Just Picked up pair of RTA12 TLC and Tweeter help

jakebake

Sorry for so many threads lol... couldn't figure out how to delete the last one... Just have a few questions with these RTA12 I just picked up. Img link: https://imgur.com/a/umxfiNx

All speakers work great just need some TLC. but man the sound... sound great and are just fun. I spent hours last night just listening to them and made me rediscover a lot of music I used to listen to. Using them with the newest Bluesound Powernode (Amplification: Hybrid
Digital™Rated Power Output: 80W x 2 (8 Ohms)
IHF Dynamic Power: 220W (4 Ohms) / 130W (8 Ohms))

Anyways, I'm wanting to do the tweeter upgrade to the RD0194-1, but having difficulty finding on eBay. Assuming I can't get directly from Polk anymore? I can find the RD0198-1 but will this not work?

You can see the passive woofer on one has some scratches. Anyway, of fixing this? Seems to just be cosmetic. The veneer and cab has some scratches/dents as well any tips on that?

I also have those stands would putting these on them be a bad idea?

I might look into upgrading the crossovers later on, but it'll be a big task and learning experience for me so we will see... plus they already sound great as is.

Lastly, I really prefer the look of speakers without the grills. Obviously, I am sure the tweeter design on these is 50/50 if you like how it looks. Is there any danger to leaving the top cover off or if someone touches the crossover (kids) and has anyone seen or made a cover that just covers the crossover but not the tweeter?

Thanks for all the help!

pitdogg2

They do not belong on stands as that would go against the RTA {real time array}. That is the reason the tweeter is where it is at. Both the midwoofers and tweeter motor assemblies are in line with one another.
Setting them on stands tilted back could affect imaging greatly.
While 80wpc might sound good they really need a lot more current to thrive and project mo'better sound.
You should not try and used the RD-0198, it's not made to work well on that speaker without major crossover work
( possibly new inductors and most definitely caps.)... Check midwest speaker for the RD-0194.

xschop

Hopefully you can get a set of RDO's.
Cosmetics are just that.

jakebake

Yeah I’m trying to find some! Midwest is out of stock right now. Does Polk sell them anymore? Will Midwest peerless clone work?

Gardenstater

I would just wait. Look here and put your email in to be notified:

https://reconingspeakers.com/products-page/polk-sl1000-sl2000-tweeter/

and here (says will be available Feb/Mar 2022):

https://www.midwestspeakerrepair.com/shop/home-audio/tweeters/polk-audio-1-tweeters/polk-audio-sl2000-1-inch-dome-tweeter/

You should also put in a saved search on eBay and you will get daily emails when there are any new matches.

jakebake

Gardenstater wrote: »

I would just wait. Look here and put your email in to be notified:

https://reconingspeakers.com/products-page/polk-sl1000-sl2000-tweeter/

and here (says will be available Feb/Mar 2022):

https://www.midwestspeakerrepair.com/shop/home-audio/tweeters/polk-audio-1-tweeters/polk-audio-sl2000-1-inch-dome-tweeter/

You should also put in a saved search on eBay and you will get daily emails when there are any new matches.

Thanks! Will do! So for the $120-130 for the upgrade how much of a difference in sound quality is it?

xschop

No Mo RDO's?

Gardenstater

Sound quality is subjective and everyone's hearing is different. I haven't personally heard either of those two tweeters so somebody who has could chime in. You could also read A Tale of 5 Tweeters thread where DarqueKnight rated them all on several parameters:

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/182943/the-tale-of-5-tweeters-sda-tweeter-replacement-guide#latest

pitdogg2

Call polk customer service and find out if they have some.
It's the easiest way.

Faustin

Those do look a bit rough, but if you are up to the task you can make them look very nice again. If you look through my threads you should find my RTA 12 reveneer with pictures. I had a hard time selling them. 😪

jakebake

Faustin wrote: »

Those do look a bit rough, but if you are up to the task you can make them look very nice again. If you look through my threads you should find my RTA 12 reveneer with pictures. I had a hard time selling them. 😪

Yeah it’s not all that bad since it’s mostly on the back but I would like to fix em up a bit. They weren’t too much and I think they sound great. Don’t care too much about selling them for awhile. Was doing the reveneer hard? Did you redo the grill cloth? I see your thread about selling them but not about redoing them? Can you link me?

I was also thinking about vinyl wrapping them too

xschop

Carbon fiber wrap.

engie490

I had a pair of SDA-1Cs with the SL-2000s and I changed them out for the 194s. Changed the tonal balance quite a bit for me. I felt that the speakers were much more listenable after that. YMMV.

jakebake

xschop wrote: »

Carbon fiber wrap.

Thinking something like that could be sweet!

Faustin

Try this link

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/162037/rta-12c-cabinet-restoration#latest

Faustin

And another.

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/162315/my-girls-in-their-sexy-new-clothes#latest