RTA 15's?

Face

I've been searching locally for a set of SDA's, but stumbled upon a set of RTA15's locally. The owner claims they're pristine, but is asking $750, which is too much according to http://www.polksda.com. I've read they sound similar to SDA's, but without the SDA effect. Can anyone tell me anything else about them besides them being HUGE?
TIA,

ben62670

I have them, and I love them. They sound awesome. The sound stage is great in the sweet spot(the sweet spot isn't very wide, but not so narrow only one person can enjoy). I sometimes set the system to 5 channel stereo, and shut down the fronts. They give me a nice big grin. SDA's are more wrap around. $750 is kinda high. See if you can go, and check them out. Have you ever heard SDA's? You can get SDA's for that price. Even if they are mint I would not pay over $600. Just wait till you can get some SDA's.

Ben

Dennis Gardner

Depending on the intended use, for HT, its hard to beat the 11 and 15 towers. For 2 channel, SDAs are definately a step up for his asking price.

Face

It would be for 2 ch, I'm going to continue to use my Infinity/Elemental Design system for HT.

F1nut

I sold a mint set for $850.00 plus shipping a few years ago.

Face

F1nut wrote: »

I sold a mint set for $850.00 plus shipping a few years ago.

Doh, I hope I didn't just insult this guy with my reply.

Thanks for the info.

F1nut

I'm just saying that prices can vary depending on numerous factors. Mine were absolutely perfect and had the new RD0 tweeters installed. Since you are local, you should inspect them first as one persons mint is another persons good or less. You should listen to them too as they may not be for you.

It should be noted, it takes a good bit of power to wake them up. Receivers aren't going to cut it.

Face

I plan on listening to them and thoroughly inspecting them before and cash exchanges hands.

As for powering them, I assumed my Mcintosh MC-7270(270wpc, any ohm) would be sufficient.

TIA!

F1nut

Yep, your Mac will be fine.

One other thing, as they have a PR on the back, placement in relation to the back wall is critical. Half an inch can make or break the sound.

JimBRICK

anyone have a pic of these???

MillerLiteScott

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/284_8_thumb.jpg
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=70831#

Or check Ritelegs showcase.

ben62670

http://www.polksda.com/pdfs/RTA_TL_Sales_Brochure.pdf

MillerLiteScott

Thanks Ben

Much better.

Scott

halo

This was my set with the RDO198-1 tweeters



back:

ben62670

I'm retarded. I could have taken a pic of mine! Nice set Halo. Upgraded post, and tweets:)

halo

ben62670 wrote: »

Nice set Halo. Upgraded post, and tweets:)

Thanks but they are long gone now. I forgot about the post upgrade. They're Vampire posts. I was going to upgrade the x-overs but I bought a different pair of speakers and sold the 15TL's before I could complete it. I did give the caps to the new owner along with the schematic.

JimBRICK

those are gorgeous as well. I can wait to find some nice speaks like that in my area

Face

Anymore feedback on them? I may go take a look/listen Friday.

Polk65

The asking price is steep but in line with mint condition if that is what you desire. Auction prices historically swing between $300 to $600 plus shipping. Deals can often be found nearby on Craigslist for less if you are patient. I paid $225 for some in good condition.

I've had them for just over two years and it's a love+hate relationship. Sometimes I really enjoy them while other times I think of selling them. They have a great presence but need careful positioning due to the rear passive radiator and narrow soundstage. I really love their soundstage which is deeper than any other vintage model that I have ever heard except for SDA's.

The midrange could be tighter and the bass less boomy. Perhaps the new Polk Audio tweeters, updated crossover components or the Decato mods will help me find what I am looking for in this speaker. They came in vinyl or wood veneer and measure roughly 12"W x 16"D so not much of a footprint.

If you do buy them, transporting on their backs is highly recommended. Are you familiar with the mid-woofer press test?

I don't mean to discourage you, it's good to get your ears on as many different speakers as you can. If they look interesting to you check them out. You can always sell them if you decide to move on. Just keep in mind that not many will bite if the asking price is over $500

heiney9

Face wrote: »

Anymore feedback on them? I may go take a look/listen Friday.

The asking price is very steep. Perhaps I'm used to "Polkie" type deals but $750 is way up there. Tops I would pay for an absolutely mint pair is $450. For $750 you could get a nice pair of SDA's. I suppose you have to weigh the whole local vs. shipping thing. But IMHO, $750 is waaaayyyy too high.

They are very very nice RTA's however.

H9

Face

Polk65 wrote: »

The midrange could be tighter and the bass less boomy. Perhaps the new Polk Audio tweeters, updated crossover components or the Decato mods will help me find what I am looking for in this speaker. They came in vinyl or wood veneer and measure roughly 12"W x 16"D so not much of a footprint.

If you do buy them, transporting on their backs is highly recommended. Are you familiar with the mid-woofer press test?

After reading Decanto's page, I'm not sure what to do. The way my room is set up, they'll have to be placed near the wall(within 1'), and near corners.
Thanks for the link.

I just did a search and read up on the "press test", thanks.

rcbarten

I owned a pair of these speakers back in the early 90s. Not a bad speaker but would highly recommend rewiring the internal speaker wire. I used some high end Audioquest. It made the speakers sound 5 times better. The sound stage really opened up and they had alot more depth to them. Would not pay 750.00 for them at this point in time...Good luck

cfrizz

Welcome RC, in case you didn't see it the posts above are from 2007.

Face

The funny part is, the same pair was still available till about a month ago.

nikolas812

For Pete Sakes.


I didn't even realize how old this thread was until I got to the end.




Nick

maxilla

I own four of them and I wouldn't change them for anything, not even for SDAs.
Recently a guy that owns a little audio shop not far from were I live put an ad in CL offering a pair of SDA 1.2. They were impressive in size but I didn't get crazy about them. Probably some of the drivers were bad -he wanted $500 for them- but I just did not like them.

ben62670

Um $500 is a steal even if you need to change some drivers. Please pass on the deal to other Polkies if you can. BTW if you did not like the sound they were messed up or setup wrong, or missing the SDA cable;)
Thanks
Ben

comfortablycurt

$500 for 1.2TL's is an absolute no brainer. I've seen people pay upwards of 4 times that amount for them.

BB3

Face wrote: »

I've been searching locally for a set of SDA's, but stumbled upon a set of RTA15's locally. The owner claims they're pristine, but is asking $750, which is too much according to http://www.polksda.com. I've read they sound similar to SDA's, but without the SDA effect. Can anyone tell me anything else about them besides them being HUGE?
TIA,

Face, The RTA's really are not that huge of a speaker. They fit quite nicely in just about any setting and the sound they produce when properly powered and sourced(at least 225 watts per channel) is nothing short of amazing.

Now as far as money goes the $750.00 "asking price" may seem a little strong, so if I had to guess, I'd bet $550.00 cash gets it done. Even if it was more, it's all relative my friend. It's ultimately what's going to make you happy that counts in life. PERIOD.

I'd "pull the trigger" on the RTA's if I were you Face. You'll be glad that you did.

Take Care and Happy Listening.----BILL(BB3)

F1nut

Ummm......this thread is 2 years old. Face has moved on from RTA's.

Polkie2009

Haven't seen this series in years,just have to ask how do the RTA-15's compare to the LS90's?