In this review, we will be comparing 255c-LS and 265-LS, 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 265-LS 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 265-LS Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 6.5" Midrange
- 6.5" Aerated polypropylene Woofer
- 6.5" Midrange
- 28-33kHz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-200watts
- Weight:4.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 488.0" x 7.2500" x 0.0000"
What size room are the Polk Audio 255c-LS and Polk Audio 265-LS 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 265-LS |
| 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 265-LS compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that 255c-LS is a 2-way design whereas the 265-LS is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Polk Audio 265-LS |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
255c-LS features a 1.0" Ring radiator Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aerated polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the 265-LS features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 1 x 6.5" Aerated polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
255c-LS has a frequency range of 44-29kHz whereas 265-LS has a frequency range of 28-33kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the 265-LS 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 265-LS have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 91 dB.
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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 255c-LS has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the 265-LS.
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 265-LS 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 265-LS'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 265-LS has external dimensions of ( 19.1875-inch x 7.2500-inch x 0.0000-inch) .
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Polk Audio 255c-LS weighs 3.12kg / 6.9lbs and the Polk Audio 265-LS weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs. This makes the 265-LS 31% heavier than the 255c-LS.
Here is a comparison of how 255c-LS and 265-LS's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive In-wall class.
Weight
All In-wall Speakers
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 265-LS?
Here are the items that come with the 265-LS:
In-wall loudspeakerWhite metal grillePower Port plugMounting templateOwners Manual
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Height |
194mm
vs
488mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
598USD
vs
758USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
|
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
33k Hz
vs
29k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Polk Audio 265-LS |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Passive In-wall Speaker |
Passive In-wall Speaker |
| Power Range |
10-150 watts |
10-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-29kHz |
28-33kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerated polypropylene |
Aerated polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Ring radiator |
Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
6.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
194.0mm (7.6") |
488.0mm (19.2") |
| Width |
334.0mm (13.1") |
185.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
mm (0") |
mm (0") |
| Weight |
3.12kg (6.9lbs) |
4.09kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
In-wall |
In-wall |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
| Labor Warranty |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |