info on RTA 12 speakers, w/ SL-2000 tweets

LiamK

I'm a newbie here, looking for a little info on my Polk Audio RTA 12 speakers. I'd like to sell them this week (on Craig's List in DC or eBay) as I'm moving overseas. They have SL-2000 tweeters, 12" bass, two 6.5" midrange, "Monitor Series," "Real Time Array," all original parts, from 1987. They probably weigh 75 pounds each, so I'd rather not have to deal with shipping (unless someone walks me through it), but I can deliver within an hour's drive of Washington, DC. I'd like to see them find a good home.

I see mention in this forum of "Orion" which evidently has info on vintage speakers -- what is their URL? (I googled and couldn't find it.) I'm curious what the original MSRP price was for the RTA 12's, a price range for used ones today (c. $300?), some specs, etc.

How do I tell if these are R.T.A. 12, 12a, 12b, or 12c?

I've posted pictures of my speakers on Flickr. I also tried to attach some thumbnails are here, not sure if that worked. There is a designated Left and Right speaker, as shown.

Any good suggestions are much appreciated!

BottomFeeder

Use the search function on this site - you'll find loads about your speakers. Yours are either the RTA12B's or C's. & If they're in good condition, should bring around $200.

stubby

Definitely "C". Probably some of the last ones made, judging by the ID sticker. I have a pair myself and they still have the old style white label stuck on the binding post cup, along with big "Left Channel" "Right Channel" stickers about half way up on the back. Good luck with the sale and going over 'there'.

stubby

stubby

Also, can't quite tell by the photos, but if they are oak they should be real wood. Might make them worth a bit more.

stubby

LiamK

Thanks for the input! I've listed them on eBay, starting bid $199, Buy It Now at $250. I saw a pair listed for $400, but I'm looking for a quick sale.

Thanks again, much appreciated! (I'll miss 'em... Can't buy stuff like this where I'm going.)

gdb

Liam, don't forget about Craigslist, if you post your ad right it'll cover the district, no.va & sub. md. !! Good luck on your sale and in your travels !!:)

dorokusai

What's the physical condition of the speakers, aside from your photos?

LiamK

To the best of my knowledge all the electronics are in excellent shape. (I'm not a hardcore audiophile like many of you on this forum. :-) ). They sound great to me, and I don't see any blemishes in any of the rubber or cones.

The casings are also in excellent shape. On the very bottom base of one (out of sight because the bases are recessed about 2" to hold them up off the floor), one has a tiny (1/2"?) chip in the veneer (only). Cannot be seen unless you turn the speaker upside-down. (I can inspect more closely if this is a concern.)

Three of the four plastic pegs that hold the top covers in place onto the speakers are broken off. This is not visible from the outside, and not needed for use, though I assume they can easily be replaced (I just never bothered).

The grill cloth is in good shape for its age -- the top of one has some "catches" in it. The side of one cloth is a little loose and could be reattached (trivial). The other one has a little smudge of white -- this is the one shown with the wine-bottle in the photo, the smudge is just to the left of the wine-bottle top. I have not tried to clean them (a little dusty), so I don't know how easily it would come off.

Please let me know if you have any more questions. I already have one bid at $199 on the eBay listing.

LiamK

P.S. Thanks, GDB! (I may need it.)

tx_polkhead

I paid $150 for mine locally on CL in walnut veneer also in very good to great shape. Good luck with your auction, you never know how much someone is willing to pay (I never bid on an auction with a high starting bid I know it's scary to have no minimum bid but that's what attracts people).

Siddhartha

LiamK wrote: »

I'm a newbie here, looking for a little info on my Polk Audio RTA 12 speakers. I'd like to sell them this week (on Craig's List in DC or eBay) as I'm moving overseas. They have SL-2000 tweeters, 12" bass, two 6.5" midrange, "Monitor Series," "Real Time Array," all original parts, from 1987. They probably weigh 75 pounds each, so I'd rather not have to deal with shipping (unless someone walks me through it), but I can deliver within an hour's drive of Washington, DC. I'd like to see them find a good home.

I see mention in this forum of "Orion" which evidently has info on vintage speakers -- what is their URL? (I googled and couldn't find it.) I'm curious what the original MSRP price was for the RTA 12's, a price range for used ones today (c. $300?), some specs, etc.

How do I tell if these are R.T.A. 12, 12a, 12b, or 12c?

I've posted pictures of my speakers on Flickr. I also tried to attach some thumbnails are here, not sure if that worked. There is a designated Left and Right speaker, as shown.

Any good suggestions are much appreciated!

Have you sold the speakers?

LiamK

Siddhartha: Not sold yet, the auction is on-going. It ends on Christmas Eve, at 12:43 am (after-midnight) EST. (9:43pm PST). You can bid on it here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=230315339057

rmaiers

I agree that they are RTA 12Cs. I have bought two pair locally within the last year off ebay. One pair I got for $107.00, the other pair $100.00. Both pair are in good condition and sound fantastic. Looks like you are going to get a pretty fair price if you have a bid for $199.00 already.

geppy1

Those are 12C as someone else mentioned. I have 12Bs and it is amazing to me that a speaker like this one could take into many showrooms and put them up against speakers costing much more then the $1000 these ran new and blow many of the current speakers away and you can buy them for $200.. When I worked in the biz I did this with my 10s on a bet and made a lot of money while the other salemans jaws were on the floor. I tried some LS15 and my wife first comment when i switched back to te 12s was" well now that sounds like a real person singing" Each to their own.

TomBergamini

200 is fair