The first RT series... RT12, RT16, etc... Vintage?

Syndil

Hey guys. I've got a set of RT12 speakers with the down-firing Power Port on them. When I first purchased these new back in the day, I had determined through my research at the time--or at least thought I had determined--that they were very similar to Polk's highly-regarded LS series. Similar size and shape, similar (if not exactly the same) drivers, just a slightly more modern look and of course the Power Port. I figured my RT12 speakers were basically a aesthetic update of the LS50 to give them more appeal to the then somewhat new home theater market. I have kept them and used them for all these years and I am still extremely happy with them. Along the years, I eventually picked up a PSW-300 sub and a CS350-LS to complete my system for home theater. I've never cared for rear-channel sound so never bothered with LS f/x surrounds.

But now that I've found this forum, I am curious as to what the "true Polkies" think about Polk's original RT series. Is it indeed on par with the LS series as I had assumed, or was there a significant change beginning with the RT series? I still enjoy my speakers regardless of what the consensus is, so no need to temper your opinions. It's just a question I have often considered, but never really cared enough to seek out the answer to. But, since I'm here...

mantis

Back then I lusted after the RT16's. When I was ready to buy , they came out with new models. I ended up with the RT1000p's. Deep down I always wanted the Rt16's.
Not much later I scored a Pair of SDA-2B's which I thought where neat but hated the idea of having a cable between the 2. I also thought the RT1000p's sounded better.
Then I actually scored a pair of RT12's which I was really digging for a very short period of time. I moved on to much better speakers and found them to lack to to many ways so I sold them to a local guy.

The LC series is a more musical speaker over the Rt series of that time. I always liked the 90's. A friend of mine owned them and I always enjoyed sitting at his house just kicking back and listening to them for hours. Him and I where heavy into music , polk's , monster cable , Yamaha receivers and Pioneer Elite cd players. It was what we did and it was great.

If you don't have surround channel speakers , it's not a matter of being "INTO" them but completing a surround field. There is no reason to have a center and sub if your not going to finish the package. Your incomplete , it would be like running a left speaker in mono and trying to listen to a stereo recording. Yeah go mono and get everything but nothing is no placed correctly and you lose out on the experience. I'm sorry you never had rear channels , you missed so much.

I'm a true polkie in your words as I have loved polk since the late 70's early 80's. My family has owned them before me. I still have polk speakers all over my house.

Welcome to the forum , good people , much knowledge and good times.

Syndil

Thanks for the reply. I never got to hear any of the LS series, and since the RT12 is more comparable to an LS50 rather than an LS90, I am sure the 90s probably did sound better. I also had the option of purchasing the RT16 instead of the RT12, but after auditioning them both at home, I found the RT12 to be more suitable for my space. Not sure if it was the larger 7.5" drivers on the RT16 or perhaps the tri-lam tweeter instead of the RT12's dynamic balance silk dome, but I found the RT12 much more pleasing to listen to. Still get goose-bumps and a stupid grin when listening to Fountains of Rome, so whatever they're doing, it's working.

I have indeed had rear channels before, and I still hear rear-channel sound when I go to the movie theater, which I do quite often. I still find the effect annoyingly distracting. Takes me out of the moment and ruins that important "suspension of disbelief" that makes a movie a good movie. Just like for some people 3D video can be distracting. I happen to love the new generation of 3D effects (in the theaters, that is--have not seen a home 3D setup yet), but the 5.1 and 7.1 sound... Sorry, it's a wasted gimmick on me. I'm very happy with my 3.1 setup.

VR3

My understanding is that the RT series is traced back to the SRT system...

Since then I feel most of the entire RT series in its many forms are cosmetic upgrades with lateral sonic changes throughout the years

You have a great set of speakers, enjoy.

alaskadean

I am new to the Forum. just resurrecting a set up from back in my closet that I want to bring to life. Have two RT-12 speakers and a PSW-300 sub-woofer. Also a Harmon-Kardon AVR 20zz. Have Monster cables. Never bought the rest of speakers. Just retired so have time and I’m committed. Where do I start?

alaskadean

Also have Harmon Kardon FL 8300 CD player that will load five CD’s.

FestYboy

What's the main usage of the system and your end goal? That will determine where to start.

Navy_Goat

Picked up a bunch of RT speakers for a great price locally last weekend. Most are in rough shape and I have been cleaning them up and gluing the vinyl back down.

* 2x RT16 Tall Floor Standing Speakers
* 2x RT10 Floor Standing Speakers
* 2x RT3 Bookshelf Speakers
* CS10 Center Channel Speaker

So far I have determined that the sound dampening material in the RT10s has deteriorated to the point that it is disintegrating and will need to be replaced. I suspect the xovers would benefit from a refresh. All the drivers seem to be functional.

I dont think I will keep all of them. I have my eye on a CC and some rears to compliment the RT16s. If I pick them up I will move the RT10 and RT3 and cs10 on to a new home.

BDT

I was a big fan of the RT series.....my first serious speaker (and what got me involved here) was the RT7. I don’t think they suffer by comparison with later designs.