Polk RT2000i

[Zero]

I have proudly owned these pups for roughly 2 years now, purchased from CC for half price. Since then I have enjoyed these speakers and still am amazed when I push them to at least 70 watts (I never go beyond this).

However, if its one thing that plagues me is the distortion of the tweeter and mid-range. I have heard mixed reviews towards this. Some say that the dynamic tweeter is so accurate that it will pic up any imperfection in your system, be it the reciever or wiring. While others simply say the speakers are incapable of providing smooth sound no matter what amp or reciever you use.

So the question is this: Is there any way to reduce this distortion without plowing down big bucks? Do I need to? Or is there something wrong with these babies?

Im only running a 2x100 watt channel JVC rx6010v reciever, and have switched back and foward between the Pioneer VSX509Ds. Ok, so they arent your larger and impressive Yamahas, Denons, etc... But I would imagine these should be able to deliver without sounding, well, like complete crap. The cable is of course, typical copper wires, nothing special. I believe you all would call them 1mm.

Any insight into what the problem may be, be it my rig or the speaker itself, would be appreciated!

ATCVenom

[Aaron]

At what volume level are you hearing this distortion? Is it at all volume levels or just high levels? If it's just at high levels I'd suspect that your receivers are running out of juice. Is the distortion occuring in both speakers or just one? If it's happening in both, it is probably not the speakers. Have you tried a different source component (different CD player, DVD player, etc.)? Double check all the wiring to make sure everything is in phase (positive to positive, negative to negative) and that no stray wires are sticking out to arc or short at the terminals.

Aaron

[RuSsMaN]

100 watt receiver, pushing it to 70~ watts....

One word.

'Clipping'

Cheers,
Russ

[Zero]

My apologies for leaving out that information. Seems to be common with us newbies. ;)

Unfortunately it seems to come and go, depending on tracks. However, the distortion occurs at all volumes. Be it 10 percent power or 70. Of course, the higher you go the more distortion you hear.

I would venture to say distortion also occurs within both speakers, but I notice the left one is noticably more so. Its always been this way, through all the different cables, recievers.etc.. Even when I had them hooked up to the PC.

The current problem could very well be my low-end $199.00 reciever. (or the $245.00 one). And also the source ie: cd player which is a simple portable that is fairly old. However, the same exact problems occured on my PC which had a Sound Blaster Audigy External. This of course is a very accurate digital card with a 24 bit chip.

Everything else is a go. Im hoping a solution is out there. I would hate to have to use my 10 yr warrenty plan and turn them in.

ATCVenom

[Aaron]

Try a different source component. If you don't have anything else, hook your SB up to it and use your CD-ROM drive. If that doesn't improve it at all, it's probably your receiver. Also, you said the left speaker is more prone to distort, switch the speaker wires to see if the distortion now moves to your right speaker. If it does, it's a problem with your receiver (most likely), source, or wires.

Aaron

[Zero]

I can safely say its not the speaker wires, I have been through tons of them! If I have to cut one more wire I will have to sign some papers to enter an insane asylum! Akk!

Seems as if its one of many problems. I have a friend who knows his stuff to come down and take a look. However, I am willing to bet that it is, as you say, the reciever. I hope not, my pocket book already hates me for purchasing gifts for relatives.

ATCVenom

[mantis]

Your problems might be blown driver's if you ran your receiver into distortion.That will damage your speakers.
But your receiver's are way outclassed by your speaker's.
You should be into a 1000.00 receiver or better with the rt2000i's.2 grand speakers with a 200 dollar receiver makes no sense at any rate.
Get both of those receiver's out.You need quality to hear quality.I don't know what else you own, but it seems like your system might need some matching tips.

[Zero]

Mantis,

My sentiments exactly. If I had the free cash to lay down on something like a reciever I would without hesitation. Problem is this:

I did not pay for these Polks. Someone used their CC card, I planned on paying them off through time but my parents came to my rescue and covered the costs, and called it a graduation present. A relative bought me that Pioneer (I was VERY spoiled that year! :) :).

I am having someone come over to take a look at the system. If worse comes to worse, they can get me a great deal on one of those $1000.00 recievers. However, before I jump to this conclusion, I want to make sure its not my speakers which are truely messed up. I hold my doubts, as polks are extremely robust, but the chances are still there.

ATCVenom

[Norm E. Dickey]

just to put in my 2 cents...I have ran 250 w/rms per channel (measurable through my amps analog gauges) into my pair of Rt2000p and have had no distortion problems, neighbor problems, but no distortion problems.

[alex12399]

I have a pair of RT2000's that i also purchased at c.city for roughly $339 each! They are primarily used for home theater, but they also see a few hours each week of pure music. The sub level is set to about the 10-oclock spot. That is purely my taste. I dont think i've ever had any qualms about my speakers, distortion, or otherwise. My guess would have to be your receiver. Just save a little cash and purchase something higher end. Honestly, my rt's were first powered by a pioneer vsx 5096s.($199.00) Roughly 100x5 watts. The sound was still pretty good. The only reason i stopped using it was i wanted a 6 channel receiver. good luck-alex.

[mantis]

Distortion is difficult to isolate.You could have bad sources,bad amp,or the speaker's might be blown due to underdriving them with cheap amp's.
If the speaker's are blown,at all volume levels you will here...let's call it distortion.Hopefully this isn't the case.
Post back after you get help.