Boxes for inwall speakers RC85i

tommasini
tommasini Posts: 7
edited May 2011 in Speakers
I have been told by a number of people that the drivers selected for the inwall installations do not need boxes built behind them. Any advice on this topic? They are installed in locations where I can build boxes after the sheetrock is installed but I would rather do it now.

Thanks
Post edited by tommasini on
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  • CNWDI
    CNWDI Posts: 91
    edited May 2011
    I can't speak for the RC85i in particular, but I can speculate based on experience and reading I did before installing a pair of TC265i's 8 years ago, and recently while planning a non-dedicated HT basement.
    The good news: Although I had a small window to box in the TC265i speaker locations before the drywall went up, I chose not to (since the wiring I was doing was sneaky post-county-final-inspection, and I didn't want to draw attention). I haven't felt in any way that the speakers were compromised by not being boxed--but they're in a 2x4 wall with 5/8" drywall on the other side and then the garage.
    The bad news: Most in-wall and in-ceiling speakers appear to be designed to go into a space that's no more than 16" on center, and that does have a "back wall". Some Polks do either support or even include a "performance enclosure" which implies it's a good idea.

    If I were you, I'd probably look at building boxes out of MDF or something similar. I look forward to anyone else with more concrete info posting... </firstpost>
    Current polk speakers:
    Family room 5.1: TC265i R/L, VM10 Center, RC65i surrounds (couldn't match the TCs)
    Basement non-dedicated 7.1 HT: SDA-CRS+ R/L, 255c-LS Center, LSiFX surrounds, RC80i in-ceiling rear surround, plus Wharfedale 12" sub (some day I'll get around to building 15" F-20 sub).
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited May 2011
    Dont know where you live but here in south texas high humidity I like solid boxing and line with sheet rock...sheet rock absorbs last bit of moisture from solid boxing plus gives soft but solid hit for sound

    We also use these alot
    http://www.dynamat.com/products_architectural_dynabox.html
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Advantage
    Advantage Posts: 38
    edited May 2011
    RC85i's are designed to not need an in-wall enclosure. They use an infinite or open baffling design that does not require them; in fact, enclosures would likely impede the performance of this speaker. A little insulation in the wall cavity would be all that is needed.

    Now, if you move to a higher-end in-wall speaker like TC265i's or LC265i's then the enclosures are recommended for optimum bass response. However, many folks on this board don't have the enclosures for these speakers and like their performance.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited May 2011
    Advantage wrote: »
    RC85i's are designed to not need an in-wall enclosure. They use an infinite or open baffling design that does not require them; in fact, enclosures would likely impede the performance of this speaker. A little insulation in the wall cavity would be all that is needed.

    Now, if you move to a higher-end in-wall speaker like TC265i's or LC265i's then the enclosures are recommended for optimum bass response. However, many folks on this board don't have the enclosures for these speakers and like their performance.

    My bad miss read in wall I would not worry about...my reference was to in ceiling...heat and moisture
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Advantage
    Advantage Posts: 38
    edited May 2011
    No problem TX. All that heat and humidity affects a person's eyesight :)
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited May 2011
    Advantage wrote: »
    No problem TX. All that heat and humidity affects a person's eyesight :)

    Naah the over 40 something:wink:
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Advantage
    Advantage Posts: 38
    edited May 2011
    Ha, tell me about it. I'm in that camp too. Good thing we don't act our age :)
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited May 2011
    No $hit a 5 yr old has better manners too
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited May 2011
    Its great that Polk has built in-walls to meet just about any need. Another example of bringing good sound for a large market.

    RT1
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