[Question] Is RT series's still worthy to buy these days? or skip it..

beatcpl

Hi,
I'm looking for Polk home theater system that I found them at CL

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/sys/4755335964.html

is it still a good value? Thanks,

chefkungfu

For $500 bones, it's a pretty decent deal! If you get them I'm sure you'll be happy with them! I still have my RT2K, and they still sound good for 16yr old speakers...
Welcome to Polk, you'll spend a lot of money here like ALL of us!!

scubalab

I agree - that seems like a decent deal. I had a similar setup (RT800i fronts, CSi40 center, FXi50 surrounds, and RT35i rears). I miss them much!! I wouldn't let the age fool you. They sound pretty good for HT. I can't speak for the RT2000's, but the 800s were very capable as fronts. For rears, they'll be more than adequate! Keep in mind, they are BIG for rear/surround speakers... The 400 is basically the same as my CSi40 (I think it was a year or two newer...). Great center.

I wouldn't call that a phenomenal deal, but it's around the going rate. You wouldn't stand to lose anything should you decide they are not for you.

Let us know what you decide, and how you like them. And, welcome to CP!

rooftop59

It was my favorite series of rt Polk speakers, excellent bang for the bulk, and nice duel-purpose speakers. My big worry would be the amps in the 2000s. Prone to failure, hard to replace. There is a guy on ebay that fixes those amps for about $75 a pop, If its close enough I might go there with $400 in hand and explain to the guy the problems with amps and see if he is bluffing about the other offer.

WLDock

Yes, I agree great deals to be had on the RT line but age is something to consider. The old caps are the culprit in the amps and the crossovers. Also, the tweeter can go as well. I 've had a couple of them go out out of the five sets or so of Polks that I've had. Here recent I thought my center was sounding off when I got it. Then later, I was messing around testing an amp an the output of the center just died. Turns out the caps opened up. So, now I plan to replace all the caps with film, foil, and/or poly versions.

Also, Polk has several of the RD2516-1 tweets in stock (over 1000) that are replacements for the SL6502 model and possible others but that are $88 each.

So, the set will have life for several more years as long as drivers don't start to fail then we will have to see whats what at that time. I plan to stock up on at least one or two of each driver now.

chefkungfu

AmplifierExperts.com in Milford, CT. Seems really good! He's also on FB, check him out with your needs! He can most likely fix your amp!! price is ok, me thinks!
I have 2 extra RT3K amps with 3 fried resisters, He looked at them and can probably fix them.... if not, then the are going to be cannibalized for parts!
Good thing I collected parts over the years for these speakers! I plan on keeping them until they no longer produce any sound... then it's off to the fire pit!! JK!!!!

WLDock

DSkip wrote: »

$88 each? Not worth it.

Yeah, I was a bit surprised to see they want that much for an OEM Polk Audio tweeter. Heck, one can get a Scan Speak Discovery or Classic, Dayton Audio RS, SB Acoustics ring, Fountek Ribbon, Tianle Air Motion, and Seas Prestige tweets for that money or less!

So, something to think about....

So...right now I'm back to just 2 ch with my center down. Well....Over the weekend I was watching PLANES: Fire and Rescue with the kids and set things for stereo at first. I thought the fronts were more lively with the added power due to the other speakers not playing. Plus my speakers are pretty tall so the voices are nice, high and clear

However, with all the fly by scenes I disabled the center in the AVR and set it up for a 4 speaker digital surround. Not bad...your ears get used to it.

I've thought about selling off the Polks and moving on to my 2 ch plans...but, I'm dug in for now. I know now that I might try an amp with the Polk fronts just to see how it sounds. Never thought I needed it given the built-in woofer amps and my modest room size.

I also, dream of a larger house and two or three systems. All good things will come.....


Until then, I have to fix this center...and update the L&R crossovers as well with new caps. I have no plans to get too crazy$$$ with Clarity Caps and such. Not for these Polks.....Bennic and Solen level only.

chefkungfu

Hey WLDock,
I may may a pair of the SL6502.... I have to check my hobby room. I'll let you know.