RT55, CS400, RT1000 vs RT5000 system

HTguru1982

My dream home theater would consist of a Polk RT5000 system. I have never seen a set locally nor would I have the funds for such a system, at least not in the immediate future.

But here is what I have managed to piece together. RT55's, CS400i, RT35's and RT1000's. The rest of my system is in my signature below. When I get my 55's from rooftop, I may move my 1000's to the back as surrounds and find another use for the 35's.

Will the performance of this system even remotely come close to that of the RT5000 system?

HTguru1982

I sort of figured as much. But as the system is now, it really hits hard. The RT1000p's are amazing to my ears. So I guess a more fair question would be: is the RT55 any better than the 1000's? What can I expect when I get them?

dpowell

I think you'll find that anytime your RT speakers have the dual mid drivers, the sound will blow away any of the RT series that only have one mid driver. This was true for the RT2000's vs RT3000's I had. I also had RT800's next to RT1000's and they were head and shoulders better. I would put the RT55's in front with a good sub and put the 1000's in the back for rear duty. The CS400 is a great center channel. Having had both the 400 and the 1000P, my only comment is that the built-in sub of the 1000p provides some very nice depth to vocals but overall they have a very similar sound signature.

HTguru1982

I received the RT55's a couple of days ago and I have to agree, they are loads better than the 1000's. I'm gonna keep my 35's as surrounds for now because I'm able to have them high on the wall behind me which gives me more floor space. All in all, this is probably one of the top three home theater systems I've put together and will probably be around for a long time. Until I can afford the RT5000 system or some LSi's.

WLDock

I agree witht he others, try the RT55's in the front and the 1000's in the rear. They try it reversed, see what works best. If you have the means, try a 7.1 system using the RT35's as rears speakers.

As far as the degree of performance difference between the regular RT line vs. the RT5000? I can't answer that one but.....

After researching on the net and pulling out the drivers and crossover in the RT800i, CS400i, f/x500, and RT3000p sets the main difference is the crossover. The RT3000 crossover does have more componets but the qulity is similar or the same. (Iron core inductors-woofers, air core inductors-tweeters, electrolytic capacitors, ceramic resistors)

RT3000p satellite crossover pictures
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/WLDock/Polk%20Audio/IMAG1010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/WLDock/Polk%20Audio/IMAG1011.jpg

CS400i crossover picture
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/WLDock/Polk%20Audio/IMAG1008.jpg

Other observations:
-The tweeters and woofers are the same or similar between the RT55 and the RT3000p woofers. The RTxxxi series has reworked drivers, crossover, and cabinet...the RT55i is a good example..its has a lot of changes over the RT55.
-The RT5000 set all have higher order reworked crossovers with low pass filters and that takes the lower bass strain off the drivers given they have powered subs to handle the low end.
-The enclosures are all braced MDF. The RT3000's have a non reflective material covering the baffle and the finish is nicer.

So on the surface the changes don't seem to be huge between the regular RT vs. the RT3000p satelittes But, I'm sure it took a lot of engineering time to find these improvements and of course the results are well worth it. So, set up correctly with good power I'm sure your system will have the signature RT sound but not quite up to the overall level of the RT5000.

However, I wonder if a DIY type could mod the RT55, CS400 crossover, cabinet to values, specs, alignment similar to the RT5000 line yet use better quality components like Clarity Caps, etc. Then, make some stout LCR sub cabinets lowers using drivers like the potent Tang Band W8-740P 8" sub controlled and powered with active filtering and stout power. I would think the level of performance will improve up into the RT5000 level. Then add one or two 15"-18" SI HT LFE subs. It will take some work...but the potential is there get close or comparable performance or maybe better?

Myself, I might mod my CS400i crossovers to see what that does. As much as I would like the rest of the RT5000 set, I'm starting to give up the quest. I know at this point I won't pay a prenium for them. ...if a too good to pass up deal comes along then I might consider it the CS1000p, f/x1000. Other than that, my sites are on the LSiM line, KEF Q line, or other DIY projects....waay off in the future.

cincycat13

I have used both the RT55 and the RT800 with the CS400 for fronts. Certainly very nice. I passed them to friends. I still have my RT5000p in storage with 2 spare amps. But, the wife hates powered bass so it kind of kills me using them. I felt the RT3000 towers were better and kept them over the others, but the difference wasn't huge other than the killer sub response of the RT3000p. Enjoy your new 55s!

dpowell

Cincycat13, Bummer that you have to keep your RT5000 system in storage! It's way too cool of a HT setup to be sitting idle..

To the OP, it's possible that some of the difference in XO's between the RT55's and RT3000's has to do with the fact that the RT55's are ported for more bass response while the RT3000 top cabinet is sealed since all the bass comes from the powered subs.

HTguru1982

WLDock wrote: »

However, I wonder if a DIY type could mod the RT55, CS400 crossover, cabinet to values, specs, alignment similar to the RT5000 line yet use better quality components like Clarity Caps, etc. Then, make some stout LCR sub cabinets lowers using drivers like the potent Tang Band W8-740P 8" sub controlled and powered with active filtering and stout power. I would think the level of performance will improve up into the RT5000 level. Then add one or two 15"-18" SI HT LFE subs. It will take some work...but the potential is there get close or comparable performance or maybe better?

Myself, I might mod my CS400i crossovers to see what that does. As much as I would like the rest of the RT5000 set, I'm starting to give up the quest. I know at this point I won't pay a prenium for them. ...if a too good to pass up deal comes along then I might consider it the CS1000p, f/x1000. Other than that, my sites are on the LSiM line, KEF Q line, or other DIY projects....waay off in the future.

This sounds like a kick **** project. But I don't think I'd ever find the time or the funds. Someday...

I am going to start upgrading the crossovers. I'm going to start with my RT35's. They should be the simplest and cheapest to do. I've never done a crossover before so it's best I start with those, I think.

As it is now, it's a pretty awesome system. And one that I can live with for a long time.

Eocuph

I recently bought the rt5000. Don't think it was too expensive but I did look around for a while. I recommend constantly checking on craigslist as well as here.

HTguru1982

Holy Christ. $375 for the entire system?

WLDock

I found my RT3000P's a few hours drive away for $235. One sub amp missing.

My art shot: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/WLDock/Polk%20Audio/POLKRT3000pARTresize.jpg

HTguru1982

Anyone have $1,200 laying around? :cheesygrin:

cincycat13

HTguru1982 wrote: »

Anyone have $1,200 laying around? :cheesygrin:

find a system in your area? the only way I am gonna have $1200 laying around is if someone shows up at my door with $1200 looking for an RT5000p system. still making payments on the LSIM 703/706c I couldn't pass up.:biggrin:

HTguru1982

I forgot the link lol. There's a set on ebay right now minus the subs.

Gatecrasher

I just moved to the St. Louis area and have 3-1/2 RT5000 systems and now an SRT.

I might be parting with some RT5000 stuff in the future (haven't decided yet).

$1200 for an RT5000 system is a good deal if they are in decent shape (especially considering they cost 5 to 6 times that new).

Eocuph

HTguru1982 wrote: »

Holy Christ. $375 for the entire system?

Yup... All the drivers work too. But the amps on the RT3000p's have a humming sound so I'll build an enclosure for my xbl^2 18 and piece together my own powered subwoofer.

c_nitty

Cheap rt1000,f/x500,and cs400 for someone on Ebay now.

HTguru1982

I saw those, c_nitty. Why they didn't sell the first time around is beyond me. Great speakers for a great price. Too bad I've got all the speakers I'll ever need lol.