RTiA9 Mod thread

24

Comments

  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited September 2011
    Is the depth of the cabnets the same for the RTI A7's and 9's?
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    Oh yeah the A9 is over 20" deep!

    We could go nuts with the upgrades if I could locate longer rods.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Tungx2
    Tungx2 Posts: 58
    edited September 2011
    Please please post pictures of before and after the mod of the crossovers, so we know what we are dealing with here. I'm on the wagon to get a pair for RTi A9, and I promised to mod them. Just couldn't find a decent deal on them.

    Newegg is asking for 549 each, sounds reasonable eh? That's in the US though
    TV.......................Samsung 46" LCD LN46A550
    A/V Receiver.........Yamaha RX-V3900
    Amplifier.............. Emotiva XPA-1 Gen 2 for fronts, XPA-3 Gen 2 for center and Surrounds.
    BluRay Player.........Sony PS3
    Fronts...................RTia9 (modded)
    Center.............. ...CSiA6 (modded)
    Surrounds.............Empty for now. But waiting for a Fxi A6 deal on polk ebay.
    Rear Surrounds.... Deciding if front presence is the way to go instead.
    Sub..................... SVS PB12-plus/2
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    I have already gutted them.

    They look like a crossover with no room to mod them.

    They will look like this (with some differences of course) when completed

    I will post completed pics when done!

    I am still waiting on parts! Argh!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited September 2011
    Nice - very clean. Trey, couple of thoughts for making re-installation a little easier based on my experience.

    - I think exact measurements of the opening on the back of the speaker cabs may help make sure the breadboards aren't too big. I had to chip a little off the edges when installing the xos back into my A7s. Nothing major though.
    - Might help to have that to make sure the caps aren't too wide as well. I had to kinda work them xos a little to get 2 of the caps past the opening.
    - getting the xo back in with the speaker wires is a little tough - might help to cut a shallow section on the sides to temporarily route the wires while putting the xo back in.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    Gotcha!

    I have started breaking the outside corners off as they are not needed for structural reasons and it remedies the first problem....

    The second problem is sometimes unavoidable due to how many caps are going on

    The third issue I can definitely try to correct the best I can...

    It is a task to get these xovers to fit in that 6" space.

    Lot of little stuff and little wires in a tight space!

    Appreciate the feedback and will alter the design as we go.

    I have done about... 4 or 5 of them at this point and all of them have been different as I make slight changes here and there based off of feedback
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited September 2011
    hmmmmmmmmmmmm


    how much of a difference are they modded?

    guess it deprnds on what mods u did
    mole'
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    I think the best thing to describe modifications if simply this...

    It cleans everything up - its like going from a washed out sound to precision, nice precise details - gets rid of the fatigue in the top end that is due to the wash...

    It brings out the mids, opens up the bass...

    Its basically the same as going from cheap plain Jane cables to MITs...

    You wouldnt put your speakers to your amp with lamp cord - and you shouldnt use .10 cent crossover parts either! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited September 2011
    I have done about... 4 or 5 of them at this point and all of them have been different as I make slight changes here and there based off of feedback

    Yeah just trying to help you perfect the process. I'm sure it's evolving as you do each set.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    We need to redo your LSi9...

    That will be a challenge integrating those Daytons! ;)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited September 2011
    We'll do it in the near future - the thought of going with out my LSi9s for a few weeks causes me separation anxiety lol.

    I'm not even sure if the Daytons will fit through the back of the speaker actually.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,606
    edited September 2011
    I think the best thing to describe modifications if simply this...

    It cleans everything up - its like going from a washed out sound to precision, nice precise details - gets rid of the fatigue in the top end that is due to the wash...

    It brings out the mids, opens up the bass...

    What he said. The mods really did clean up the A7s and A6. Add to that dynamatting the driver baskets and with the volume turned up, the A7s put out clean pounding sound.

    About the only thing missing is a more neutral vifa like drop-in replacement for the tweeters.
    ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place :(

    Home Theater:
    KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch

    2 Channel:
    Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    I can separate the three caps - we can make it work! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    So are the crossovers in the A9s currently garbage? I guess to me it seems odd to spend a lot of money on a pair of speakers that should be "perfect out of the box" you know?

    What's something like this cost and will I enjoy the mod or hate it? How do you determine what parts internally to replace with?
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    The crossovers are not garbage the parts are just low cost because they are mass produced...

    I will send you a PM.

    I use parts I have tried and feel are the best out there to replace the parts that are on the stock boards...

    The mods take the sound of the speakers and draws out that extra percent that is not possible with the stock xovers...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    Parts
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    That's gorgeous.

    Saw your PM. Maybe in a couple months we'll talk ;).
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    Sounds good!

    The RT series is great as is but can be better! Enjoy!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Tungx2
    Tungx2 Posts: 58
    edited September 2011
    damn, it's definitely a work of art to assemble it together with new layouts.

    so does that include all the caps that is modified? was there any that you skipped? i hope there's enough room for other types of caps (larger ones)
    TV.......................Samsung 46" LCD LN46A550
    A/V Receiver.........Yamaha RX-V3900
    Amplifier.............. Emotiva XPA-1 Gen 2 for fronts, XPA-3 Gen 2 for center and Surrounds.
    BluRay Player.........Sony PS3
    Fronts...................RTia9 (modded)
    Center.............. ...CSiA6 (modded)
    Surrounds.............Empty for now. But waiting for a Fxi A6 deal on polk ebay.
    Rear Surrounds.... Deciding if front presence is the way to go instead.
    Sub..................... SVS PB12-plus/2
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    I did not completely replace the larger capacitors as it would ultimately up the mod cost a couple hundred dollars.

    I am certain I could make them fit with some creative thinking and strategic placement but another day! :)

    The real important thing is the highs and mids and we are decking those out so it is all good! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited September 2011
    Have you considered doing what they did in the 707s, which is split the crossovers up into two separate sections. Instead of trying to sandwich it all onto the back of the terminal cup, make a daughter board to remote-mount the HF section up behind those drivers (or at least mounted higher-up against the back- or side-wall, and then have another board for the woofer section. It makes installation a little less hectic :smile:
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    I can do that but I am going for an all in one, easy to reinstall package.

    Its what I do.

    I take the impossible and make it awesome!

    :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited September 2011
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I take the impossible and make it awesome!

    This is true :biggrin:
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited September 2011
    JimAckley wrote: »
    Have you considered doing what they did in the 707s, which is split the crossovers up into two separate sections. Instead of trying to sandwich it all onto the back of the terminal cup, make a daughter board to remote-mount the HF section up behind those drivers (or at least mounted higher-up against the back- or side-wall, and then have another board for the woofer section. It makes installation a little less hectic :smile:
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I can do that but I am going for an all in one, easy to reinstall package.

    Its what I do.

    I take the impossible and make it awesome!

    :)

    Yup, also keep in mind I think he has just the crossovers. If he had the speaker he could just mount them in himself and be done.

    IF I do my LSi 15's I would physically drive them to him, and then pick them up later so he could do something similar with them.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited September 2011
    What do the stock crossovers look like?
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    In my picture - the things wrapped up in the wire are the stock crossovers.

    They are sandwiched together and allow maybe... a .25" of room between boards. Physically impossible to mod without doing something like I do
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited September 2011
    You could always use some industrial strength velcro and some type of conector. That way all he has to do is stick on the remote xo and plug it in to the pig tale coming off the original xo. That way it is plug and play.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    That is always an option...

    I personally dont like using quick disconnects for anything...

    But if it came down to it we can definitely do it.

    At that point I think I would try to talk the individual into external crossovers though! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,754
    edited September 2011
    Finished CSiA6 mod that goes with the A9 - going to knock out the 9's tomorrow!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited September 2011
    Man that cap is massive
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter