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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Polk Audio RC65i
Polk Audio RC65i Review
Polk Audio RC65i - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 60-20kHz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-100 watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 10.7500"x7.3125"x2.4070" / 274.0 x 186.0 x 62.0mm
MSRP: $229 (list price)
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Polk Audio RC65i Review
Polk Audio RC65i Polk Audio RC65i
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio RC65i is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in 2005. It features a 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-20kHz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk Audio RC65i has an MSRP of 229$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk Audio RC65i is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Polk Audio's RC Series of Loudspeakers

RC65i is a member of Polk Audio's RC series of Passive speakers. The RC range are Polk Audio's affordable in-wall and in-ceiling custom-install speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Polk Audio RC Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk Audio RC85i
Compare
50-20k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
Polk Audio RC55i
Compare
70-20k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk Audio RC65i
60-20k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Polk Audio RC65i Speaker

Polk Audio RC65i has a Frequency response range of 60-20kHz and Power Range of 20-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, RC65i delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how RC65i's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Polk Audio RC65i
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk Audio RC65i?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 60 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk Audio RC65i's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Polk Audio RC65i
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio RC65i is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Polk Audio RC65i is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Polk Audio RC65i plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk Audio RC65i need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 9.5–100 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

RC65i features Spring clip type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk Audio RC65i External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Audio RC65i has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 10.7500-inch x 7.3125-inch x 2.4070-inch (274.0 x 186.0 x 62.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk Audio RC65i is approximately 115.3cm2 / 17.9inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk Audio RC65i has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of Polk Audio RC65i?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RC65i:
  • 2 White in-wall speakers
  • 2 White grilles
  • 1 Cardboard Mounting Template
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration sheet
  • Product Registration Card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio RC65i.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

Lifetime of parts warranty and Lifetime of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Polk Audio RC65i Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk Audio 65 RT
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
Polk Audio RC55i
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 70-20kHz
Polk Audio RC85i
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 50-20kHz
Klipsch R-3650-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 60-23kHz
JBL Stage 260W
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
Klipsch R-5502-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
Klipsch R-5800-W II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 40-23kHz
Klipsch R-5650-S II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 60-23kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio RC65i

What amplifier do you need for the Polk Audio RC65i?

Polk Audio rates the Polk Audio RC65i for 20-100 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk Audio RC65i easy to drive?

The Polk Audio RC65i has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Polk Audio RC65i need a subwoofer?

The Polk Audio RC65i reaches down to 60Hz (full range 60-20kHz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Polk Audio RC65i use?

The Polk Audio RC65i is a 2-way design using a 0.75" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 6.5" Polypropylene woofer.

Is the Polk Audio RC65i sealed or ported?

The Polk Audio RC65i uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the Polk Audio RC65i be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Polk Audio RC65i has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Spring clip terminals.

How is the Polk Audio RC65i installed?

The Polk Audio RC65i is an in-wall model: it mounts flush into the wall cavity rather than standing in the room, so it needs a cut-out and takes up no floor space.

How much does the Polk Audio RC65i cost?

The Polk Audio RC65i has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $229 per pair.


Polk Audio RC65i Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio RC65i
Speaker Type2-way In-wall
Power Range20-100 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response60-20kHz
Release Date2005
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size0.75-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Aimable TweeterYes

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring clip
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height274.0mm ( 10.7500-inch)
Width186.0mm ( 7.3125-inch)
Depth62.0mm ( 2.4070-inch)
Height274.0mm ( 10.7500-inch)
Weight—
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceYes
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts WarrantyLifetime
Labor WarrantyLifetime
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