RT-10 Woofer Replacement

chapmar

I recently decided that I'd replace the woofers in my old RT-10s. I managed to get one woofer and both tweeters replaced near the end of the warranty, but, 7 years later, the older of the two woofers finally gave up the ghost.

I searched ebay for a while, and came very close to purchasing some RT-7s to scavenge the drivers (fyi, these can be found for around $125-165 shipped). I even saw a pair or two of RT-10s on there, but the shipping on those was too high for me to swallow.

So, I eventually decided to replace the woofers with some more readily available drivers. I took all the necessary measurements and talked extensively with the folks at Madisound (http://www.madisound.com/). I eventually settled on the Silver Flute W20RC38-S, which is an 8", 8 ohm, shielded woofer (http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=850).

This woofer is a bit larger than the stock woofer, so I had to use a router to increase the size of the hole (if anyone wants more info on the routing procedure, let me know). The folks at Madisound also suggested adding about 4-6 oz of wool to the inside of the cabinet to control bass response/boom (http://www.madisound.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=772). Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos during the installation (doh!), but I've attached a few of the finished product.

After about 60 hours of break-in, I can report that this woofer is a great replacement for the stock woofers in the RT-10s. Bass extension is solid and a bit more controlled than with the stock woofers (the wool may be playing a part here). Midrange performance is on par with the stock woofers. Unfortunately, I don't have the equipment to take Frequency Response measurements, but I've tried them out with a variety of material...and so far, they've passed with flying colors.

Hope someone finds this info helpful.

Cheers,
chapmar

zingo

Definitly doesn't look stock anymore, but a great looking install and I'm glad it sounds good. It's always nice when a speaker "hot rod" project goes well and welcome to the forum.

kimosabe

I also need to replace my woofers, by any chance you still have your old single working woofer? also do you remember what the inside of the cabinet looked like? Is it just one big cavity?

Thanks,

Ryan

budzos

I am getting ready to replace the woofers in my RT-10's with the Silver Flutes and was wondering if anybody else out there has done this and could provide me with any details of the swap. Also I will have 1 of the original woofers that works and I may consider selling
it if somebody is looking. Preferably local, in the Milwaukee area.
Thanks, budzos

budzos

My RT-10 replacements worked out very well. If anyone needs a original replacement woofer send me an email.
Thanks, budzos

gordonmiller53

I am interested in your working woofer. How much are you asking?

Thanks!

Gordon Miller
gordonmiller1953@gmail.com

quicksilvergts

Hopefully he has it still, I was thinking about maybe getting it too lo.
For a "Just in case".
If he doesn't, Polk tech support directed me to these guys.
As Polk worked with them directly to craft it.

http://w.mawebcenters.com/midwestspeaker/ecommerce/mw-audio-mw-8000-8-inch-polk-audio-copy-woofer.html

Post Script- Not trying to guide business elsewhere,
just trying to help out. Since these are " hard to come by".
Those look very nice, great Job! Good luck to both of you.

Cheers,

budzos

gordonmiller53 wrote: »

I am interested in your working woofer. How much are you asking?

Thanks!

Gordon Miller
gordonmiller1953@gmail.com

I sent you an reply Gordon.
Sorry about the delay.
budzos

pitdogg2

quicksilvergts wrote: »

Hopefully he has it still, I was thinking about maybe getting it too lo.
For a "Just in case".
If he doesn't, Polk tech support directed me to these guys.
As Polk worked with them directly to craft it.

http://w.mawebcenters.com/midwestspeaker/ecommerce/mw-audio-mw-8000-8-inch-polk-audio-copy-woofer.html


Cheers,

wonder if Polk also worked with them to make the peerless clones they also sell. Good company to deal with IMO.
nice to know

quicksilvergts

That would be great if they did.
And Midwest is great to deal with. I called to verify
That it would be a exact "drop in" for my RT16.
Sure enough he was very knowledgeable and they are a drop in.
Need to keep the old Polk line alive as well fir other manufacturers.

Cheers,