Press Releases

POLK AUDIO INTRODUCES NEW TCi SERIES IN-WALL/CEILING LOUDSPEAKERS

Today at CES 2004 booth 13220 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Polk Audio announced an all-new line of in-wall/ceiling loudspeakers called the TCi Series. The new series is positioned between Polk's entry-level RCi products and their top-line LCi Series. The four new models (2 rectangular and 2 round) feature the same tweeters and driver materials found in Polk's RTi Series of free-standing home loudspeakers to ensure perfect channel to channel blending in home theater systems that mix free-standing and in-wall speakers. The rectangular models feature Polk's patented Power Port technology and available Performance Enclosures for consistent, high performance bass response.

All models feature Polk's 1-inch silk composite dome tweeter for high frequency extension, clarity and detail. The tweeter is housed in a cup that allows it to swivel up to 15 degrees for the best possible tonal balance and imaging. The rectangular models employ drivers with mineral/polymer composite cones, the same material used in Polk's RTi Series free-standing models.

A common problem with in-wall loudspeakers is inconsistent and usually poor bass response due to the inconsistency of air volume in walls. The TC65i and TC265i models feature Polk Audio’s patented Power Port venting technology that when used with the available Performance Enclosure delivers startling bass response in any wall. Power Port technology vastly reduces air turbulence at the mouth of the port, thereby lowering distortion and increasing bass efficiency. The Performance Enclosures are fabricated from half-inch MDF and extensively braced to prevent performance-robbing wall resonance. The Performance Enclosure also provides the added benefit of vastly reducing the amount of sound that would normally radiate into adjoining rooms.

All TCi speaker models feature toggle switches that allow the installer or user to optimize the loudspeaker response when the speakers are placed in less than ideal locations.

When flush mount speakers are installed too close to adjacent room surfaces, the bass becomes “boomy” and voices sound too heavy and thick. Polk's exclusive “Wall Distance” switch lowers output only in the low-midrange/upper bass area to correct for this problem. Competitive in-wall speakers attempt to solve this phenomenon by using a simple high pass filter. That cures the “boom” problem but at the sacrifice of deep bass response. Polk uses a more complex low Q pass-band filter to attenuate only the “boom” region without lowering deep bass output. The user hears flatter, more accurate sound and deep bass even when the speakers are located in less-than-ideal locations by necessity or for decorating reasons.

Speakers used in rooms with too many hard reflecting surfaces and insufficient absorbing materials (carpets, drapes) sound “bright,” harsh and unnatural. Polk's “Tweeter Attenuation” switch engages a pass-band filter to compensate for the effect of overly reflective rooms for warmer, more realistic sound.

The bass/midrange drivers in TC60i and TC80i round in-ceiling speakers are angled at a 15º offset for superior off-axis clarity and imaging.

All models feature Polk's Rotating Cam mounting system for easy installation and rust resistant hardware for safe placement in bathrooms, saunas, and kitchens, even under outdoor eaves.

The TCi Series will be available in the USA and Canada in May 2003.

	TC265i	TC65i	TC80i	TC60i
Format	3-way Rectangle	2-way Rectangle	2-way Round	2-way Round
Woofer	6-1/2"	n/a	n/a	n/a
Bass/mid Driver	6-1/2"	6-1/2"	8"	6-1/2"
Tweeter	1"	1"	1"	1"
Controls	Tweeter Attenuation, Wall Distance Compensation Network	Tweeter Attenuation, Wall Distance Compensation Network	Tweeter Attenuation, Wall Distance Compensation Network	Tweeter Attenuation, Wall Distance Compensation Network
MSRP	$449.95 each	$599.95 pair	$599.95 pair	$499.95 pair
Optional Performance Enclosures (all models MSRP $249 ea.)	ENCL265	ENCL65	ENCL80	ENCL60

Polk Audio, The Speaker Specialists, is an international manufacturer of award winning home and car loudspeakers, with headquarters in Baltimore Maryland. Founded by Matthew Polk and George Klopfer in 1972, Polk Audio holds over 55 patents for advances in loudspeaker design and technology. Polk products are distributed in the US and Canada and in over 50 countries. Consumers can reach Polk Audio by phone (800) 377-7655 or by email polkcs@polkaudio.com.