Lookie what I got -- RTA-12C

Mystery
Mystery Posts: 2,546
edited November 2012 in Vintage Speakers
I was keeping eyes open for these and they showed up today.
Except few scratches/dings, these are in excellent condition including grills.
:-)

Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited October 2012
    Then post some pics!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited October 2012
    trav0810 wrote: »
    Then post some pics!

    Maybe he wants to keep that a Mystery too??:razz:
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    The cabinets are still in the car so for now picture of the tweeters and their grill only.

    Polk RTA-12C Tweeters.jpg

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited October 2012
    Great great speakers.I love those.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited October 2012
    Nice!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited October 2012
    Very nice. U will love them
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    Quick question.
    The socket from crossover has 3 pins like XLR with black, white and blue cables.
    What orientation is correct connection?
    It looks like I can connect it all way around.
    Is the blue wired pin on the front?

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    Never mind.
    There are small numbers on the pin and socket that I didn't notice before.
    It's too late to test them today but here are few pictures for your viewing pleasure.
    :mrgreen:

    Polk RTA-12C (1)-small.jpg


    Polk RTA-12C (3)-small.jpg

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    Those are in REMARKABLE condition...... which fellow Polkie in CO did you get them off of lol.... you help audio_alan lighten his load hehehe...

    BTW thats how the top hats are supposed to look. Those look straight off the showroom floor!
    "....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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  • philr168
    philr168 Posts: 91
    edited October 2012
    Nice looking set. I've had mine for 25 years and are still going strong.
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited October 2012
    Stunning!! Congrats
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited October 2012
    Those look brand new! Congrats.

    Get some listening time with them and then start the mods. However good they sound now, you can take'em to a whole new level. I love mine!
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited October 2012
    Beautiful set. Now the real fun begins!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    Thanks for comments.
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Those are in REMARKABLE condition...... which fellow Polkie in CO did you get them off of lol.... you help audio_alan lighten his load hehehe...

    BTW thats how the top hats are supposed to look. Those look straight off the showroom floor!

    He had a very good heart to give them away for such a good steal. :mrgreen:

    I don't think he was audio_alan at least not by the name.
    He was a nice guy in his 40's and we chatted for 10 minutes or so on the parking lot about vintage gears.
    It appears that he likes his Definitive technology better than these so I wonder what model they are.
    Oh, he also mentioned Polkaudio forums for tweeter upgrades and etc. so I know he knows about their value.

    Thanks to you for the deal if you come here and read this thread. :)

    Need to test them today with Yamaha M-50.
    Here is a picture of the back.

    Polk RTA-12C (4)-small.jpg

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
    edited October 2012
    Those are in fantastic condition...
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited October 2012
    I love the 12C's. I like a healthy toe-in on them. Angle them right at the sweet spot and they image like crazy... one way in which they beat SDA's. Congrats!
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited October 2012
    Nice score! The 12Cs are sweet sounding speakers!

    Good work Mystery!

    G
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
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    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited October 2012
    Those r truly a sweet looking pair. Congrats!!!
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    Only got chance to test them briefly.
    All drivers/tweeters work and they have that thump I was missing from A400.
    These sound similar to CRS+ but have more mid range.
    These have strong/powerful sound, not harsh but forward and metallic.
    Stereo imaging and separation is amazingly good.

    Boston A400 are still favorite with smooth and dynamic sound but the RTA-12C's are not going anywhere for now until I can test them to their full potential and proper placement when I move to a house.

    Looks like I have to get rid of CRS+'s.
    Hmm...

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • Oldmanind
    Oldmanind Posts: 49
    edited October 2012
    Great speaker that does everything well.
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited October 2012
    I came close to buying a pair of the 12Cs a few months ago. I was going to try putting my CRS+ drivers and crossovers in them to see how they would sound as SDAs. They were overpriced and the seller wouldn't budge so I passed. Maybe you would want to give that swap a try to see how it sounds. It would be an interesting project. Should be easy to do and easy to reverse if you try it...
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited October 2012
    Very nice old school speakers you got in great condition!
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    Just checked the product page and it mentions these go down to 17hz.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/products/rta12

    I don't think I heard even the 25 hz where it is -3db.
    May be it needs 500 wpc amplifier as that's the max range of watts as per specs to get that low frequency come alive.
    Hmm... :exclaim:

    Total Frequency Response 17Hz - 25kHz
    Upper -3dB Limit 21.5kHz
    Lower -3dB Limit 25Hz
    Nominal Impedance 4 ohm
    Recommended Amplifier Power 10-500 watts per channel.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • drgalexo
    drgalexo Posts: 159
    edited October 2012
    Not trying to be rude or anything, but you mention you got a great deal on these, what could one expect to pay for such speakers, they really arreap to be in beautiful condition?
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    TennMan wrote: »
    I came close to buying a pair of the 12Cs a few months ago. I was going to try putting my CRS+ drivers and crossovers in them to see how they would sound as SDAs. They were overpriced and the seller wouldn't budge so I passed. Maybe you would want to give that swap a try to see how it sounds. It would be an interesting project. Should be easy to do and easy to reverse if you try it...

    Interesting idea but I'm not that much into DIY plus don't have time for a project now.
    I'll move them to my bedroom and replace ADS L620 and New Large Advents that are in there.

    These RTA-12C's have better soundstage (RTA disappear better but have strong/powerful sound) than A400's (more directional) but both I and wife like A400's silky smooth sound much better than these so A400's are staying in the living room.
    I don't like NLA so much but L620's are very nice and these RTA-12C's should be better than both for the bedroom.
    drgalexo wrote: »
    Not trying to be rude or anything, but you mention you got a great deal on these, what could one expect to pay for such speakers, they really arreap to be in beautiful condition?

    From my research, their going price is $250 and that's a good price if all drivers working and good cosmetic condition.
    If you get anything below $150, it's a very good deal specially for a pair that looks as good as mine.
    If you get below $100, that's a steal... :rolleyes:

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • Devlon
    Devlon Posts: 355
    edited October 2012
    Very cool. I bet they kick!
    Living Room: HK AVR 354 as pre/pro, 2 x Polk Audio Micropro 4000, Adcom GFA-7500, 2 x Mirage OMD-15
    2 x Mirage OMD-5, 1 x Mirage OMD-C1, APC H15, Sony S790, Philips 52" LCD, Beogram 3000, FAT (Firestone Audio Tobby DAC), Harmony One

    Den: Sherwood R-972,as pre/pro, 2 x Velodyne SPL-1000R, 3 x Crown Drivecore XLS1500, 2 x Polk Audio Lsi9
    1 x Polk Audio Lsic, 2 x Polk Audio Lsifx, Sony S790, APC H15, Dspeaker Dual Core 2.0, W4S DAC 2, Keces DA-151
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    I was going through old threads on these and found only the B and C versions of RTA-12 are mirror imaged with different crossover for mid drivers.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?119563-left-right-on-rta-12b-s

    I was assuming non of the other RTA models are mirror imaged as mentioned on the above linked thread.
    However, just found a scan of RTA11 that mentions they are mirror imaged as well.
    Hmm... so RTA-12B and C's are not the only mirror imaged RTA speakers. :exclaim:

    Polk rta11 desc-mirror imaged.jpg

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited October 2012
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Those are in REMARKABLE condition...... which fellow Polkie in CO did you get them off of lol.... you help audio_alan lighten his load hehehe...

    BTW thats how the top hats are supposed to look. Those look straight off the showroom floor!
    Words right out of my mouth. Damn sweet looking. Nice score there.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012
    mantis wrote: »
    Words right out of my mouth. Damn sweet looking. Nice score there.
    Thanks.

    BTW, how much power should I give them?
    I don't have high power amps but I have couple that output over 100 wpc (Yamaha M-50 @ 120 wpc and Kenwood KM105 @ 125 wpc) at 8 ohms.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited October 2012
    Very nice If you got those for $200 your did quite well. Watts as you know has to do with volume. High current is important too. 120 wpc with good current should be fine at normal listening levels, 80db.

    http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/relationship-between-watts-and-dbs
    POLK SDA 2.3 TLS BOUGHT NEW IN 1990, Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-198
    POLK CSI-A6 POLK MONITOR 70'S ONKYO TX NR-808 SONY CDP-333ES
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