Rta 11t Painful!!!!

Sax
Sax Posts: 70
edited August 2006 in Speakers
So, I got some RTA-11T's on ebay, I've wanted a pair for a while now and finally found a pair. Got a real deal on them at $163 for the pair.

The guy misquotes me for the price he says and emails me a few days later saying that his shipping cost was for just one speaker not both and wanted $25 more. In the interest of recieving my speakers I went ahead and sent the additional $25.

After much anticipation the day finally arrived and lo and behold I recieved them today.



He put them both together in the same box, with only a single sheet of bubble wrap between the drivers and the cardboard of the box. The bubble wrap was taped directly to the wood veneer with packing tape. There was otherwise no additional padding whatsoever.

I counted over 8 large dings and chunks broken off one of the speakers and about 5 or 6 off the other.

1 driver is a total loss, dust cap smashed in, voice coil smashed cuz the speaker won't move at all when pushed on.

another driver has the dust cap smashed a bit.




and to think... I got my adcom GFA 545II coming next week! oh the pain!
Monitor 5b
RTA 11T
Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
Adcom GFA-545II
Post edited by Sax on
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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited July 2006
    Sorry to hear the bad news. You should demand a refund from the idiot.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2006
    definitely get your money back, thats why I dont use ebay too much, scared of product damage due to crappy packaging and then shipping handlers just tossing the package around.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited July 2006
    Sax,

    You are in for a fight, hang tough or forget about it.

    I would start the process pronto, what you need to do next depends on how you paid if the boxes showed exterior damage done by the shipper and so on.

    Good Luck.

    RT1
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2006
    I had the same problem last year. Hopefully your seller is more honest than mine was, as he refused to do anything. It took 3 months to finally get the money back. First there was the dispute through PayPal, which he lost, and then, because he didn't have enough money in his account, a chargeback from Visa.

    I hope you paid with PayPal and Visa.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    Been there. I got lucky and the seller reluctantly worked with me. When it was all said and done I had a nice pair of 11t's that were refurbished and upgraded with the help of fellow Polkies, Polk CS, and a fair settlement from UPS.

    Stick with it. They're hoping you'll just give up and go away.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2006
    Problem in this case, is that due to very poor packaging, there will be NO settlement from UPS. It is the same problem I had.

    Don't let the seller make you wait for a UPS claim, as by the time it's been denied, it will probably be too late for recourse through PayPal or your credit card.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    Problem in this case, is that due to very poor packaging, there will be NO settlement from UPS. It is the same problem I had.

    Don't let the seller make you wait for a UPS claim, as by the time it's been denied, it will probably be too late for recourse through PayPal or your credit card.
    In my case it was the poor packaging by the seller that got my claim approved. All he used was brown packing paper. UPS acted very quickly in regards to my case.

    By all means go through PayPal if you feel you aren't going to get help from the seller or UPS.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    it was fedex not UPS, anyone have experience with them?
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    hey quick question... I know the RDO upgrade tweeter is pretty fricken sweet, I did it to my monitor 5b's and already plan on doing it to the RTAs anyhow....

    how about the replacement drivers? If I were to replace all 4 drivers with the current replacements would it be an improvement over the originals, the same as the originals? or you can't beat the originals...

    edit: course, if I end up keepign them I'd have to replace the 1 driver that's smashed ANYHOW so that's why I'm thinking to keep the system balanced I'd want to then replace all 4 right?
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    I had the same problem with the mid-bass drivers on a set of Monitor 10's. When they arrived 3 out of 4 were frozen. I replaced all 4 and compared them to my 10B's. The 10's with the new drivers sounded better than the (all original) 10B's to my ears.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2006
    I have dealt with both, they are about the same.

    Halo must have been lucky, because they routinely deny claims for improper packing. And why not, there is no reason they should be responsible for the sellers incompetance.

    Either way, they will not give the money to you, it will be given to the original shipper, as he purchased the insurance. He should just refund your money, and then he deals with the shipper.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    Either way, they will not give the money to you, it will be given to the original shipper, as he purchased the insurance. He should just refund your money, and then he deals with the shipper.
    This part is true and it baffles the hell out of me. It's up to the seller to cut you a check. It's like he gets paid twice just for packing it like shite. PayPal is probably your best option.

    Yes, I suppose, I got lucky with the claim but I'd rather have had the speakers in tip top shape to begin with. :o
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited July 2006
    That sucks...shipping speakers is difficult even if you have factory packing. Sounds like a very feeble effort here.

    I am in the middle of a claim against a seller on ebay, not due to damage but because the item never arrived at all. So far it is not going to well, the seller has a USPS receipt for shipping, and has her head in the sand against any possible responsibility on her part.

    On a related I just got a call from the audio dealer shipping me my new Von Schweikert speakers...they have decided to ship them by truck to avoid potential UPS damage. Nice of them, since they were already paying for shipping. And they still had the factory double-boxing, too.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited July 2006
    Speakers that large should always ship separate. Demand it, it is worth the extra $$$. It tends to lessen the abuse from handlers too, They roll, tip, slide, and throw stuff that pushes the limits.
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    Flash21 wrote:
    I just got a call from the audio dealer shipping me my new Von Schweikert speakers...they have decided to ship them by truck to avoid potential UPS damage. Nice of them, since they were already paying for shipping. And they still had the factory double-boxing, too.
    You got lucky with them VR-2's! Great price to begin with and it includes freight shipping!! Lucky dog!!!

    Frieght is the best way to ship big speakers - unfortunately no one wants to pay for it since it's a lot more than UPS or FedEx. I've found Yellow to be less expensive than ABF. YMMV.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    sweet, I heard back from the guy, and he refunded me enough to replace the damaged drivers.. I'm cool with that
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    You know you get a discount on the replacement drivers by being a member of Club Polk, right?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    yeah... I've ordered before. I got the RD0194-1's for my Monitor 5b's. which, incidently use the same tweeters as the RTA-11t's

    So, tomorrow when customer service is open I'm gonna go ahead and order 2 RD0194-1's and 4 BD0610-A's, sound about right? I'm putting the total to about $295
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited July 2006
    The new mid drivers are spec'd the same as the MWXXXX drivers, so sound wise, there should be no difference. Cosmetically, the new drivers do look a little different, mostly just the dust cap.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    ok, so I just got off the phone with polk and have ordered 4 new drivers and 2 new tweeters! yay!

    they still carry the RD0194-1 of course, however he said they condensed their driver line a little, and now they use the MW6503 to replace the MW6510's... I hope it all works out, heh
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2006
    glad to hear the seller was willing to refund you a portion of the money. I like hearing stories like that. it helps balance out all the horror stories we hear about some sellers.

    Congrats on your RTA-11T's
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited July 2006
    Sax,

    My mistake, I thought you had MW6503's to start with (no, I didn't bother checking), but now that I realize you have MW6510's I retract my previous comment about being spec'd the same. They will sound different.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    in a good way I hope?


    edit: I think the driver that is horribly smashed is already a 6503. However the others look older so yeah they may still be 6510's. However, keep in mind I've never even lit them up yet cuz of the damaged drivers and I'm still waiting for my adcom to get here :) the one that is smashed however like I said may be a 6503...its newer looking, the surround is softer rubber...
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited July 2006
    Ok, I bothered to look and all the mids should be 6510's. I don't know exactly how the 6503's will sound, but they have a different Q, so they will sound different.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    aww shucks.

    well here's hoping :) I suppose they can't keep going on supporting ALL their old drivers forever.

    (wait..why not! :))
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited August 2006
    new drivers came today! Holy SH*****T. The jump from my monitor 5b's was quite substantial. My adcom amp hasn't come yet, However I Had a rackmount amp (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=245-515) made by pyramid... it's the only amp I have that does 4ohms currently so I put the drivers in (well almost all. I got 2 of my drivers and my 2 RD0's today. Hopefully the other two drivers come in the next day or so... they were two separate orders cuz I had to use a different credit card :-P)

    ANYHOW....

    MAN I love these RTA's... they're not even broken in yet and the amp had noise I could hear.

    :-D
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited August 2006
    nice to hear those rough shape RTA's are making you happy. let us know when the rest of your drivers come in.. and how they sound then. lol

    you did take a big leap up.. from monitor 5's to RTA11's. nice..
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited August 2006
    I've read around the forum and I guess the CS400 / CS400i is a good center channel match for the RTA-11t's. However what I'm wondering is the CS400's have a tri-laminate metal dome tweeter, and my RTA-11t's have the RD0 silk dome tweeters. This seems like it'd be something of a disrepancy and wouldn't I rather some sort of center that has a silk dome tweeter or possibly one of the newer ones with a ring-dome or something... any ideas?
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited August 2006
    use one of your monitor 5's for the center. or both for that matter after you replace the tweeters to the RDO silk dome. it never ends huh? upgrading. :)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Sax
    Sax Posts: 70
    edited August 2006
    well, the Monitor 5's recieved the RDO treatment ages ago :-P

    and, that aside, I plan on using them as my rear channels for now with the RTA 11's. I think it'll be a decent match, no?

    So, still need a center channel though :)
    Monitor 5b
    RTA 11T
    Rega Planar 2 (1970's)
    Adcom GFA-545II
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