Is it worth upgrading caps/coils in RT line?

organ

Just wondering if anybody tried upgrading the x-over parts in their RT speakers. Did the tonal balance change? I want to try better parts but I'm afraid I'll lose the magic I get from the stock parts.

Face

Caps, yes. Coils, maybe.

Are the coils air core? Do you have the space for air cores on the stock boards or are you willing to make a point to point crossover on a board?

ben62670

What Face said. Also check into the resistors. Nearly all speakers under the 2.5k range can benefit from rather simple XO upgrades.
Ben

organ

I will be bringing it to my dealer and his tech will be working on it. That's because I also plan to have them do the internal wiring and maybe a better PS for the built-in subs' amplifier. I'm positive that point-point wiring can be done.

What I'm wondering is, with x-over upgrades, do the speakers retain the good sound they have now, and make it better? OR Can the sound change too much that it may sound like a different speaker?

I really love the way they're performing right now and don't want to lose what I'm already getting. I'm hoping that the character doesn't change but there would be an increase in detail, seperation, etc.
They're so musical right now that I"m worried they may end up sounding too mellow or analitical after the upgrade.

ben62670

Be careful who you use. We have seen what some "pros" have used. Make sure you find out what caps they recommend before they do it. There are some of us who have tried a few.

organ

Ben,
Yes, I trust them. Been going there exclusively for the past 3 years or so. Same people who make Audio Zone gear ( www.inthezonenet.com ).

I did mention that I wanted caps in my tube amp upgraded one time and he took some time telling me what kind of results can be expected with different brands. Very cool guys to deal with.

So you're saying there is a possibility it can sound *too different* from it's original voicing?

ben62670

One example we had here was someone had an upgrade done where the shop replaced electrolytics with electrolytics, and some generic films. Some caps can sound harsh and some too laid back. Here is a thread I started on some cheap caps. It has progressed:)
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61727

organ

Thanks for the link. That was quite some reading.
So it's still possible to eff up the sound with better caps vs original budget caps? That question came up in the link but there was no response.
I think I'll keep it stock.

ben62670

you will not degrade the sound using better caps period.

organ

Can you recommend a brand of cap that is generally accepted for upgrading the stock cheapies? You know, the "best buy type" of caps that people usually start with and always get good results.
I won't be doing anything fancy like modding the x-over. Just a different brand of caps of the same value.

ben62670

Dayton's are a great house brand by partsexpress.com

Face

ben62670 wrote: »

Dayton's are a great house brand by partsexpress.com

I agree, you can't go wrong with them.

organ

Thanks. I"m getting another pair of 1000's from a forum member here. So once I have two pairs, I can leave one stock and change caps on the other. Should be an interesting comparison.