In this review, we will be comparing 255c-LS and DI 5.5LCR, two Passive In-wall speakers from Polk Audio and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio 255c-LS and Definitive DI 5.5LCR first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk Audio 255c-LS and Definitive DI 5.5LCR 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 Polk Audio 255c-LS and Definitive DI 5.5LCR 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 255c-LS and DI 5.5LCR are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Definitive DI 5.5LCR |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
255c-LS features a 1.0" Ring radiator Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aerated polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the DI 5.5LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polymer Woofer .
Frequency Response
255c-LS has a frequency range of 44-29kHz whereas DI 5.5LCR has a frequency range of 28-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the DI 5.5LCR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 255c-LS's min frequency of 44Hz.
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
255c-LS and DI 5.5LCR have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 255c-LS sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the DI 5.5LCR's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk Audio 255c-LS a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive DI 5.5LCR, 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.
255c-LS can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 255c-LS has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the DI 5.5LCR.
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
255c-LS features Spring clip type posts and DI 5.5LCR 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 Polk Audio 255c-LS's and Definitive DI 5.5LCR's external dimensions. Polk Audio 255c-LS has external dimensions of ( 7.6250-inch x 13.1250-inch x 0.0000-inch) whereas Definitive DI 5.5LCR has external dimensions of 366.0 x 164.0 x 93.0mm ( 14.3750-inch x 6.4375-inch x 3.6250-inch) .
Polk Audio 255c-LS is 172mm shorter and 93mm less deeper than Definitive DI 5.5LCR but it is also 170mm wider.
What's in the Box of Polk Audio 255c-LS?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 255c-LS:
In-wall loudspeakerWhite metal grilleMounting templateOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive DI 5.5LCR?
Here are the items that come with the DI 5.5LCR:
Dual 5.25