Everything Matters, Even with RTA 15TLs

This could've also gone in the "Vintage Speakers" section, but I thought it was broader than that. As most of you know, I have been on a journey with my original owner RTA 15TLs for coming up on three years now. Highlights include a crossover rebuild and other mods to the speakers, a new amp, a couple different DACs, new turntable, dual REL subs, room treatments (see my signature for more details) and a recently completed all-Nordost cable loom, finally adding their Heimdall 2 speaker cables, which have probably surprised me the most of all their cables.

Every step of the way, these 30 year-old speakers have responded beyond anything I ever thought was possible. I cannot believe what I am hearing in terms of instrument separation, vocal clarity and soundstage from these things. It is amazing to me. I thought I was completely familiar with these speakers before I started, but they have gone from being something that just sounded good to something that I feel is an actual audiophile, involving experience to listen to.

When I listen to familiar classic rock from back in the day like REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Journey, etc., those recordings sound like they were made more recently. Details jump out, they sound more dynamic and life-like and I hear things I never knew existed before. Newer, higher-quality recordings evoke the presence of the venue they were recorded in, be it a studio or a live arena or intimate setting. What once sounded kinda the same recording-to-recording, much like a car stereo does, now sounds full, open and more like it is actually happening in front of me.

I still have things on my wishlist, the journey isn't over yet and I even have non-Polk speakers on the wishlist, which is why I spent more building up my system around the 15s than they arguably deserve. I guess I can only imagine what more well-regarded vintage Polks would sound like. Yikes!

Anyway, just felt like sharing what I've been hearing and even feeling today. It's been a great experience. And as I have posted elsewhere, the majority of the credit goes to several of the GOAT members here. (You know who you are!) Can't go without mentioning that! Thank you (again and again), gents!

Hope everyone else is enjoying this hobby as much, or more, as I have been!