Will the RX500A damage the RC80i?

No. The RX500A is rated for the RC80i's 8 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the RC80i on the RX500A?

None: the RC80i is 8 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.

Is the RX500A powerful enough for the RC80i?

More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 13 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 127 W.

Does the Polk RC80i work with the Yamaha RX500A?

Verdict

Yes

The RC80i is 8 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

8 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

70 W

More than you need. About 13 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

Height decoding

Yes

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

How to connect them

Connect the RC80i speakers to the RX500A's height terminals with speaker wire.
Run Room Correction with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the RC80i and RX500A in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

Polk RC80i

Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 90 dB (1 W, 1 m)
Recommended amplifier power: 20–100 W
MSRP: $249 a pair (MSRP, September 2026)

All RC80i specs and pairings

Yamaha RX500A

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $600 each (MSRP, May 2026)

All RX500A specs and pairings

Questions about the RC80i and RX500A

Does the RC80i work with the RX500A?: Yes. The RC80i is 8 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the RX500A damage the RC80i?: No. The RX500A is rated for the RC80i's 8 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the RC80i on the RX500A?: None: the RC80i is 8 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.
Is the RX500A powerful enough for the RC80i?: More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 13 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 127 W.

Swap one of them

Polk RC80i + Denon AVR-S670HNot recommended
Polk RC80i + Denon AVR-X1700HWorks
Polk Signature Elite ES10 + Yamaha RX500AWorks
Polk Signature Elite ES30 + Yamaha RX500AWorks

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

Brand names are trademarks of their owners. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. 3D models are our approximations. Prices are manufacturer list prices (MSRP) as of the month shown. How we earn from buy links: affiliate disclosure.