Wanted rt 5000

chefkungfu

Hello, I'm looking for a RT 5000 speaker system. Rosewood or ebony will do. Must be in good shape, some scratches are ok, but not abused cabinets or drivers.
Any kind souls out there willing to part with their RT 5000? (cash is king). I will travel from S. Florida to NC. Please send me a PM, or direct email. ft353@yahoo.com.
Thank you fellow CP members!

cincycat13

Good luck. I do see them pop up every once in a while. Very fun HT set up if you have a large enough room. Too bad you are in the wrong part of the country...i have a set in my closet that probably should go to a new home...

chefkungfu

I know, I've seen a few on the bay... they slipped through my grasp!
Send me an email, if your willing to sell/ship the system.
ft353@yahoo.com. My post count is under 10 so I can't send a PM.

rtart

Hang in there. You'll find a set.

I've owned three sets over the years. I bought them a part here, part there. Sometimes I had to buy more than I needed, but sold the rest.

BTW, a decent set with good sub amps should go for around $1,200.

chefkungfu

Hey thanks rtart! I'm looking around, I'll buy the components seperate and together as a set! I want to build up a nice set, I'm still going to use both my subs (psw650 & 1200). I'm not so sure what I'll do with fronts, center, & surrounds!
I'm in no rush to have them, but I will have them. I want to upgrade my HT at the moment, I know there are "newer" speakers out there.. but I've wanted them for many years now.

rtart

Hi again chef,

I see form your setup listed that you are heading down the same upgrade path as me. I owned RT1000p's, RT2000p's and finally the Rt3000p's. My centers went from CS350, CS400 and now the CS1000p. Surrounds started with FX300's, FX500's and finally FX1000's.

I can attest that every 'jump' in the Polk line added something to the overall sound quality of my system. And, the journey was a lot of fun!!

Over the years I've auditioned a lot of different speakers in my HT, but always wind up back with the RT5000 series gear. I recall a review of Polk's A9s in Home Theater Magazine a couples years back. The author mentions that there has only been one set of speakers he ever reviewed that he later wished he had bought, but didn't - the Polk RT3000p's.

Its very difficult to argue with a complete speaker setup that uses identical mid woofers and tweeters throughout. Back in 1998 there was no digital processing like Audyssey or YPAO or MCACC. We set up our systems using pink noise and a sound meter. Equalization, if any, was usually done in the analog realm. The idea was to start with identical drivers to maximize sound quality in the surround environment.

Physics hasn't changed since the RT5000 system was introduced. However, EQ capability has, and IMO only makes a physically matched speaker system sound even better.

The RT5000 was a great value at new prices. At used prices it's an even better deal.

Good luck with your search!

chris23120

I love my RT5000 package. Its going to be 12 years old this month! I just picked up an incomplete package, towers, center, no fx1000 for a friend that he stole on EBAY. I tested them against mine and they sound great, just some cosmetic stuff but i believe he is going to revineer them and the two PSW1000's he is getting from me to make a matching set.. The only speakers that have me thinking about changing is the new LSIm's. Although, i would still keep the RT5000, just move it to another room. Best of luck in your search.

chefkungfu

Hey guys, been away a few days!! I finally scored a pair of RT3000p courtesy of velocitydreamer!! Very nice person!! Very happy with the towers, Thanks!! Now I just need a CS1000p and the FX1000 (for the sides). I have the 3000's up front with the cs350ls & I moved the RT2000's for my rear surrounds.

cincycat13

Congrats on scoring the towers! How does the bass compare to the 2000s?

chefkungfu

Thank you cincycat13!! Everything sounds so much different! The 3000's sound more alive! Deeper, tighter bass! Still looking for the cs1000 center and the f/x1000 surrounds. Heck, if I come across another set of 3000's I may be tempted!! I'll still wait for yours!

chefkungfu

rtart, everything you said is right on!! Pretty much going that route! Can't beat the RT's!
You have a pretty sweet setup, BTW.

chefkungfu

chris23120, I've had my setup for almost thirteen years, psw1200 ten years, (except my 3000) always amazed by the system!!I was that other bidder! BTW. LOL! Your buddy outbid me with 3 seconds left! That's ok because I found an almost brand new rt3000! I'm glad I was outbid this time around!

chris23120

glad you found some. He was using Esnipe to keep from starting a bidding war. Thats the only way i bid on ebay auction items. There is a set of black fx1000 on ebay right now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/POLK-AUDIO-F-X1000-Surround-SPEAKERS-BiPole-DiPole-/140744537577?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item20c50735e9

and another RT5000 that is pretty close to me...I may have to keep my eye on this one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-RT-5000-System-Home-Theater-Surround-Sound-Set-in-Rosewood-/290861299239?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item43b8af3627

Gatecrasher

Those fx/1000 speakers don't get their due respect. Every RT5000 set I see that is sold as separate components, the RT3000p's and the CS1000p's go for good money but the fx/1000's go for a song in comparison. I think I paid $900+ for mine new in 2002.

chefkungfu

I agree Gatecrasher! There is a pair that's been on the bay for sometime, the seller is asking 5 for them. The condition that their in doesn't warrent that price tag!! No grills, missing dipole/bipole knob on the one and overall banged-up with scratches. Too bad they had an abused life, that's exactly the color I'm looking for. I'll pas on them.

That's ok, I'm using my RT2000's as the surround speakers ever since I replaced them with the 3000's. I sure would love to hear the fx/1000 though!.
I'm in the market for a black CS1000p..... any kind souls willing to part with theirs? My CS350s is a bit anemic compared to the big guys!Lol! Just want more oomph!

chefkungfu

Nice setup Gatecrasher!!

jcsmithmachine

Hello all! I just reinvigorated my profile because I have been on a bit of a Polk buying spree lately. I purchased a full RT 5000 package off Ebay a few months ago, then saw the listing Chris23120 posted in his comment (on ebay). I actually picked them up from the seller tonight (we made a deal outside ebay since he is only a few miles from my house), very excited to get all of this hooked up/cranked up. My issue is the plastic base of one of the RT3000p subs is cracked, looks like they were moving them and dropped it right on that corner. The speaker cabinet looks/sounds awesome, but the cracked base is killing me (the whole system is in excellent shape).

Anyone know where I can get a base for the sub on the RT3000p? I dont even know if that is the correct term for that part of the speaker.

PS, I was going to come in on that other auction (for the set in Richmond) but got called into a meeting and left my phone in the car.

If anyone has a hit on a base or even a damaged rt3000p someone is selling for parts, let me know.

jcsmithmachine

Chefkunfu, I was looking around and found this link to a craigslist ad in Concord North Carolina. The guy is selling his CS1000p, FX1000's (and the tops to the RT3000p's).

Link is below:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ele/3548815233.html

chefkungfu

jcsmithmachine wrote: »

Chefkunfu, I was looking around and found this link to a craigslist ad in Concord North Carolina. The guy is selling his CS1000p, FX1000's (and the tops to the RT3000p's).

Link is below:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ele/3548815233.html

Hey thanks jcsmith.. I've emailed that guy 3 times & he never responded!!
No problem, I now have an almost new set of RT3000 & using my RT2000 for the surrounds. Now I just need a
cs1000, then I'll be happy with that.
Congrats on your score.... Too bad about the base that was damaged:(
If I can locate one, I'll let you know.

Can the base be fixed with some kind of epoxy, resin, or possibly jbweld? Just a
thought. Just growing ideas out there, I would do anything to try and fix it.
I just got word from Art Martinez (great guy) at polk, when they received my plate amp, it was completely destroyed
In shipping. So you can imagine I'm going crazy trying to find a suitable replacement plate amp!

chefkungfu

I'm looking at parts express to find a new plate amp. I spoke with another CP member, Chris... He
gave me many ideas on what to with my sub! Very nice and helpful guy!
I'm going to take his advice and get a Dayton Audio plate amp And rebuild my sub!
After all, the PSW1200 is a somewhat rare sub! And I plan on keeping it longer, I'm not going
to let some inept workers at the carrier ruin my sub!
Time to start making plans on rebuilding, I may need some guidance from
some of you more expierienced CP members!
Any help will truly be appreciated! As soon as I get the plate Amp back from Art, I'll post pictures to show the extent
Of the damage! All I know is that the circuit board was destroyed:(
-Frank

chefkungfu

My apologies, I meant to post this in the troubleshooting section. Got carried away responding. My mistake, mods please move. Thank you.

rtart

jcsmithmachine wrote: »

My issue is the plastic base of one of the RT3000p subs is cracked, looks like they were moving them and dropped it right on that corner. The speaker cabinet looks/sounds awesome, but the cracked base is killing me (the whole system is in excellent shape).

Anyone know where I can get a base for the sub on the RT3000p? I dont even know if that is the correct term for that part of the speaker.

Seems like the base for a RT2000p will work on the RT3000p bases. I've owned several pairs of both and my memory is that they are the same part. I know the RT3000p upper sats and the FX1000 share the same grilles.

I have seen others fabricate a MDF plate as a replacement - if you do both sides.

F1nut

I'm not going to let some inept workers at the carrier ruin my sub!

How was it packed?

jcsmithmachine

That's the thing, I actually picked it up from the guys house. I had one set shipped to me and the guy did a legit job (came in a create, fully encased, bases up). The second set I picked up locally (after seeing it on eBay) and I guess they dropped it at some point of ownership.

F1nut

My question was directed at chefkungfu because he made the statement I quoted. It's been my experience that if the item is packed correctly it doesn't get damaged. Therefore, I would like to know how he packed it.

chefkungfu

Hello F1, it was quadruple wrapped in foam (one contiuous roll)and then the box was packed with packing peanuts.
I know with your experience if it's packed correctly it doesn't get damaged, but in this case, it must have been that one time that it was damaged, perhaps a worker had a bad day at work and threw the box. Perhaps they were just lazy and didn't care.
This time around it happened to me, and it does suck! Kinda reminds me of the FedEx guy who was caught throwing that tv over the gate during a routine delivery. The damage is already done and I need to replace the plate amp, or find suitible parts for the repair. I hope this helps, if you have any more questions, I'll try to answer them!
BTW, are you ready for the start of the Austrailian race in 2.5 weeks? I'm also an avid fan! Been following F1 since 1997!

F1nut

Hi Chef,

I am sorry your plate amp was damaged. These days one has to pack items knowing that the package is going to be thrown and dropped. I've found the best way, short of foam injection, is to use sheets of dense foam insulation available at Home Depot or Lowe's. You want at least 2 inches of the dense foam insulation on the sides, top and bottom. The idea is to cradle the item in the dense foam insulation so that it cannot move (this is key) and the foam acts as a shock absorber.

Wrapping an item in thin foam or bubble wrap provides less protection than you think, but the real problem came from using peanuts. Because the peanuts move around they allow the item to move around and that always results in bad juju.

Oh hell yeah, I am ready!

jcsmithmachine

Prepare to be PM'd sir.

WLDock

There are a few RT 5000 systems on craigslist around the country, Boston, Chicago, Western MA. I really wish I was in a position to consider the set in Chicago.

WLDock

There is a RT3000P sub module for sale on craigslist in E Mesa, AZ: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ele/3704821788.html

chefkungfu

Thank you, WLDock!!! I appreciate your help! It's a bit too far for me, I'm in S.FL.