RT3000P Subs Swap

Velocitydreamer
Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
edited December 2013 in Speakers
I'm not very familiar with such things, as I know the amp, impedance, cubic cab volume come into play, but I am curious if it would be possible/wise/cool(?) to swap the stock 3000p subs with Polk Db/Dxi/MM's? Is it also possible to use the stock amps? I've heard of guys doing swaps on the LSi15's. I have a stock amp out I'm gonna see if a local guy can repair, and I have at least one blown sub. Any ideas? Anyone done this? What are the pros/cons that you can think of? Thanks in advance Polkies!
LivingRoom
Source: HTPC
Display: GT720 (on the wall)
Receiver: HK AVR1700
L/R: RS850 Signature
Center: RSC200 Signature
SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

2 Channel (in the making)
Source: TBA
Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
Post edited by Velocitydreamer on
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Comments

  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited December 2013
    Here is the schematic for the amp: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48432&d=1272430795
    The large AC input caps are notorious for going bad and possibly the voltage regulator.

    Looks like DSkip may have some of the subs still available...so def check with him. This guy on ebay is looking for top dollar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Audiophile-Polk-RT3000P-Dynamic-Balance-Speaker-MW8500-Rare-Subwoofer-/301031574973?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4616e14dbd

    Anyway, Polk did a good job on the OEM MW8500 driver, these subs are quite capable. Here are some measurements of the driver:http://www.vr3mods.com/LCRT3000PTS.html
    I would try to find the OEM driver. If you try to redesign the system then you would need a capable driver with a decent price to make it worthwhile. Something like the Tang Band W8-740P, Peerless 830667, JBL GTO804 are low cost high performing options. One would have to play around with the volume and port possibly.

    As far as the amp, with this system for HT it's wise to get both amps working and feed the system with the speaker level inputs. Then, get a dedicated LFE sub fed by the low level inputs. The RT3000P will handle the midbass slam then the larger 12", 15", 18", etc LFE will handle the rumble. However, the 8's might be enough for many....sounds like you've had a set of these before.

    Nevertheless, if parts became hard to find and the drivers fall apart and the amp boards get destroyed....one could redesign the bass module with different subs and a different plate amp or outboard amp.

    Anyway, enjoy that set....that was a good deal on those as he dropped the price to $600. Maybe one day I will find the CS1000p center in Rosewood to match mine.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    One unrelated question, but would you guys suggest an SC-35 w/ integrated ICEamps or an Onkyo 609 w/ an emotive UPA-500? The ICEpower amps got a lotta good reviews... and I'm not too worried about the whole "4k" capability of the 609 considering it's 24-frame limited with hdmi 1.4a, when 2.0 is suposed to be 60hz capable, being better for broadcast as far as I understand it; that, and I don't plan on getting a 4k tv for awhile.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    Aw crap... nah, it doesn't. Had a 709 and thought the 609 would... I would have checked, but thanks for heading off that problem lol. Regardless of the 609, think maybe a... 709, with pre-outs + UPA-500 would be better than the SC-35?
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    Maybe it would be wise to save and pair a UMC-200 w/ the UPA-500. Then eventually get a good stereo amp for the fronts when I add high/wide.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited December 2013
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    think maybe a... 709, with pre-outs + UPA-500 would be better than the SC-35?

    Nope.

    Dont forget to add the cost of decent interconnects to that mix, so you can add at least 200 to the cost of the 709 and Emotiva price. And even then I am personally a BIG fan of the Pio SC models.....
    "....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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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    That, and I just noticed that the UMC-200 doesn't support Audyssey, as I'd like to do a wide setup when I get into a larger place.......
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    Is the ICEamp setup in the SC-35 going to push as much as the UPA-500? Just curious, as I know external amps are pretty much almost always better.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    I'll keep an eye out for you. My buddy is looking for a good deal on a Black Oak one, so we may run accross one.
    WLDock wrote: »
    Here is the schematic for the amp: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48432&d=1272430795
    The large AC input caps are notorious for going bad and possibly the voltage regulator.

    Looks like DSkip may have some of the subs still available...so def check with him. This guy on ebay is looking for top dollar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Audiophile-Polk-RT3000P-Dynamic-Balance-Speaker-MW8500-Rare-Subwoofer-/301031574973?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4616e14dbd

    Anyway, Polk did a good job on the OEM MW8500 driver, these subs are quite capable. Here are some measurements of the driver:http://www.vr3mods.com/LCRT3000PTS.html
    I would try to find the OEM driver. If you try to redesign the system then you would need a capable driver with a decent price to make it worthwhile. Something like the Tang Band W8-740P, Peerless 830667, JBL GTO804 are low cost high performing options. One would have to play around with the volume and port possibly.

    As far as the amp, with this system for HT it's wise to get both amps working and feed the system with the speaker level inputs. Then, get a dedicated LFE sub fed by the low level inputs. The RT3000P will handle the midbass slam then the larger 12", 15", 18", etc LFE will handle the rumble. However, the 8's might be enough for many....sounds like you've had a set of these before.

    Nevertheless, if parts became hard to find and the drivers fall apart and the amp boards get destroyed....one could redesign the bass module with different subs and a different plate amp or outboard amp.

    Anyway, enjoy that set....that was a good deal on those as he dropped the price to $600. Maybe one day I will find the CS1000p center in Rosewood to match mine.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    What would you guys say about a Marrantz SR6007 vs the SC-35? That's the other model I had considered as a receiver-only setup for now.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    edited December 2013
    WLDock... if you have a black CS1000P, I know someone who'd trade you their Rosewood CS1000p.
    WLDock wrote: »
    Here is the schematic for the amp: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48432&d=1272430795
    The large AC input caps are notorious for going bad and possibly the voltage regulator.

    Looks like DSkip may have some of the subs still available...so def check with him. This guy on ebay is looking for top dollar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Audiophile-Polk-RT3000P-Dynamic-Balance-Speaker-MW8500-Rare-Subwoofer-/301031574973?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4616e14dbd

    Anyway, Polk did a good job on the OEM MW8500 driver, these subs are quite capable. Here are some measurements of the driver:http://www.vr3mods.com/LCRT3000PTS.html
    I would try to find the OEM driver. If you try to redesign the system then you would need a capable driver with a decent price to make it worthwhile. Something like the Tang Band W8-740P, Peerless 830667, JBL GTO804 are low cost high performing options. One would have to play around with the volume and port possibly.

    As far as the amp, with this system for HT it's wise to get both amps working and feed the system with the speaker level inputs. Then, get a dedicated LFE sub fed by the low level inputs. The RT3000P will handle the midbass slam then the larger 12", 15", 18", etc LFE will handle the rumble. However, the 8's might be enough for many....sounds like you've had a set of these before.

    Nevertheless, if parts became hard to find and the drivers fall apart and the amp boards get destroyed....one could redesign the bass module with different subs and a different plate amp or outboard amp.

    Anyway, enjoy that set....that was a good deal on those as he dropped the price to $600. Maybe one day I will find the CS1000p center in Rosewood to match mine.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited December 2013
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    WLDock... if you have a black CS1000P, I know someone who'd trade you their Rosewood CS1000p.
    Well, I just missed a black one that closed on ebay for $335. However, there is a guy with a full black 5000 set that I am working with. So we will see as he is open to offers on just the center and rears.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • rafarmer1
    rafarmer1 Posts: 57
    don't use the POLK db for 3000P sub replacment. I just picked up a used set that had one of the subs replaced. You can hear a differnce.
    "There was an idea, Stark knows this. Called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people, see if they become something more. See if they can work together when we needed them to. To fight the battles that we never could."
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  • chefkungfu
    chefkungfu Posts: 638
    Hey guys, here are some sub drivers from PE. I'm sure these can help out temporarily until you can come across some MW8500's. I'm seriously considering some of these to play with to see how they sound!

    https://www.parts-express.com/cat/subwoofer-drivers/14?N=21630+4294967118+4294964970&Ne=10166&Nrs=collection()/record[endeca:matches(.,"P_PortalID","1")+and+endeca:matches(.,"P_Searchable","1")]&PortalID=1
    SRT Seismic System with dual PSW1200's
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