rta 12c leftys

buddyboy
buddyboy Posts: 2
edited August 2008 in Vintage Speakers
I recently bought a pair of rta 12c's. When I received them I noticed that they were both marked "left channel". They had two blown drivers so I used some good ones from my monitor 7c's to check them out. They really sound great but I think one speaker puts out slightly more low end. The numbers on the drivers i took out were MW 6501 and MW 6600x. Not sure why there different. I have not checked the other two. I'm wondering if it's a big deal that there both lefty's . Also, if that's not a problem, what are good drivers to use for replacements ? buddyboy
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Comments

  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited August 2008
    First welcome to Club Polk. Second I believe someone swapped a driver there. Check the other drivers, and let us know what you find.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited August 2008
    I just checked the wiring diagram and all you have to do is swap the speaker terminals on the right channel if this has not been done yet. The original drivers are MW6501's
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited August 2008
    I owned RTA12C's and talked with Ken at Polk about them. Since the speakers are not mirror imaged, it doesn't matter that you have to lefties.

    Strangely enough, I felt like the speakers sounded better when the speaker marked "right" was on the left and vice versa.

    It doesn't matter. Get the proper drivers in them and enjoy those babies! They're great speakers!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited August 2008
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    I owned RTA12C's and talked with Ken at Polk about them. Since the speakers are not mirror imaged, it doesn't matter that you have to lefties.

    Strangely enough, I felt like the speakers sounded better when the speaker marked "right" was on the left and vice versa.

    It doesn't matter. Get the proper drivers in them and enjoy those babies! They're great speakers!

    The Polk RTA-12Cs ARE mirror-imaged. Look at the schematics. The binding plate also states whether the speaker is the left side or right side...
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited August 2008
    Both mids are not driven the same.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2008
    Welcome buddyboy! Where did you get the speakers from? Do you have the opportunity to discuss the issue with the seller?
    Jake
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited August 2008
    It's not an issue. the only thing to do to correct the problem is to re-wire the mid-woofers. The mirror imaging is not physical but electrical. swapping the wiring from the left and right drivers will fix the problem.
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited August 2008
    jon s wrote: »
    The Polk RTA-12Cs ARE mirror-imaged. Look at the schematics. The binding plate also states whether the speaker is the left side or right side...

    I know, I know. My question to Ken was "if they're not mirror imaged, then why label them "left" & "right?" He told me that this was just a popular thing to do when Polk sold the RTA line.

    But he assured me that they are not, in fact, mirror imaged. Why the schematics say otherwise...beats me!

    I pretty much know nothing beyond what Ken told me, so that's me all done & good luck w/your speakers. They can be terrific.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • buddyboy
    buddyboy Posts: 2
    edited August 2008
    Wow, My speakers and I are feeling the love. I've reversed the polarity on the right side. I can't really discern a difference in imaging. I could try reversing the connections between the drivers when I find some replacements. Or maybe I should do nothing at all. This is probably a dumb question. I found some MW 7070 (8ohm) speakers on E-bay (63 bucks per pair). Would they sound best staying with the original drivers ? Part of me wants to stay with originals, but the MW 7070's appear to have larger magnets. Could it be an upgrade if I replace all 4. Or, if because they are 8 ohms, they won't work at all ? Thanks to all. buddyboy
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2008
    The original drivers were made for your speaker and those are the best ones for it. Stick with them and they'll sound great.
    Jake
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