RC85i vs RC80i

dakine

I am looking at the RC85i(wall) and RC80i(ceiling) speakers. I intend to mount them in the ceiling (I understand that both models can be ceiling mounted).

It would seem that the only difference (other than aesthetics) is that the RC85i has the tweeter mounted seperately as opposed to the RC80i which has the tweeter mounted with the driver. Both models appear to have the same specs on paper.

My question is, what would I be gaining by forking out the extra $$$ for the RC85i?

karpiel666

The ones designed to be mounted in the ceiling have tweeters that you can rotate to aim at the seating area. If you went with the inwalls then the tweeter would be pointing at the floor, wheras the ceiling mounted ones could be rotated to point right at the seating area.

DollarDave

Both models have aim-able tweeters. From what I have heard and been told, they are sonically identical. Choose whichever fits your decor. Many like the round in the ceiling because they feel that people expect to see round items in the ceiling. I chose the rectangular style because I have rectangular air difusers.

dakine

Thanks for the replies.

I looked more closely at the specs and found that the in-walls have deeper bass.

I also contacted Polk customer service who advised:

"The wall speakers generally sound better, partially because they have a
plate where the tweeter rests and helps project the sound, where the RCi
round speaker's tweeter are on a stick, without this plate. It also
depends on the application, for general background music or surround
duty, ceiling speakers are acceptable. For front channels of a surround
sound system or a serious listening system, an in wall is recommended
over in ceiling."

matteog999

I own both so I can tell you. The RC 85 have a much better base and sound much better, the also have aimable tweeters. The RC 80 are fine as surround but I wouldn't make them your main speakers. If you want two round speakers as your main speakers then I'd suggest the TC80 or LC80. I have all three series for different purposes.

What are you going to use them for?

karpiel666

oopsie i was looking at the ip ones :rolleyes:

dakine

I intend to use them in the ceiling as surrounds.

matteog999

If you are using them as surround you can use either (the RC80i or RC85i). If you have a subwoofer I would just use the RC80i, they are also more "invisible" in a ceiling installation and lighter.

If you don't have a subwoofer then I would go with the RC85i, they cover the full ranfge whereas the RC80i don't quite do it.