Is anyone here still rocking RT7’s?
RT7_GOAT
Posts: 6
Mid-2021 I decided to pick up some speakers off FBMP…. this was the beginning of my 2.1 audio journey.
The listing showed a generic photo of two speakers and a Onkyo receiver. He was asking $200, I told him $100 was all my wife would allow me to spend, and the rest is history.
The speakers just so happened to be Polk RT7s, and aside from a couple of minor dings in the veneer, they were in excellent condition.
Since that day, I have immersed myself into the hobby as much as my single income family supporting salary has permitted. I’ve since replaced the mid-90s Onkyo receiver with a higher end, 2003 offering by Yamaha, and have acquired 3 other sets of speakers.
While I realize I am still quite the neophyte due to my limited exposure in listening to a wide variety of speakers, these RT7s blow my other speakers out of the water, and still reign supreme. They sound phenomenal to my ears.
In ranking order:
1: Polk RT7
2: Infinity RS325
3: Infinity Overture 2 (Andrew Jones)
4: Pioneer SP-FS52 (Andrew Jones)
The listing showed a generic photo of two speakers and a Onkyo receiver. He was asking $200, I told him $100 was all my wife would allow me to spend, and the rest is history.
The speakers just so happened to be Polk RT7s, and aside from a couple of minor dings in the veneer, they were in excellent condition.
Since that day, I have immersed myself into the hobby as much as my single income family supporting salary has permitted. I’ve since replaced the mid-90s Onkyo receiver with a higher end, 2003 offering by Yamaha, and have acquired 3 other sets of speakers.
While I realize I am still quite the neophyte due to my limited exposure in listening to a wide variety of speakers, these RT7s blow my other speakers out of the water, and still reign supreme. They sound phenomenal to my ears.
In ranking order:
1: Polk RT7
2: Infinity RS325
3: Infinity Overture 2 (Andrew Jones)
4: Pioneer SP-FS52 (Andrew Jones)
Comments
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I've always wanted to hear the rt7, one of the only Polk speakers that used that larger midbass.
The rt5 was a very good sounding speaker- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
I've always wanted to hear the rt7, one of the only Polk speakers that used that larger midbass.
The rt5 was a very good sounding speaker
I’ve not heard anything else from the RT line. I almost picked up a pair of RT8’s but that never came to fruition.
If I ever happen across another pair of RT7s for $100 or less I’ll be taking them home.
Last I looked there was a guy on FBMP selling a pair for around $160-180 (worth it, but not worth it scenario for me). He was around DC or Northern Virginia if I recall. I’ve since deleted all social media, but I’m fairly sure they are probably still listed. He didn’t take my offer of $100 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Post edited by RT7_GOAT on -
The RT7's are like that gang in The Warriors, The Orphans, that didn't even know there was a big gang meeting because they weren't that important.. LOL!!!
Glad you like them, I did not, one of the forgettable ones I have heard from Polk.. -
Ouch! To each their own! lol!
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Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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Ouch! To each their own! lol!
Have you rebuilt the crossovers or done any other mods?Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I have done nothing. As I mentioned in my post, outside of enjoying music with my ear holes, I am a noob. I wouldn’t know where to start.
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Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound from anything of that era.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I can assure you, I didn’t have any expectations going into this… assumptions, yes, but definitely no expectations.
Great bunch you’ve got here, and thanks for not being a supercilious Peter.
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OP, if you are interested in improving the sound of your favorite speakers upgrading the crossovers is a surefire way of doing so. If you'd like some suggestions/guidance please ask away.
Just so you know what we're talking about, these photos show what one of your crossovers look like.
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick. They are theatre designed speakers and hot on the top end. Perhaps dulled-down aged caps are a plus here.
Welcome to the club and enjoy the tunes ...and opinions are just that....Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I mean...Reference Theater 7 😁- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.
Seems like something good you could have added.
Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden -
Agree. Could have also added that the 7.5" stamped steel baskets are worse construction than earlier vintage MWs, and could use TWO layers of Dynamat.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.
How many Polk Lines can you say were not Quality Built? (not talking about how they sound, talking about the cabinet) You can probably count them on one hand.
Out of all of the SDA's I have had in my possession, the 3.1's were my least favorite in the build quality department, not sure why they built them the way they did, they honestly should have matched the 1C's. -
OP, if you are interested in improving the sound of your favorite speakers upgrading the crossovers is a surefire way of doing so. If you'd like some suggestions/guidance please ask away.
Just so you know what we're talking about, these photos show what one of your crossovers look like.
Does upgrading involve removing/soldering different pieces on the current crossover circuit board or replacing the entire thing? How much does something like this typically cost? If I already love the sound of these speakers, will this be a guaranteed improvement in sound or could it possible give me an outcome that I will not be pleased with?
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I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.
How many Polk Lines can you say were not Quality Built? (not talking about how they sound, talking about the cabinet) You can probably count them on one hand.
Out of all of the SDA's I have had in my possession, the 3.1's were my least favorite in the build quality department, not sure why they built them the way they did, they honestly should have matched the 1C's.
I can say that about the RT line because I built my shop speakers from RT55's. The MDF is more dense and the front baffles are thicker to boot....TanksDon't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.
How many Polk Lines can you say were not Quality Built? (not talking about how they sound, talking about the cabinet) You can probably count them on one hand.
Out of all of the SDA's I have had in my possession, the 3.1's were my least favorite in the build quality department, not sure why they built them the way they did, they honestly should have matched the 1C's.
I can say that about the RT line because I built my shop speakers from RT55's. The MDF is more dense and the front baffles are thicker to boot....Tanks
Love the RT55-RT55i's, I should have kept my 55i's, purchased them brand new from Circuit City.. -
RT-RDO's sound good too...
Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I think he’s enjoying what he has and was coming on the POLK forum to talk about it.
I’m sure he expected a warmer welcome than, “one of the forgettable ones I’ve heard from Polk” and “Crossover rebuild would be my first priority to better sound.” Geez.
Keep enjoying the RT7 OP. Hope you can snag another pair for one bill.
I could have added that I've heard them too and that tweeter will wear on you quick.
Could have added??? Hahaha
Could have also added that the cabinet construction is some of best quality from vintage Polk.
How many Polk Lines can you say were not Quality Built? (not talking about how they sound, talking about the cabinet) You can probably count them on one hand.
Out of all of the SDA's I have had in my possession, the 3.1's were my least favorite in the build quality department, not sure why they built them the way they did, they honestly should have matched the 1C's.
I can say that about the RT line because I built my shop speakers from RT55's. The MDF is more dense and the front baffles are thicker to boot....Tanks
Love the RT55-RT55i's, I should have kept my 55i's, purchased them brand new from Circuit City..
My RT55i pair are going no where! I used them daily. -
Does upgrading involve removing/soldering different pieces on the current crossover circuit board or replacing the entire thing? How much does something like this typically cost? If I already love the sound of these speakers, will this be a guaranteed improvement in sound or could it possible give me an outcome that I will not be pleased with?
Yes, it involves soldering.
Depends on the components used.
While it's uncommon there is the possibility one would not like the results, which is generally due to using the cheapest components one can find.
Polk, like most speaker manufacturers will use parts/components to meet a price point as well as large quantity availability. The components used on your crossovers are as bare bones as it gets. Electrolytic caps have a finite lifespan and yours are past that. Sandcast resistors leave a lot to be desired.
Here's some reading for you.
https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
OP, if you are interested in improving the sound of your favorite speakers upgrading the crossovers is a surefire way of doing so. If you'd like some suggestions/guidance please ask away.
Just so you know what we're talking about, these photos show what one of your crossovers look like.
Does upgrading involve removing/soldering different pieces on the current crossover circuit board or replacing the entire thing? How much does something like this typically cost? If I already love the sound of these speakers, will this be a guaranteed improvement in sound or could it possible give me an outcome that I will not be pleased with?
I mean this with all sincerity - ignorance is bliss.
But then again, so is refined audio.
This is simultaneously the worst and one of the best hobbies I've fallen into.
It truly is red pill / blue pill.
You might still be able to get out. Stop buying audio stuff you don't need - you sound happy. Don't read about it, don't talk about it, just listen to music and watch movies with it. Don't analyze it. Think of your loved ones.
Should you choose the red pill, pain and pleasure await. Prepare to lead a double life.
I disabled signatures. -
Other than that, yes, crossovers. Good info shared above by all.I disabled signatures.
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You might still be able to get out. Stop buying audio stuff you don't need - you sound happy. Don't read about it, don't talk about it, just listen to music and watch movies with it. Don't analyze it. Think of your loved ones.
Should you choose the red pill, pain and pleasure await. Prepare to lead a double life.
@RT7_GOAT If you stick around, these guys will help you spend your money faster than a Kodak Magic Cube flash!Enjoying the journey while never attaining the destination.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6emWN2tEPMk
