Performance Enclosure Alternatives - LC65i's

bobbyg

Hello,

I am installing LC65i's as surround speakers. I am aware that there are "Performance Enclosures" available for these speakers but I wanted to know if anyone has alternate methods of installing these wall speakers without the enclosures? Because the enclosures are quite large and this is not new construction, I was hoping to avoid a "major" wall renovation yet achieve similar results (sound wise) with the install.

Also, are enclosures actually needed for the wall installs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Bob G

amulford

They aren't absolutely necessary, but they give the speaker the optimum space(volume) for the design. This helps with frequency response and SPL levels, since less energy is lost behind the speaker.

The same can be achieved with blocking and polyfill in the wall cavity, but that still means a larger hole. I would consult Polk CS about proper dimensions.

bobbyg

Thanks, I appreciate the reply. If anyone else has any input it would be appreciated as well.

Thanks again
Bob G

halo

Send a private message to SCompRacer - he's using these in his HT (Very nice BTW). Be patient for his response (really busy at work). Welcome to the Club!!!

bobbyg

Thanks Halo, hopefully he / she will see this thread and contribute accordingly.

Thanks again.
Bob G

audioshrimp

bobbyg:

I think halo was suggesting that you send SCompRacer a private note because he's really busy at work. I took that to mean it's unlikely SCompRacer would be reading through the threads and come across your request for input.

I'm interested in this topic because, like you, I'm in the process of installing in-wall speakers (I'm using the LS65is as my mains, and an LS265i for the center). The performance enclosures add quite a bit to the cost of the project, so I'm hoping I can get away with just using the brackets.

AS

bobbyg

Thanks, I just thought it best to keep all responses public to draw comments and feedback from others (like yourself).

I am using the LC65i's for the rear surrounds (LSi9's for the front & LSiC for the center) and would also like to avoid the expense (and additional re-construction) if at all possible (without sacrificing to much sound wise). I've seen the installation tech notes on the LC65i's that mention:

Good = standard wall install, no enclosures
Better = using blocking to create a 1 cubic foot space
Best = using the Performance Enclosures

In the tech notes, the above mentioned "Better" installation does not mention anything about adding filler such as foam or insulation to the 1 foot cubic space.

I'm assuming the speakers sound good either way since they have been engineered to be installed in-wall, but this site is a great resource for input from others who are more experienced than myself in HT.

Thanks
Bob G

audioshrimp

I hear ya. I'm also hoping you get some additional feedback (thanks, amulford!) from others that may have tried the installation with and without enclosures.

My installation is in an exterior wall, so there will be insulation in the cavity. I was waiting for the speakers to arrive with Polk's instructions to see what they say about that, but maybe I should wander around the site for a preview.

Did you send a note to SCompRacer? If yes and you get a reply, please post it so we can all benefit.

Thanks!

AS

bobbyg

I did not send a message.

My speakers will also be installed on outside walls. I'm actually having the local retailer (a Polk distributer) do the entire install. I'm hoping to get some solid advice from the tech (the sales person wasn't sure either way). I'm also still hoping to get additional feedback from this website as well (before the install, which is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, rough wiring only at this time), this way I can make an informed decision as to what I should do.

Thanks
Bob G

wallstreet

When I installed my inwalls I filled the space above below and behind the speakers with pink roll insulation. I found it to improve the lower and middle octaves. The high octaves sounded about the same.