LS 90 v RTA12 Need to decide

geppy1
geppy1 Posts: 3,075
edited March 2009 in Vintage Speakers
Hi, A pair of LS90s is available near me but I have RTA12Bs. Would i be going forward, backwards or sideways by getting the LS90S? Anyone ever compare them?? Any input would be helpful Thanks,Keith
Post edited by geppy1 on

Comments

  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited February 2009
    If they are available near you, you should be able to go demo them. Either have them set up a demo rig, or many sellers have let me bring my own equipment to demo the speakers. However, I have heard many owners of the LS90 speak of it as a monster of a speaker, so they might be able to pass your RTA12Bs.
  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited February 2009
    I have never heard the RTA12B's but they look interesting, I have some LS90,s and some SDA 2b's and probably have to give it to the LS90,s overall. in my own opinion. Im sure there are those on here that will dissagree but everyons ears-tastes are different and wouldnt it be terrible if we all liked exactly the same thing? My advice is go listen and judge for yourself.
  • geppy1
    geppy1 Posts: 3,075
    edited February 2009
    I picked the LS90s up so let the shootout begin. My general toughts are the 12Bs are more open and have more HF resolution and 90s have more (not deeper) bass and are alittle tighter. Not sure yet. Keith
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited February 2009
    Wow. Interesting comparison. I've never heard the LS90's but owned a pair of RTA12C's & loved them. For my tastes, however, they were a little weak in the bass department. Keep us posted.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited February 2009
    Congrats, after briefly playing with the 50s, I'd think the 90s are very worthwhile speakers to own. I was very impressed with the LS50s. I've always assumed that RTA12s sound like SDAs without SDA. I might be wrong on this...so keep your comments coming.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited March 2009
    I've owned both speakers and have a serious soft spot for both of them,

    that said I liked the 90's better, though not across the board. the RTA's are a little more laid back (at least the one's with the peerless tweeter I owned), where as the 90's were more dynamic and accurate to a degree.

    for 2 channel I give the edge to the 90
    for home theater, I give it to the 90 as well, and by a more significant degree.


    whether he upgrade will be worth the $, that is literally to subjective. But I will say the 90 is a speaker that should be tried given the opportunity by any Polk fan (as is the RTA12)

    hope this helps
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited March 2009
    forgot to mention, the 90 is more dynamic as I said, but for raw volume (and sound quality at high volume)? the 90's win handily! the RTAB's however will sound a little better (at least to me), at low volume

    the comparison at low volume is subjectve, the comparison at high volume isnt. I have NEVER heard the 90's distort....EVER. nothing but clean awesome sound even at ridiculous volume. I'm sure its possible for them to break up but the point is it was the most worry free speaker I owned....EVER!

    they love there power though, though dont ned it to the degree of the LSi.
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
  • rockcity5
    rockcity5 Posts: 2
    edited March 2009
    What is a good price for the LS 90's?
  • timlitton
    timlitton Posts: 289
    edited March 2009
    I loved the LS90's. If they weren't in such rough condition after years of use and 6 moves, my pair would be in my living room instead of my attic.
    Slowly emerging from the 90's
    Fronts: Polk LSi15's
    Center: Polk CS350ls
    Pre: Sony STRDA555ES
    Amp: Rotel RMB-1075
    Sub: Velodyne SPL-1000
    TV: 46" Sharp Aquos LCD
    Dust magnet: Sony PS3
  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited March 2009
    rockcity5 wrote: »
    What is a good price for the LS 90's?

    Check e-bay.
  • geppy1
    geppy1 Posts: 3,075
    edited March 2009
    Spent several days comparing these In depth report is coming. I just want to make sure it is enough to bore you guys to death. keith
  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,861
    edited March 2009
    rockcity5 wrote: »
    What is a good price for the LS 90's?

    hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm if I got $1500.00 for mine it would have been a GOOD price.......