Polk Audio 255c-RT In-Wall Center Channel Speaker
- OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 9-5/16″ H x 14-13/16″ W (236.5mm x 376.2mm)
- CUTOUT DIMENSIONS: 7-5/8″ H x 13-1/8″ W (193.7mm x 333.4mm)
- PRODUCT DEPTH: 3-3/4″ (95.3mm)
- MOUNTING DEPTH (USING ½” DRYWALL): 3-1/4″ (82.6mm)
- DRIVERS:25”
- OUTPUT WATTAGE: 150 watts
- IMPEDANCE: 8 Ohms
The cornerstone of a top-notch stealth home theatre is the Vanishing Series 255c-RT. This in-wall center channel speaker can be painted to fit any décor and blends in well. The 255c-RT centers all the activity without drawing attention to itself, ensuring that all you hear is vibrant, crisp sound and all you see is screen. For a deeper, more powerful bass impact, a patented bass venting design seamlessly transitions air flow, removing turbulence and distortion. Almost transparent, incredibly tiny perfs and dramatic, unhindered sound are delivered by the special, wafer-thin grille, which is magnetically fastened. Secure, vibration-free installation is made possible by Perfect Fit templates, a precision flange, available pre-construction brackets, and the patented Rotating Cam system.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
Product Disposal— Certain international, national and/or local laws and/or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this product. For further detailed information, please contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk Audio Importer/ Distributor in your country. A listing of Polk Audio Importer/Distributors can be found on the Polk Audio website www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at 5601 Metro Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA—Phone: +1 410 358-3600.
WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers are capable of playing at extremely high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage. Polk Audio, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or property damage resulting from the misuse of its products. Keep these guidelines in mind and always use your own good judgment when controlling volume: You should limit prolonged exposure to volumes that exceed 85 decibels (dB). For more about safe volume levels, go to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/standards_more.html
TAKE INVENTORY
Inside each speaker container, you should find the following:
- One in-wall loudspeaker or one set of loudspeakers for F/X® models only.
- Speaker cutout mounting template
- One Sheer-Grille (for each speaker)
Port plug (265-LS, 65F/X-LS, 65-LS, 265-R T, 65F/X-RT & 65-RT only)
- One Owner’s Manual
- Registration Card
Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if your speaker fails to operate, notify Polk Audio Customer Support Services immediately at 800-377-7655.
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
Important Note: Vanishing Series Loudspeakers are not magnetically shielded and should not be placed closer than 1’ (30cm) from a CRT (tube) television or video monitor.
Important Note: You should have a thorough understanding of and adhere to all local building and fire codes. Also, you should be familiar with the area behind the wall or ceiling into which you plan to install your speakers. Always use wire that meets appropriate building and fire codes. (Note: Wiring is best performed by an experienced professional.) When installing your loudspeakers, be aware of the weight of your particular model and the sturdiness of the material into which you are installing the speaker. Be aware of any concealed studs, electrical wiring or plumbing in the wall or ceiling into which you are installing the speakers. If you doubt that you possess the necessary skills or tools, consult your Polk Audio dealer or a professional installer.
LOUDSPEAKER INSTALLATION
You will need:
- Pencil for marking the location of installation.
- Keyhole saw, utility knife or material- appropriate tool for cutting drywall or other wall material.
- Level.
- Screwdriver, preferably powered, with Phillips Head bit.
- Power drill with appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR LOUDPSPEAKER
Wall Or Ceiling Surface Preparation
If you’re installing your Vanishing Series speaker into a heavily textured wall or ceiling (e.g. stucco or popcorn finish), you must prepare the wall surface immediately around the speaker cutout. Sanding and smoothing the wall or ceiling surface will ensure the speaker and grille both seat properly and flat to the surface.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PAINT YOUR GRILLES
Because of its ultra-thin profile, the Vanishing Series Sheer-Grille™ requires a specific painting procedure to ensure smooth, even coverage. The grille scrim and perforated grille come assembled and require no disassembly.
Paint Recommendation
We highly recommend you use a can of spray paint matched to the wall color you want the Sheer-Grilles to blend with.
Important Note: Never use a brush or roller to paint the grilles, as this will clog the perf holes.
To paint the Sheer-Grille
Elevate the Sheer-Grille off of a flat surface. This will ensure even coverage of the grille frame and make it easier to pick up. Mounting Idea: Two spray can caps will raise the grille high enough.
- Elevate the Sheer-Grille off of a flat surface. This will ensure even coverage of the grille frame and make it easier to pick up. Mounting Idea: Two spray can caps will raise the grille high enough.
- Hold the spray paint about 12″ from the grille and at a 45° angle.
- Apply one light, thin coat, moving evenly side to side over the grille, then work your way around the perimeter of the grille to ensure you cover the grille frame.
- After each application of paint, wait approximately 1 minute, rotate the grille 90°, and apply the next thin coat. Important Note: You must rotate the grille 90°. Use your hands to define the next 90° rotation and always rotate the grille in the same direction of travel.
- Three light, even applications should cover the grille and frame adequately. Remember to work your way around the grille frame to cover it evenly and completely.
SURROUND SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Polk Audio F/X® surround loudspeakers give you nearly endless placement options. But remember that where you place your surround speakers requires some careful thought, as installation requires that you cut a hole in your wall or ceiling.
Diagram shows speaker locations for 5.1 and 7.1 systems, when two additional in-wall speakers are installed in the rear wall.
Left/Right Orientation:
F/X® surround loud- speakers have a left/right orientation, and each speaker is clearly marked on the serial number label on the back of the magnet for installation on either the right or left. Right and left are defined from your listening area as you face your system’s center channel.
Center Channel Speaker Placement
Install the 255C-LS or 255C-RT as close as possible to ear level. If the speaker needs to be installed higher, aim the tweeter down as required.
Do not block the center channel with your TV or furniture.
Please Note: For more on speaker placement go to: www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=15 or www.polkaudio.com/downloads/hthandbook.pdf
ROOM ENVIRONMENT CONTROLS
Imaging (65F/X-LS model only)
F/X Surround Loudspeakers offer switchable “Diffuse” and “Solid” imaging patterns to create the surround effect you desire.
A “Diffuse” image is defined as one which creates a “cloud” of sound; think of the effect as ambient sounds which fill the environment all around you, but are less localizable.
A “Solid” image is one which creates a more pin-point sound; sound is more localized. The location of sounds in the sound field is more identifiable.
Tweeter Switch
(LS and RT models except F/X models)
Filter—If your listening room is very reflective, with smooth sheetrock walls, hardwood floors, and non-cushioned furniture, the sound will be overly “bright” and unnatural. Selecting the “Filter” setting compensates for the effect of reflectivity in a hard room. Tweeter attenuation flattens room response, without hindering higher frequency response, for warmer, more realistic sound and more accurate imaging.
Norm—If your room is not reflective, with curtains, artwork, lots of cushioned furniture and carpeting, sound will be absorbed by the room, resulting in more realistic reproduction and more accurate imaging. In this case, select the tweeter “Norm” setting.
Wall Distance Switch
(65F/X-RT and all LS Models except the Center Channel)
In-wall loudspeakers excel when placed more than 2’ (60cm) from side walls. If position limitations demand that in-wall loudspeakers be installed closer than 2’ (60cm) from side walls or ceiling, the proximity of the surface can result in a response “bump” between 50 and 200Hz. This can cause in-wall speakers to sound “boomy.” The “Wall Distance” switch flattens response and eliminates “boominess” without sacrificing deep bass response, for more lifelike sound.
WHEN TO USE THE PROVIDED PORT PLUG
Important Note: Use the provided port plug when you are installing any of the in-wall loudspeakers listed below in an area larger than a standard open stud bay. Ensure the plug seats all the way into the port.
The port plug should be used on the following models: 
265-LS, 65F/X-LS, 65-LS, 265-RT, 65F/X-RT & 65-RT.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far into the wall does this penetrate?
While using 1/2″ drywall, 3-3/8″.
What’s the maximum speaker mounting height?
You may mount the wall in any position. My entertainment stand is 19″ deep, thus the bottom of mine is around 22″ off the floor. It has a wall-mounted TV above it (about 2 inches above).
Do the walls behind the speaker allow sound to pass through them?
Sound will really pass through barriers. The bass frequency in particular. Think about adding a rear box or improving the speaker’s insulation. Think about how Dynamat is installed for automobile audio.
How many watts does this speaker have?
Although the speaker doesn’t have any power, it may be used with receivers that have between 10 and 150 watts of power.
Would this cause my amp’s impedance to decrease to 4 ohms because it has two speakers?
The nominal impedance of the Polk Audio 255c-RT is 8 ohms and it contains an integrated crossover. Any configuration will have variations in OHMS during playback. But the speaker will typically require 8 ohms.
Can I use a regular speaker for center channel?
For your center channel, you can use any speaker (apart from a subwoofer), but ideally, you should select a speaker with a horizontal cabinet design as opposed to a vertical or square one.
Do in-wall speakers sound good?
Numerous in-wall speakers produce superb sound. The only thing you give up with a stereo configuration is that the sound quality might not be nearly as high if you install them properly and use a good speaker.
Is a center channel speaker necessary?
A home theatre system’s center channel speaker is essential since it reproduces around 70% of the speech from movies and television shows.
Can I use 2 bookshelf speakers as center channel?
Generally speaking, using two bookshelf speakers as the center channel is a bad choice since audio cancellation might happen due to nulls.
Can I use a sound bar as a center channel speaker?
No, you cannot replace a center speaker with a soundbar without sacrificing sound quality. Despite their apparent similarity, these two speakers have a few significant distinctions.
Are in wall speakers as good as floor speakers?
Floor-standing speakers are best for powerful bass and loud music, while in-wall speakers are best for low bass and quiet sound.
Are on-wall speakers better than in wall speakers?
Due to the fact that in-wall absorption doesn’t affect the bass response of on-wall speakers, they sound somewhat better.
Where a center channel speaker should be placed?
Whether in front or behind the screen, always position the center channel speaker as near as you can to the image.
