StealTHX in Your Ceiling By Darryl Wilkinson August 5, 2006 — Nearly a year after Polk introduced its first THX Ultra2 certified in-wall speaker, the RTS105, the self-proclaimed genius-based speaker company has announced an in-ceiling version. According to Polk, the new RTS100 is the first in-ceiling speaker to receive THX Ultra2 certification.

Polk's 14-inch diameter RTS100 in-ceiling speaker includes dual 5.25-inch midrange drivers with a 1-inch "Ring Radiator" tweeter mounted between them. Polk says its exclusive "Sound Shape" baffle guides the sound waves toward the listening position and lowers the perceived image from being localized in the ceiling to a more sonically accurate area in front of the listener.

In order to maintain consistent performance over a broad range of installation conditions, the RTS100 includes an integrated speaker back-box enclosure. The enclosure is no larger than the speaker cutout, making the RTS100 relatively easy to install in existing homes. For new construction, Polk's patent-pending "Stud Lock" mounting system consists of an adjustable metal frame that is screwed to the studs or joists. The RTS100 is then secured to the metal frame instead of the ceiling material. The mounting system is designed to reduce vibrations.

The RTS100 features built-in toggle switches that allow the response curve to be optimized when the speakers need to be installed in locations that would make other speakers sound really, really bad (i.e., boomy bass, heavy vocals). As most installers know, clients often want in-wall and in-ceiling speakers to be installed in areas that look good rather than sound good. (And the person who's writing the check is always right...)

Polk and THX collaborated on the new in-ceiling design.

The RTS100 will is expected to be available in August for $1,200 each (SRP). The speakers are packed and sold singly to allow customers the most flexibility in designing 5.1-, 6.1-, or 7.1-channel systems. (Oh, what the heck, why not a 32.1-channel system?)