Press Releases

Polk Audio's New RTS105i Built-in Loudspeaker Features THX Ultra II Certification

Engineered for predictably superior home theater performance

September 9, 2005, CEDIA Expo 2005, Indianapolis—Today Polk Audio announced the first model in a new group of products within the premium LCi range of flush-mount built-in loudspeakers. The LCi RTS150 was specifically designed for use in built-in home theater systems and features THX Ultra II certified performance*. THX Ultra II is Lucas Film's highest level of performance specification and only the finest home theater components qualify.

The RTS105i is a rectangular in-wall loudspeaker that features dual 5-1/4" midrange drivers and a 1-inch Ring Radiator tweeter mounted between the drivers. The product has an integrated Performance Enclosure that ensures perfect and consistent loading for the drivers for predictable high performance. The integrated enclosure is no larger than the speaker cutout, making installation in existing construction a breeze. The total visible surface area is only 1.7 square feet, smaller and less obtrusive than many competitive premium in-wall speakers.

*Note: THX certification is pending final approval as of press time.

Polk's patent pending Stud Lock™ mounting system allows the RTS105i to be easily and securely installed for resonance and buzz-free performance. Stud Lock™ is an adjustable metal frame that is screwed to wall studs or joists. The RTS speaker is secured to the metal frame instead of the wall material, providing a stiffer, more secure mounting platform for the speaker for the best possible performance. The RTS105i features technologies used in Polk's critically acclaimed LCi Series built-in loudspeakers to deliver the sound quality of stand-alone models—technologies such as Polk's Ring Radiator tweeter that has been widely praised for its 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 drivers have Aerated Polypropylene cones, the same material used in Polk's award-winning LSi and LCi Series speakers, for the kind of clear, detailed midrange response usually found only in freestanding audiophile speakers.

As in all LCi Series speakers, the RTS105i features 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.

Polk Audio's built-in product line is segmented into Good, Better and Best series. The LCi Series is Polk's Best and contains three product groups:
The LCi Standard Group, introduced in 2004, these four models are designed for general multi-room audio and home theater use and are full-range products that do not need to be used with a subwoofer.
The IP Group, announced in 2004 and slated for October 2005 delivery, are the world's first active Internet Protocol-addressable flush mount loudspeakers and represent the pinnacle of built-in speaker performance and functionality.
The new RTS Group, the first model of which is being introduced here, are specifically engineered for built-in Home Theater applications and should be used with subwoofers for full-range reproduction. A round in-ceiling speaker will be added to the RTS Group in early 2006.

The RTS105i will be delivered to North American retailers in December 2005 at a Suggested Retail Price of $1400 each. It is packaged singly to allow the greatest system design flexibility for 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems.

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About Polk Audio
Baltimore, Maryland-based Polk Audio is an award-winning manufacturer of high performance audio products. Founded by Chairman Matthew Polk and CEO George Klopfer in 1972, Polk Audio holds over 50 patents for advances in audio design and technology. Polk's products include loudspeakers and electronic components for home, auto and marine applications, the first XM satellite home component tuner, the world's first active IP-addressable loudspeaker, and in the winter of 2005/2006 the I-Sonic—the first entertainment system to include HD radio, XM Connect & Play capability and a DVD player. Polk products are available through authorized specialist consumer electronics retailers worldwide. For the location of a Polk retailer or distributor in your area visit the Dealer Locator page of www.polkaudio.com or call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.