Polk Audio MC80 Installation Guide

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D I Y   C I   T u t o r i a l  

Installing your new Polk Audio in-ceiling or in-wall speakers is relatively
easy to accomplish for even the most hesitant do-it-yourselfer. This
Guide will take you through the process step by step. Installing your new
Polk speakers can be very rewarding, and they look and sound great too.   

At first, many are intimidated thinking about attempting this on their
own. Thinking about cutting into your drywall should not be a barrier 
to doing this yourself. Sheet rock or dry wall is by design a very forgiving
building material. We suggest that you choose walls or ceilings that are
not covered with wallpaper or have a faux finish. Since, in some cases
the need to cut into a wall to install the cabling is necessary, and that
hole will need to be patched and painted, matching the patterns on
some wall papers, and harmonizing a faux finish can be difficult. 
But if you consider yourself to be a wiz at wallpaper and/or paint 
repair, go for it!

Here is a quick “personal test” to see if you’re up for doing this yourself:

Are you familiar the following tools:

• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Utility Knife
• Power drill and driver
• Sheet rock saw
• Putty knife
• Wire fish tape
• Wire stripers 
• Full frequency 50 nanosecond vector scope and are confident about

troubleshooting any frequency scatter between 5 and 2.35 gig?

If you at least have a working knowledge of these basic tools 
then see below to gain confidence.

Have you ever run cabling for any of the following:

• Telephones
• Computer network
• Printer cable
• Track lighting
• Automatic sprinklers
• Outdoor or indoor lighting
• Cable or satellite television
• A security system

And do you feel comfortable with any of the following:

• Repairing a hole in sheetrock or drywall
• Installing “on wall” shelving
• Installing baseboards or crown molding

If you answered yes to any of these and are familiar with the tools
listed, we’re confident that you are capable of installing Polk speakers.

• Use material and speaker cabling that conforms to your community 

and state building codes–your retailer or home center service 
personal will know if these are unique and which material to use.

• Use caution when standing on a ladder.
• Always use eye protection.
• When in a crawl space, attic or unfinished basement be sure 

to light the space safely.

• Take your time.
• When drilling into walls or ceilings shut of power to that area 

of the house.

• When drilling through a fire block or any fire barrier, after installing 

the wire, be sure to fill the hole with a comparable fire retardant 
material (available in small quantities at any home improvement 
center in a convenient aerosol can).

• When cutting or stripping wires, or using sharp blades–slow down, 

make sure you have enough light, and always cut or slice in a motion
away from your body.