In this review, we will be comparing 255c-LS and 255C-RT, two Passive In-wall speakers by Polk Audio Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio 255c-LS and Polk Audio 255C-RT first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk Audio 255c-LS Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0" Ring radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Aerated polypropylene Woofer
- 44-29kHz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-150watts
- Weight:3.12kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 194.0" x 13.1250" x 0.0000"
Polk Audio 255C-RT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer
- 50-25kHz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-150watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 193.0" x 13.0625" x 0.0000"
What size room are the Polk Audio 255c-LS and Polk Audio 255C-RT 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk Audio 255c-LS and Polk Audio 255C-RT 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 255C-RT are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Polk Audio 255C-RT |
|
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 255C-RT features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polymer Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
255c-LS has a frequency range of 44-29kHz whereas 255C-RT has a frequency range of 50-25kHz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the 255c-LS can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 255C-RT'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
255c-LS and 255C-RT 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 255C-RT's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk Audio 255c-LS a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk Audio 255C-RT, 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 and 255C-RT has the same power range of 10-150 watts.
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 post type posts and 255C-RT has a Spring post 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 Polk Audio 255C-RT's external dimensions. Polk Audio 255c-LS has external dimensions of ( 7.6250-inch x 13.1250-inch x 0.0000-inch) whereas Polk Audio 255C-RT has external dimensions of ( 7.5625-inch x 13.0625-inch x 0.0000-inch) .
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 Polk Audio 255C-RT?
Here are the items that come with the 255C-RT:
In-wall center-channel loudspeakerWhite metal grilleMounting templateOwners ManualSheer-Grille Painting instructionsOnline Registration CardPolk Audio product brochure
Sensitivity 
Low Frequency Response 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Price per pair*