Question about RTA 12b
New to the forum and just picked up a nice set of RTA 12b speakers from the early 1980's. One sounds great and one the tweeter does not work. I am going to to test the tweeter tomorrow but besides the fuse, I see jumpers, etc on the crossover that is outside the speaker. I replaced the fuse and it didnt turn on the tweet. Am I missing something on these speakers? Is there a jumper not hooked up maybe? Any ideas are appreciated. They have some DEEP bass! Thanks
Greg
Greg
Post edited by gjm76 on
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Welcome to Club Polk!:biggrin:
That's a great set of speakers; I have a similar set of RTA-12C's.
What do your tweeters look like? Can you post a pic?
I would put the tweeter that you know to be working into the speaker for which the tweeter doesn't work. If it works, than the problem is with the tweeter that you took out. If it doesn't work, then the problem is somewhere else (internal wiring or crossover).
While the tweets are out, look on the back to see what they're labeled as. If they are SL-1000 or SL-2000, you can replace them with the newer (and much better sounding) RD0-194. If your tweets are Peerless, I am pretty sure they can still be replaced with the RD0, but I'm not positive... someone who knows for sure will chime in...
Let us know how it goes.
What are you running them with? That's a fine speaker, and they really shine with good amplification.
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There's a plug that connects the upper crossover assembly to the binding posts and midwoofers. Make sure you're getting good contact on the plug.
Switching tweeters is a good test and will tell you if you have a tweeter bad or wiring.
Make sure the fuse is good and making good contact. The contacts can oxidize to the point of not making good contact on a speaker made in approximately 25-30 years ago.
The RTA12B is one of my favorite Polk speakers. -
Ok guys, thanks for the hlp so far. Here are some pictures and some new questions...
1. What are these worth today in good working order? The cabinets are in excellent shape as are the surrounds on the drivers.
2. I tested the tweeter and it is fried, so I will try to find another. The SL-1000 is what it is labeled as. Should I replace them with better ones?
3. The crossover says 12b on it, but the serial number says 12c. What are the differences between the 12a, b ,c?
THANK YOU! -
Look like 12b to me and I've had a few pairs of them.
You can replace the SL 1000 with the Peerless and get an improved sound. The SL-1000 doesn't sound bad.
I just sold my 12Bs for 150.00.
Price has a lot to do with location on large speakers. Up to $250 for minty ones I'd think.
It's hard to find super nice top hats on them. -
Thanks for the info so far...How much are the improved tweeters and where do I get them? I see there are some Sl 1000 and 2000 tweeters on Ebay for 30-50 dollars a pair. Am I correct in assuming that these speakers are 4 ohm models? Are all sl 1000 tweets 4 ohm as well?
Greg
