Polk RTA15T's: Some questions

szerwo

Hello Everyone,

I am a new member of Club Polk. I've been reading posts for a while and now have some questions of my own.

I am in the market for some new speakers. I came across a Craigslist ad for some Polk RTA15T's. I did as much reading on them as i could, and now plan to go have a listen. The gentleman is asking $200 for them.

My questions are as follows:

1. I have read that the stock tweeters have a tendency to blow out due to the low crossover point. Is there something in particular that i can listen for when auditioning the speakers to tell if the tweeters are blown? Or will it be obvious...

2. Even if the tweeters arent blown, it seems that many here recommend upgrading to a newer tweeter. How long does a modification like this take and are there any specialty tools or knowledge required? (I do like to get my hands dirty)

3. Are there any specific issues that i should look/listen for when inspecting these speakers?

4. How will the sound of these speakers compare with a current lower end speaker? I originally was intending to purchase some Polk Monitor 70's. I currently own some Klipsch KG 3.2's.

5. If they are in good condition, would you consider this a good deal?


Thanks in advance for the help, hopefully I will be a full fledged Polk Member soon.

Stuart

heiney9

szerwo wrote: »

Hello Everyone,

I am a new member of Club Polk. I've been reading posts for a while and now have some questions of my own.

I am in the market for some new speakers. I came across a Craigslist ad for some Polk RTA15T's. I did as much reading on them as i could, and now plan to go have a listen. The gentleman is asking $200 for them.

My questions are as follows:

1. I have read that the stock tweeters have a tendency to blow out due to the low crossover point. Is there something in particular that i can listen for when auditioning the speakers to tell if the tweeters are blown? Or will it be obvious...

2. Even if the tweeters arent blown, it seems that many here recommend upgrading to a newer tweeter. How long does a modification like this take and are there any specialty tools or knowledge required? (I do like to get my hands dirty)

3. Are there any specific issues that i should look/listen for when inspecting these speakers?

4. How will the sound of these speakers compare with a current lower end speaker? I originally was intending to purchase some Polk Monitor 70's. I currently own some Klipsch KG 3.2's.

5. If they are in good condition, would you consider this a good deal?


Thanks in advance for the help, hopefully I will be a full fledged Polk Member soon.

Stuart

1. They only "blow" if abused or used with lowsy amplification which is overdriven. They have a saftey (polyswitch) mechanisim that after tripped a few times may trip inadvertantly. EDIT: Actually TL models may not have a polyswitch

2. They are plug-n-play and no special tools or knowldege required. You need model RD0198-1 since they are RTA 15TL (the "TL" being the important indicator). IMO, they are well worth the cost.

3. Popping of drivers, scratchiness as you gently push in the 6.5" drivers, non-working tweeters.

4. IMO, better than the Monitor 70's and Klipsch and manu other "budget" oriented speakers.

5. $200 is a very good deal even if they aren't perfect cosmetically.

Go for it

Btw, Welcome to Club Polk.

H9

szerwo

Thank you H9, your answers are very helpful.

I have another more subjective question to ask as well. With my current Klipsch KG3.2's (2-way with horn tweeter and 8" woofer), i feel that the midrange is pretty thin. What i am really looking for is a nice wide, full, warm, musical midrange. Will the RTA15's provide that? I'm assuming they should have a nice midrange given 4 midrange drivers... What do you think?

Also, if anyone else can help fill in on the original questions that will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

heiney9

szerwo wrote: »

Thank you H9, your answers are very helpful.

I have another more subjective question to ask as well. With my current Klipsch KG3.2's (2-way with horn tweeter and 8" woofer), i feel that the midrange is pretty thin. What i am really looking for is a nice wide, full, warm, musical midrange. Will the RTA15's provide that? I'm assuming they should have a nice midrange given 4 midrange drivers... What do you think?

Also, if anyone else can help fill in on the original questions that will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Yes, Polks (especially vintage models) are well known for their lush midrange a little on the warm side. Replacing the original tweets with the newer RD0 models seems to help even more.

My advice is try them the way they are first with the original tweets and then try the newer RD0 model.

IIRC, 15 TL's because of the front and rear passive radiators are a bit more finicky about placement. They can be a tad bloated and bass heavy unless set up properly. Just a small thing to keep in mind. The farther out from the wall and corners the better for 15's.

H9

szerwo

Thanks again H9.

Your last comment could be an issue for me. I live in a studio and needless to say there isnt a whole lot of extra room. How far do the speakers need to be from the wall to avoid adversely affecting the sound?

salasg

Hey Szerwo,
Did you pick up those speakers. If not I would be intersted. Live in the Sacto area.:)