checked the insides of your speakers?

Norm E. Dickey

Has anyone taken apart your Polks and checked them out? I took apart my RT2000p's to look at the amps. I was suprised to find that the quality of the wire and the connectors inside the speaker was not what I expected. In the middle of the wires are bullet(?) connectors for easier assy removal, but I wonder how that affects the sound. The mid/tweeter wire from the upper binding posts seem to be about 16g while the connecting wire from the lower posts to the amp is only about 20g (from the amp to the drivers is 16g). It's funny how many people talk of running huge gauges (I run 12g) but then not think of the internal stuff. I believe that better shielding from RFI/EMI is more critical on the speaker wire from the amp to the speaker, but at what point is bigger wire non-effective due to the internal stuff? The previous owner blew the amps, so they need to be replaced (or use a x-over and drive the whole thing from my amp) and I think that I'll also replace the internal wiring inside with the same monster 12g that I run on the outside (without the bullet connectors) and see how it fairs. They sound great now (with a sub), but if I can make them better... I bought the pair cheap ($400 and some phone stuff sidework) so if I screw up, it's not much of a loss. Anyone else think I'm a bit off the deep end?

mantis

No,
Not really.Most people in here think they can make the speakers better then Polk can.
But hey have fun, maybe you will good improvement's.Post back with your results,
Have fun!!

GuitarheadCA

Actually I've taken several polks apart, including a RT38i and a PSW 350. I had quite a different response, I was quite impressed with the way polk built them. All around was 3/4" MDF, a very solid construction with internal bracing to boot. I liked how all edges were sealed with a generous amount of glue. Not to mention tuned ports on both.

You're right, the wire inside is not as thick as the stuff going into the speaker, Although in my PSW 350, it was still fairly thick. But I don't think it needs to be, because it's already been split by the crossover, so each one is carrying less currnet, and there's much less interference inside the speaker cabinet.

That's just my opionion, take it as you will, but if you want to switch it out, go for it, I think it's fun messing with speakers.

Later,
GuitarheadCA

Ron-P

I've always wanted to beef-up the wire inside my Polks. I want to try my CS400 first, just to see if I can hear a difference. Some day, I just need more time to do the little things.


Peace Out~:D

Norm E. Dickey

GuitarheadCA- You're right about the construction, it is very clean and it's obvious that 'attention to detail' was made. As far as the smaller wiring after the crossover goes, I think that larger wire after the crossover is still important due to skin effect of high freqs, but that's just me.
Ron-P good call on doing the CS400, might as well do the smaller speaker first. Maybe I'll start with my RT55 and see if there is an neg/pos effect on the soundstage. I'll definately post my results when I get them. Now if only my tax return would get here...

jmierzur

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