Buying Used Speakers RT800i, RTi8, RT1000p

vadang

Hello guys, new here. I lurked around a bit recently to try and research my next purchase, but I feel a bit overwhelmed. I hate not knowing information, so I figured it was best to register and just ask.

So the wife gave me the okay to get some used HT stuff for our living room, no vaulted ceilings, about 25x20 room. On my local craigslist, there are these following ads:

[1] Qty-4 RT800i's, CS400i, unknown sub, unknown onkyo receiver for around $400. Going to see them today, but was told speakers are in great condition.

[2] Pair of RTi8's asking $300

[3] Pair of RT1000p's asking $300

[4] Pair of M60/M70s for around $200-$300

From what I can see all of these speakers are fairly old, some of the reviews dating back to the 2002 time frame maybe even older.

I already have a PSW10 sub, so my initial thoughts are go with option [1] if all is in good condition, but I wonder if I should just put that money towards newer tech? Or if option [2], [3], or [4] would net me a better sounding set up. As for my receiver, I have an older onkyo and kenwood which model numbers escape me at this point since I am not at home at the moment.

Oh and I am also probably going to stick with a 2.1/3.1 system at this time, so if I get option [1], the extra set of RT800i will go in the bedroom.

I think I understand the hierarchy of the polk series, but I question how much the tech has improved. I.e., the RT line is higher than the Monitor series, but with the age difference being so great, are they still worth it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and great site!

nhhiep

2. a used set of rt8 shouldn't cost more than 200. frys cleared them out for $99 each last yr. I know because I bought 2. still not happy with the brightness when use with sony 444ES AVR though.

3. newegg usually sale a set of NEW M70 for $350 shipped to your door. one time they have it for $99/each, but I was late. I am waiting for that deal to come back and dump my Rti8s

gsxr141

deal number one looks pretty good. i just checked, and those speakers were $1000 each when they came out. i'm not sure how you would use 4 of them for ht, but it's still a good price for everything.

cascius

nhhiep wrote: »

one time they have it for $99/each, but I was late. I am waiting for that deal to come back and dump my Rti8s

God, that would be such a nice deal! :eek:

vadang

nhhiep wrote: »

2. a used set of rt8 shouldn't cost more than 200. frys cleared them out for $99 each last yr. I know because I bought 2. still not happy with the brightness when use with sony 444ES AVR though.

3. newegg usually sale a set of NEW M70 for $350 shipped to your door. one time they have it for $99/each, but I was late. I am waiting for that deal to come back and dump my Rti8s

So are you saying, you would pass on any of those and just wait for a good deal on the M70's?

deal number one looks pretty good. i just checked, and those speakers were $1000 each when they came out. i'm not sure how you would use 4 of them for ht, but it's still a good price for everything.

Yeah they were 1000/each how long ago? At least 6 years I would guess. So would they compare well against current models? I wouldn't use all 4 in one system, probably split them up. 2 for living room and 2 for bedroom.

I might just end up getting option [1] for now if the speakers are in good shape and just upgrade over time. Say the receiver and sub are trash, I would be paying $400 or less (with some negotiating) for the 4-RT800i and 1 CS400i, so about $80 or less each speaker.

Thanks for the replies.

vadang

Just an update for anyone that might be interested...

I went to take a look at the equipment and the RT800i's were in overall decent shape. The cabinets had minimal signs of use (a few nicks in the wood here and there, nothing major), two of the tweeters look "wrinkled", but I suppose they work. The CS400i, looks a 8.5/10. The receiver is an Onkyo TX-DS595 and the sub is an Athena AS-P6000 (with a different amp, since the original burned out or something).

I wasn't thrilled about the tweeters, but the seller was a real nice guy and we settled on $270 for everything and he said if anything isn't to my liking, he will gladly take it back. So I left his place and went home. Everything works great, except one of the drivers in one of the RT800i's is blown. I swapped in one of the drivers from another tower and it worked great, so I know the one is bad.

I haven't been able to crank it b/c the kid and wife were sleeping, but I will tonight, but from what I have heard so far, I think I will be happy. Now I just have to either give two of the towers back (I dont have a use for a single tower, or find a new driver).

djperez81

Welcome to Club Polk vadang!!!!

If you have no use for the other set and the driver is blown i would reurn to the seller. I personally would keep the other set and call polk cust. service and see if you can order a replacement driver. Then i would save up some money and get a better receiver and sub and you would have a nice 5.1 setup.

scubalab

Vadang, WELCOME to CP!

Sounds like you got a great deal! I paid around $200 for one pair of RTi800's about 5 years ago and around $175 for a CS40i (which is basically the same as the CSi400) around 3 years ago. My recommendation would be to make the 'best' pair of RTi800s and keep the others for spare parts... or part them out for sale here on CP... You'll likely make most of your bills back on the vintage parts!

OK, shamelessly, I'll say that I've been looking, although not very agressively, for a replacement driver for my 800's... so if you do decide to part out, give me a shout out.

Best of luck with the 'new to you' setup. You won't be disappointed!

gsxr141

seems like you got a good deal. enjoy.

bluecomet

I love my RT setup. Still sounds great after all these years. Enjoy.

vadang

Thanks for the welcome. I got to crank everything today, and it sounds good. I do think I need a better sub and receiver. I did hook up the PSW10 I had, but it did not sound as good as the Athena sub. There seems to be a gap between where the fronts drop off and the sub picks up. I do have it setup for small front/center stage and crossover at 80hz. Perhaps that is due to the mediocre receiver. I really would like to get more midbass. Perhaps a better/more powerful receiver will remedy that??

I think keeping the other towers as parts or if I can find a driver for another room is what I will do.