Can you identify these speakers?

Ohioste
Ohioste Posts: 204
edited October 2009 in Speakers
Looking at buying these and the seller doesn't know the model.

Any help is appreciated.
Post edited by Ohioste on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,550
    edited October 2009
    RTi800's?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    I'm having problems finding anything on the rti800s...good bad...what should I pay?

    I guess I should explain how I'd be using them.

    I currently have RTi8s and an Onkyo HTIB center. I know I need to change the center...but if this is a good deal, don't want to pass it up.

    It also comes with a CS250S. I'd use the ones in the pics as my rears.

    What do you guys think? The three for 100 bucks worth it?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,550
    edited October 2009
    Personally, I don't see how one could go wrong with the three for 1 bill. They look to be in great shape.....well, at least the one pictured.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • jtgranby
    jtgranby Posts: 887
    edited October 2009
    Tom

    I think they are RT12's.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/rt12/

    Jim
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Thanks Jim...I'm going to go check them out on Friday if he still has them.

    RT12s plus the above center a good deal for 100 bucks?
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  • jtgranby
    jtgranby Posts: 887
    edited October 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Thanks Jim...I'm going to go check them out on Friday if he still has them.

    RT12s plus the above center a good deal for 100 bucks?

    If they are Rt12's you may want to put them in the front and use the polk center channel and give the HTIB centr to Goodwill:D

    $100 is a run and get them price

    Jim
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Sigh...I know I'm going to go look at them and not know anymore when I look then from the pics...anything that I can look for that might help identify?
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Sigh...I know I'm going to go look at them and not know anymore when I look then from the pics...anything that I can look for that might help identify?

    I'd have to say they're RT12's

    Definitely not RT800i's since that series has trilaminate tweeters. Just make sure non of the drivers are blown, and if they're in decent shape and you like them they'll make a pretty good HT speaker.

    As for looking for a model/serial number those things were poorly attached to the rear of the speaker cabinets and fall off easily, especially at warm temperatures. Never hurts to talk them down either.

    Make sure the binding posts are screwed down all the way as well, seeing as they are bi-amp capable. You'll find a plate connecting both the top and bottom set (-)'s and (+)'s.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Thanks again guys...

    Just a follow up...and a complete newbie question. Like I said...I own RTI8s and LOVE them. Powered with an Onkyo 805 they sound amazing.

    When you say make sure the driver is not blown...what exactly do I look for?

    My first transaction on audiogon went perfectly smooth and no problems...so I didn't have to worry about this stuff.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    Listen carefully to each driver when you're auditioning them, anything a bit loud/moderate with peaks (such as a bass note/etc) will make it noticeable. That or you can gently push in the drivers (not the tweeter) to see if you feel any scratching/rubbing of the voice coil. You should be able to hear it though honestly so you might not even have to touch them. If I were going out to buy anything audio, I always take notice at what that seller runs currently and the condition of it.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Alright...looks like I might be picking these up on Friday hopefully...so you'd replace my RTI8s as the front and use these?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,550
    edited October 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    When you say make sure the driver is not blown...what exactly do I look for?
    Abrasions/obstructions when you physically push the driver in and release. They should go in and out as if they were gliding on a bed of oil. When you power them up, do they emit sound at all? If they do, do they have any artifacts that shouldn't be there?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited October 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    Those pics are terrible! I can't see enough to be sure, but I'm almost certain they are NOT RT800 or RT800i. (1) Those do not have a dark colored tweeter pictured here. (2) Those do not have that logo or logo placement (it is half way up the speaker, in a large plastic oval). (3) Those do not have the sloping sides on the top as shown in the picture taken from the back of the speaker. (4) The RT800i would have blue mid/woofers.

    Make sure you check all mid/woofer drivers move freely and smoothly: push them in gently with your hand spread out, but do NOT touch or push the center dome.

    Check the tweeters and drivers for operation (sound coming out). For the tweeters, this is easier if you bring an empty kitchen roll tube with you to isolate the sound from the other drivers. You should hear a tinny high frequency playback.

    Check the connections are not loose on the back, and check the grilles for damage or broken retaining pins. They do look as though they are in good condition.

    +1 Kex
    Which is what was said above lol

    The grill on the RT12 is the entire height of the speaker, for the 800's its halfway down because the grill is only half the height of the speaker. :)
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Kex/Tom/Jim,

    I just wanted to say thanks. I know your time is valuable and I really do appreciate the help. So far, I've fallen in love with Polk and this is tempting. I agree...I wished the pics were better and we could be 100% sure of what these are.

    He might have already sold them as I will not be able to get to him until Friday. Just told him that if he can sell them to sell them...if not...I'll come and check them out.

    We will see what happens.

    I was originally just planning on getting a CSI5 and FXI3 or something similar to finish everything out.

    So wait...do you guys not think they are RT12s either?
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    They are RT12's as far as I can tell.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Here are a few more from the page if they help...again...horrible quality...maybe that's because I'm a part time photographer, lol...
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited October 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    So...if everything seems to be in order Friday...you'd say it's a decent deal?

    And these will be better/the same as my RTi8s?
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  • jtgranby
    jtgranby Posts: 887
    edited October 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    They are RT12's as far as I can tell.

    I agree also and for $100 it is a no brainer and yes I think you will like the sound better then the RTi 8 plus you will upgrade your center channel.

    Good Luck
    Jim
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    jtgranby wrote: »
    I agree also and for $100 it is a no brainer and yes I think you will like the sound better then the RTi 8 plus you will upgrade your center channel.

    Good Luck
    Jim

    Thanks again for the help. I can't tell you guys enough how much I appreciate the help I've received on this forum. I don't post here a bunch, and it's only if I have questions or concerns, but you guys have always been quick to help.

    I check the site everyday and just want to say thanks.

    I'm nervous spending money on something I'm not real familiar with.

    Thanks again guys,
    Ryan
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    I do agree with the rest of the group regarding the center channel given here but it should just work out better than your current center.

    As for your RTi8's, you don't have to worry too much about matching fronts and surrounds. It's the front soundstage you should worry most about. If you do indeed pick them up, you can either check out the series to grab a used matching center or use this FAQ in case you ever go with new/refurb. from Polk direct.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/education/showanswer.php?question_num=63
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited October 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Kawizx9r,

    Thanks for the link. Had no idea that you could match new centers with older models. Interesting. Wonder why they don't have the RTi8s on there.

    Kex,

    Yeah...I checked out that page. As soon as someone told me that they were RT12s I checked it out. Unfortunately, the specs are just numbers to me, but good to hear that they are looking positive compared to my RTi8s...I love those.
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Kawizx9r,

    Thanks for the link. Had no idea that you could match new centers with older models. Interesting. Wonder why they don't have the RTi8s on there.

    Kex,

    Yeah...I checked out that page. As soon as someone told me that they were RT12s I checked it out. Unfortunately, the specs are just numbers to me, but good to hear that they are looking positive compared to my RTi8s...I love those.

    I don't think they're really considered that "vintage" of a speaker. I mean the RTi's were replaced by the RTiA series weren't they? I would guess that the center speakers for that series should work for yours as well.

    Really though it just comes down to how you like things. :cool:
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    I'm on here aren't I...just like everyone else on here...upgradeitis....lol
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Picked them up tonight...they are in extremely good shape. Haven't had a chance to hook them up yet...but will before the Buckeye game. Center is a nice upgrade from what I had. Rather surprised considering everyone was somewhat saying that was the weak link.

    All in all...100 bucks and I'm pretty happy. Wife wasn't too hapy to see the size of them again...she thought they were going to be small rear spearkers, lol...oh well.
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  • jtgranby
    jtgranby Posts: 887
    edited October 2009
    Ohioste wrote: »
    Picked them up tonight...they are in extremely good shape. Haven't had a chance to hook them up yet...but will before the Buckeye game. Center is a nice upgrade from what I had. Rather surprised considering everyone was somewhat saying that was the weak link.

    All in all...100 bucks and I'm pretty happy. Wife wasn't too hapy to see the size of them again...she thought they were going to be small rear spearkers, lol...oh well.

    I told you to give your present Center to the Goodwill store after you bought these:) Nice score.

    PS I can't believe a Penn State fan helped out a Buckeye:eek:

    Jim
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Ha...it's ok...an OSU QB helped out PSU last year...so we'll just call it even, lol.

    And thanks...all for the help...it's much appreciated.
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  • Ohioste
    Ohioste Posts: 204
    edited October 2009
    Just a few more questions about these speakers. I'm currently using the RT12s as my rear and I just don't seem to notice the stand out quality that my RTi8s have.

    Is this because they are hooked up in the rear? I haven't put them up front yet to see if there's a difference. The wife likes the looks of the cherry RTi8s much better than the RT12s, so I had to put them in the rear.

    Would I be better trying to sell/trade these for some FXI3s or something along those lines if they are going to be used as rears?
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