receiver) as these replaced some large floor taking speakers that my wife did not like visually. Now I have front and rear Polk Audio, Mission center, Energy powered subwoofer run via my Denon receiver. Yes I like and yes I recommend these speakers.

Bought these from Amazon 1-1/2 years ago and had them in storage till I decided to do a little audio system in our master bathroom. Installation was very easy, even though I had to use a grinder to do the cutouts. I do not know what everyone is talking about when they complain about the six screw locks that it comes with? I found them actually very convenient and easy to work with. Once everything was installed, the sound went on and one speaker sounded amazing, BUT the other speakers tweeter was not working at all. I tested the bad tweeter on the good speakers crossover board directly, and it proved that the tweeter itself was bad. I kept the speakers in storage without ever moving them or banging them, so this is obviously a manufacturers defect.Since my Amazon warranty is obviously expired, I went online to try and purchase this tweeter, and after a long search, I found the RD0086-1 tweeter on sale for 70 DOLLARS!!! The cost of this little plastic encased tweeter is actually MORE expensive that the entire speaker brand new - WITH the tweeter included!!! So forget that option. Warrant is no good, so I guess I have to just buy another speaker altogether. But wait... to top it off, these speakers come IN PAIRS, which means I am now forced to buy TWO speakers, just because one tweeter is bad! That REALLY annoys me to no end. I am back to square one and having to make the entire purchase all over again because one plastic encased tiny tweeter is bad from the factory. The only thing on my end that was wrong was that I had to wait 1-1/2 years to do the actual install, which allowed my warranty to expire. I could not help that in this case.So, as far as the speakers goes, I have to still give it a full 5 stars for the great sound they produce for the money, the ease of installation and the great Amazon service. The fact that I got screwed in this case is I am sure an aberration, so I will not factor that in. Every great product has its day, and I guess it was my turn. I am going to reorder these again, and am sure they will work just fine this time. But for the little I have heard the one good one, it does have clear highs, deep bass for their size, and just a nice overall sound. Imagine my updated review when i get TWO speakers working together at the same time? LolKeep you guys posted...Pete

Awesome.

I was really impressed with how easy these were to install. The user's guide clearly walked me through the process even though these were the first in-wall speakers I've installed. It also comes with a very handy template to ensure it's a "cut once" process with no regrets (or spackle). Since there's a lip on the frame you don't need to be worried about making a perfectly smooth cut through the drywall since the rough edges are hidden.I was torn between these and the RC80i model. Both had identical tech specs on the Polk site. What sealed the deal in terms of the RC85i model is that it is a bit more shallow than the RC80i (depth of 2 and 7/8 inches for the RC85i versus 3 and 1/4 inches with the RC80i). More importantly, the tweeter assembly on the RC85i is a bit different. According to Polk, the tweeter in the 85i has a plate underneath it that helps project the sound. This is not found in the 80i.But the proof is in the sound, and these sound wonderful. I'm using them in a basement wired to a Denon AV receiver in the LR. While the sound can't compete with the Kef's I have in the LR, the Polks sound far better than I expected given the price. Very pleased!They also are very aesthetically pleasing. The grill is nicely made, and can be painted. As with installation, clear and detailed instructions on painting the grills are in the user's guide.Good sound, good looks and good price - can't ask for more! Highly recommend.

Great sound and faithful reproduction. Bass a little light until boosted on the equaliser some. Then the woofers did their job well. Cranked em half way up on my 2 x 50 w amp; no distortion even on pretty high volume. All in all, an excellent buy. Look great installed too.