In this review, we will be comparing DT6.5LCR and RC85i, two Passive In-wall speakers from Definitive Technology and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive DT6.5LCR and Polk Audio RC85i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive DT6.5LCR and Polk Audio RC85i speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive DT6.5LCR and Polk Audio RC85i compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both DT6.5LCR and RC85i are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Definitive DT6.5LCR |
Polk Audio RC85i |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
DT6.5LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the RC85i features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
DT6.5LCR has a frequency range of 28-30kHz whereas RC85i has a frequency range of 50-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the DT6.5LCR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RC85i's min frequency of 50Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
DT6.5LCR and RC85i have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DT6.5LCR sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RC85i's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk Audio RC85i a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive DT6.5LCR, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
DT6.5LCR features Spring clip type posts and RC85i has a Spring clip type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive DT6.5LCR's and Polk Audio RC85i's external dimensions. Definitive DT6.5LCR has external dimensions of 324.0 x 185.0 x 86.0mm ( 12.7500-inch x 7.2500-inch x 3.3750-inch) whereas Polk Audio RC85i has external dimensions of 324.0 x 221.0 x 89.0mm ( 12.7500-inch x 8.6875-inch x 3.5000-inch) .
Definitive DT6.5LCR is 36mm narrower and 3mm less deeper than Definitive DT6.5LCR but they have the same height of 324.0mm.
What's in the Box of Definitive DT6.5LCR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DT6.5LCR:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleMounting templateCarboard paint shieldOwners GuideOnline Product Registration InformationImportant Installation Instructions
What's in the Box of Polk Audio RC85i?
Here are the items that come with the RC85i:
2 White in-wall speakers2 White grilles1 Cardboard Mounting TemplateOwners ManualOnline registration sheetProduct Registration Card