How does LS series compare to RTA series?

steelglam

Right now I have a pair of original RTA12's that I like fine and well enough.

I recently saw a pair of LS50's locally for $75. I'm wondering how folks would compare the LS and RTA series: how they differ both in terms of general sound signature/characteristics and in terms of quality (which is generally better). If you have any insight how the RTA12's and LS50's compare specifically that would be especially awesome, but even if you have heard others in these series and can offer some insight that would be great as well.

To give you some additional context, I've been on the lookout for some SDA's to check out and compare to my RTA12's. Maybe someone would also have an opinion on this issue, then: would it be better to save my time and money toward finding a pair of SDA's and pass up on the LS50's, or is the LS series comparable to the SDA's and a worthwhile upgrade over the RTA's?

Thanks for any insight!

ken brydson

steelglam wrote: »

Right now I have a pair of original RTA12's that I like fine and well enough.

I recently saw a pair of LS50's locally for $75. I'm wondering how folks would compare the LS and RTA series: how they differ both in terms of general sound signature/characteristics and in terms of quality (which is generally better). If you have any insight how the RTA12's and LS50's compare specifically that would be especially awesome, but even if you have heard others in these series and can offer some insight that would be great as well.

To give you some additional context, I've been on the lookout for some SDA's to check out and compare to my RTA12's. Maybe someone would also have an opinion on this issue, then: would it be better to save my time and money toward finding a pair of SDA's and pass up on the LS50's, or is the LS series comparable to the SDA's and a worthwhile upgrade over the RTA's?

Thanks for any insight!

LS50's (functional) for $50 is a no brainer. Run don't walk and listen/compare later...

bluecomet

Personally I would save my money for some SDA's such as the 1C's if you want to upgrade from your current speakers. Your RTA 12's in my opinion are better than the speakers you are considering.

dorokusai

$75? C'mon now....

No, they don't compare in any way to the new RTiA. They're totally different loudspeakers.

steelglam

Thanks for the replies, folks. A few responses:

ken brydson: They are $75, not $50.

dorokusai: I'm not interested in how they compare to the new RTiA series. As I said in my original message, I want to know how they compare to the old RTA series. I have original RTA 12's.

Let me give you a bit more context here. Because of space and money restrictions, I'm at the point right now where I'm trying to avoid lateral moves in the speaker chain. The only lateral move I would consider is to a radically different design (say from acoustic suspension to electrostatics or something) or something with a much different and unique sound signature. So, even if something is a good deal on paper, I'd rather save my money if it wouldn't be that much of a move relative to what I have. Plus I don't have the room to keep accumulating multiple sets of speakers regardless.

Hence when it comes to comparing the LS 50's and my RTA 12's, I was wondering if the LS 50's sounded a lot different and/or better than the RTA 12's. But as I said in my original message, what I've really been looking for are a pair of SDA's because I KNOW they sound a lot different than the RTA's. I came across the LS 50's while on that quest. I've never heard a speaker in the LS series, so I don't know anything about how that series sounds compared to the RTA's and SDA's.

bluecomet indicates that I'd be better off passing up on the LS 50's and saving my money for a pair of SDA's, and that he thinks the LS 50's are inferior to the RTA 12's that I currently own. ken brydson and dorokusai (or anyone else), would you agree or disagree?

dorokusai

Sorry misread the nomenclature. They're much better in the high end than the RTA, with decent bass to match. Overall it's a forgetable Polk speaker.

ken brydson

DSkip wrote: »

I preferred my LS70's over the original RTA-12. It had better imaging than the RTA's did and paired better with my current setup. For $75, you should be able to turn a profit if/when you decide to sell them. Even if the cabs are shot to hell, you can make $ off the parts alone.

I mistyped the $50 instead of $75 but I agree with the above. You could easily recoup your investment if you don't like them. Hell, you could probably close to double your $$ parting them out.

steelglam

Thanks, folks.

The things I actually like most about my RTA-12's are the highs (Peerless tweeter) and the soundstage, and the imaging is pretty good to boot (of all the speakers that I own, they are one of the best at "disappearing" and being non-boxy). Not the best imaging I've ever heard, but decent. I think if there are any areas where I'd like to see some improvement with the RTA12's is: A.) Increased extension and weight in the low frequencies, and B.) A bit better midrange resolution.

If the LS-50 is ultimately a forgettable speaker, though, perhaps it's best to bypass them and save more money to put toward some SDA's. Even though I know that SDA's are not for everyone, they definitely are memorable!

MrGlobe

I've only heard the opposite end of the LS spectrum, but I have been very impressed by the build quality and design of the series. I would also consider them to be a steal at $75. The only way to really know if they will sound better in your room with your equipment is to try. I would also agree that you shouldn't have any trouble getting your $75 back if you are not satisfied.