In-Wall Polk vs. BIC with AT projection screen

pdxfj

Hello Everyone,

I am helping some friends finish their media room. Their budget is somewhat tight, but manageable.

They are going with a Seymour AV acoustic transparent screen and want to do all in-wall speakers to keep the room “clean”.

The two brands/models I’ve narrowed it down too are the Polk RC85i for the fronts (L-C-R behind screen) and the RC65i for surrounds. I’ve also thought about the BIC Formula FH-8W for the fronts and the FH-6W for surrounds. Good chance of doing a 7ch system since they have enough space behind them.

I know the BIC speakers are very different from the Polk and are a bit of a Klipsch knock off. I haven’t heard a horn tweeter in quite a long time, but my thoughts were the horns would have a bit wider dispersion than the tweeter in the Polk.

Speakers will be powered by either a mid-to-upper range Denon or Onkyo AVR. The BIC’s have a much higher sensitivity rating so don’t need gobs of power, nor do they need to run things at reference levels.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

tonyb

If the Bics fit in budget wise, then go for it. You didn't say anything about a sub, which either choice will need. Another option is Def Tech in-walls but they may be out of your budget.

Never heard the Bics, but the horn has to sound way different than the Polks, and if this is strictly for HT use, I don't think it would matter too much then.

pdxfj

They have a small Def Tech sub which will get them by for now. No where near enough to adequately fill their room, but enough to fill in the low end a bit.

The Polk's and BIC's are close in price if you buy the Polk's through the ebay store.

Looks like I grab a pair of the FH-6 series in a bookshelf speaker for less than $99. Might be worth it to pick up a pair to try out..

pdxfj

oops.. didn't read close enough.. $99/each for the BIC bookshelf..

Sherardp

You can't beat the 85's value/performance wise. I have them installed with the 80i in ceilings and the set up is awesome. The in walls are very nice and clear. They dig deep for in walls but you will want the sub. They perform very well with music and movies. They are huge and will be a great fit for the big screen. I have them powered by a Pio SC-07 I had in my dedicated HT.