Polk Monitor 11

[NeilGabriel]

I have seen one of these listed before. The ad says 10-A, but the back label says 11 and the cabinet and sub look like something other than 10-A. Is this a Monitor 11?

http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-Monitor-10A-LOUDSPEAKERS-Speakers_W0QQitemZ150117720489QQihZ005QQcategoryZ1 4993QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[heiney9]

Those are Monitor 10's, despite the type written serial # info.

[NeilGabriel]

H9: you have info on how they sound? Looks like the Peerless tweeter? The cabinet is certainly bigger than other 10s (though my 10B is itself a little bigger). Thanks.

[RuSsMaN]

They are Monitor 11's.

[danger boy]

they are monitor 11's. i emailed the seller letting him know it.. MONITOR 11's. end of story.

they don't come up for sale all that often.. and the drivers are almost the same.. the big passive gives it away that they are NOT monitor 10's.

[NeilGabriel]

well, you guys go smack H9 for me then. Is it with Peerless tweet..bigger passive and the cabinet is about 5 inches taller than most 10s (I think it is even bigger than my 10B).

[heiney9]

well, you guys go smack H9 for me then. Is it with Peerless tweet..bigger passive and the cabinet is about 5 inches taller than most 10s (I think it is even bigger than my 10B).

LOL, I'm confused :confused: . I thought Monitor 11's had 4 active drivers not 2 ala the Monitor 10's. Maybe I'm thinking of the Monitor 12's (not RTA12's) that have the 4 active drivers. Oh well sorry for the confusion Neil or Mike whatever your name is :D .

[Loud & Clear]

Right, the Monitor 12 has four mids and a 12" passive. The Monitor 11 looks like an RTA12/Monitor10 hybrid. I should take a picture of all three, seeing as I have a pair of each.

[NeilGabriel]

So Loud, for a vintage Monitor junkie, are the 11s worth getting? Any step up from the 10B? The seller on ebay doesn't have the best track record....but I see so few older monitors for sale in my part of the heartland.

[Loud & Clear]

Ahh, sorry to confuse. I have the Monitor 12, RTA 12, and Monitor 10 ... not the Monitor 11. Can't give advice on something that I don't own, but I do really like both the RTA 12's and Monitor 10's, and considering the 11 looks like a cross between the two I'd feel good about their chances of sounding good. Maybe someone else has heard a pair.

[halo]

go to polksda.com ->

eBay auction guide ->

Monitor 11 -> December 2, 2005 ->

Or

Follow this (link (http://polksda.com/ebay/Monitor11_5835330716.pdf))

THAT is the speaker you are all talking about.

At the bottom of the page it is pictured next to a Monitor 10A.

the end :)

[halo]

So, for a vintage Monitor junkie, are the 11s worth getting? Any step up from the 10B?Yes & Yes.

[halo]

Maybe someone else has heard a pair.I owned a pair, F1nut's Dad has a pair (last I heard), BlueMDpicker has (?) a pair. These were very good speakers IMO. Superior to the 10's. Should be a Left & Right label on the back of each speaker.

[NeilGabriel]

That's interesting. The Polk vintage product list shows an RT10 and an RT12, but no RT11. They also have no pictures for these speakers. At any rate, it sounds like it is NOT a model between the Monitor 10 and 12's built in the later 70s and early 80s?

This is link to a Monitor 11 (not RT/A): http://polksda.com/monitor11.shtml

Could it be more clear!!??

[RuSsMaN]

It is a Monitor 11. It is between the Monitor 10 and RTA 12 as far as components and cabinet - timewise, no.

The 'RT' series you are referring to have nothing to do with these speakers, and were produced much later.

[halo]

As stated above - the speakers you are asking about are the real deal - Monitor 11's. Even though they are known by different names - rest assured that they are, in fact, the Monitor 11 by Polk Audio.

[halo]

That's interesting. The Polk vintage product list shows an RT10 and an RT12, but no RT11. They also have no pictures for these speakers. At any rate, it sounds like it is NOT a model between the Monitor 10 and 12's built in the later 70s and early 80s?

This is link to a Monitor 11 (not RT/A): http://polksda.com/monitor11.shtml

Could it be more clear!!??
polksda isn't entirely wrong here either - it seems that Polk produced different versions of this speaker.

[NeilGabriel]

Unless someone disagrees, we can bring this thread to a close. I thought I had this down, but now I am not sure after Halo's next to last post. The ebay link starting this threat is an RT 11, while the link I gave to polksda.com is to a Monitor 11. The base on the RT11 is much bigger than the Monitor 11 from what I can see, and the RT11 is 12 inch with the flat drive/radiator. I prefer to pick up a traditional Monitor and not an RTA. Time for a Monitor picture book.

And then nice, Monitor 12's, but dam* pricey.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-12-Series-2-M12-Speakers_W0QQitemZ250110342853QQihZ015QQcategoryZ1 4993QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[danger boy]

UGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! it's a monitor 11.

[heiney9]

polksda isn't entirely wrong here either - it seems that Polk produced different versions of this speaker.

This is where I got confused originally :p

H9

[ben62670]

UGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! it's a monitor 11.

I think they are monitor 4.6 with the seas tweeter.















J/K:p

[NeilGabriel]

doh!...next time i'm asking my wife.

since I can't post again on this thread, I'll just say thanks. Since I have decided to get back into the collecting vintage polks game, I want to make sure I know what I'm getting....I appreciate you guys taking the time...and I won't ask the wife....Mike

[NeilGabriel]

"I had Monitor 10's & Monitor 11's while owning the RTA11 and IMHO the RTA11 beats 'em both easily. Welcome to the forum BTW!"<---from an old Halo post. But I hear you guys saying the Monitor 11 and R.T.A. 11 are the same speaker though they may have a different build (thus the difference in passive radiators). So, Halo, you had one of each pair? The RT (Reference Theater) line is something altogether different--I get that. I thought the RTA line had the tweeter on top? and designated channel A and B. Since this is a lot more interesting than practicing law, I spent way too long trying to sort this out (maybe). It is hard when you read all the different takes and often people have pretty cryptic replies. If this is too annoying, don't worry about it. Mike

[Loud & Clear]

The RTA 11T and 11TL are thinner tower speakers. The Monitor 11 is what we saw above in the ebay auction. The RTA 12 (designated Right and Left - some of them, anyway) is the speaker with the tweeter on top, and isn't a thin tower but looks more like the Monitor 11. The link has pictures of many of Polk's vintage models. http://www.polksda.com/ebay.shtml

[MillerLiteScott]

Going out on a limb here, But does the T in RTA 11 T stand for tower?

[halo]

RTA 11T (w/ RDO tweeters):

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/spin_nin/09-1.jpg

[halo]

Did not mean to be cryptic. It is confusing as the Monitor 11 (the one pictured in post #1) has gone / goes by three different titles:

Monitor 11
R.T.A. 11
Model 11
These speakers, like the RTA12, are labled with stickers on the backs of the cabinets - designating left channel & right channel.

They are an orphan child caught in the middle between two or three different lines. We've had this discussion several times and every time we do the concensious is that these should be referred to as Monitor 11's. Some feel the only "true" RTA is the RTA12. Model 11 / Monitor 11 toe-may-toe / tah-mah-toe ;)

While this isn't set in stone it seems to be the clearest answer I can give in regards to this speaker.

[heiney9]

The Monitor 11 and RTA11 (T) & (TL) are completely different. The RTA stands for Real Time Array even though by strict standards it wasn't; however the RTA12 was. The unique thing about the RTA11T & (TL) was that is was an MTM design (Mid-Tweeter-Mid) and it was a true D'appolitto array so it was close to being a Real Time Array. It gave better imaging and is more coherent top to bottom than the regular square box Monitor series.

D'Appolito
A loudspeaker configuration developed by and named for Joe D'Appolito, in which a high frequency driver, or tweeter, is positioned between two midrange or low frequency drivers that each cover the same frequency range. Depending on the exact implementation the speakers can be positioned with a vertical and/or horizontal orientation. In either case the two midrange drivers serve a couple of purposes: they combine to create a larger effective woofer or midrange driver size, and they also serve to control the dispersion of the tweeter. The tweeter's output is somewhat corralled or contained by the sound coming from the midrange drivers in a similar way to how two parallel surfaces control dispersion. There are some variations on the design where two same sized woofer/midrange drivers may cover slightly different frequency ranges, however those aren't considered true D'Appolito designs. (Input from an inSync Reader:) The D'Appolito design specifies a third order crossover network. �The tweeter is coordinated with the woofer so that at the selected crossover frequency, the drivers all have similar horizontal dispersion. �(This is not easily accomplished because many drivers behave badly at the extremes of their range.) The advantage of doing it all correctly is one of the most seamless blending of drivers possible. �The result is an absence of any sudden change in directivity with frequency. �This may not mean much for monitors where there is a limited listening area, but in a typical room where a large percentage of the sound is reflected by the room, the effect is dramatic.

But as I said the RTA12 was the only TRUE RTA. It has to do with setting the drivers and the x-overs in a way that the dispersion pattern of all frequencies reach your ear at the same time and in the same phase. Very hard to get right because of all the variances.

[halo]

I should've located this sooner: follow the LINK (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47151)

Read the manual (Post #17 in the LINK)

That is this speaker.

[MillerLiteScott]

In my limited time listening to the RTA 11t's I have been impressed with the center sound stage. My problem is that with in 2 weeks I have gone from Monitor 5' to SDA 2b's and then the RTA 11t's and to be honest it is quite a task to take in the different speaker types, layouts and amplification that I am using.

But fun none the less.

[engtaz]

Halo those look sweet

[jb2c]

I'm the guy that ended up with the 11's on Ebay. Very interesting post on them. But I'm still unclear if I have "Monitor 11" speakers or "RTA 11" speakers. I knew they were one or the other when I was bidding. But still don't know which. Can anyone clarify? Also, Halo, thanks very much for the link to the owner's manual. Appreciate that.

Can anyone make a recc. on a budget amp or receiver to use with the 11's? It's for a second system in my bonus room, and I'm not an audiophile, so don't won't to spend much on it for the little time I'm up there. Probably around $200 and definitely will have to be a used unit at that price. I do want something that will give me good quality sound, if that's possible at that price level. Will be 80% music/20% HT. But I maybe willing to give up the HT up there in that room if I need to get a seperate amp to get good sound out of these 11's. Right now I'm watching craigslist for a local deal on a 'good' receiver though, and that is my preference. Appreciate any input. Thanks again for the posts and info. You guys really have me looking forward to hearing those 11's when they deliver. Regardless of whether they're RTA or Monitor!! :)

JB

[danger boy]

most of the RTA's had all the drivers in a row... lined up. so they were thin speakers.. the monitors have the speakers side by side.. so they were wider speakers.. of course. the RTA12 was the exception and did not have the drivers lined up in a row.

I think the ones that are most common RTA's are RTA8's, RTA11's, RTA15's. for the drivers to up in one tall thin cabinent. there are of course later version's with have the "TL" after the number.. ie: RTA15TL the TL standing for the tri laminate tweeter that was used in that version.

if any of this info is wrong. someone please correct me.

[NeilGabriel]

I'm the guy that ended up with the 11's on Ebay. Very interesting post on them. But I'm still unclear if I have "Monitor 11" speakers or "RTA 11" speakers. I knew they were one or the other when I was bidding. But still don't know which. Can anyone clarify? Also, Halo, thanks very much for the link to the owner's manual. Appreciate that.

Can anyone make a recc. on a budget amp or receiver to use with the 11's? It's for a second system in my bonus room, and I'm not an audiophile, so don't won't to spend much on it for the little time I'm up there. Probably around $200 and definitely will have to be a used unit at that price. I do want something that will give me good quality sound, if that's possible at that price level. Will be 80% music/20% HT. But I maybe willing to give up the HT up there in that room if I need to get a seperate amp to get good sound out of these 11's. Right now I'm watching craigslist for a local deal on a 'good' receiver though, and that is my preference. Appreciate any input. Thanks again for the posts and info. You guys really have me looking forward to hearing those 11's when they deliver. Regardless of whether they're RTA or Monitor!! :)

JB

Do you have them yet? If not, let us know when you do.

[jb2c]

No, will be a few days. But will post when I unpack them.

Any recc. on a receiver?? I'm leaning to Denon right now. Seems to be a decent number of them for sale. Just need to figure out if there any of their lower end receivers to stay away from. Also thought about an NAD integrated.

[NeilGabriel]

No, will be a few days. But will post when I unpack them.

Any recc. on a receiver?? I'm leaning to Denon right now. Seems to be a decent number of them for sale. Just need to figure out if there any of their lower end receivers to stay away from. Also thought about an NAD integrated.

You might want to post separately on the receiver issue---maybe under electronics. Denon is a popular choice around here. I am guessing you mean HT receiver if you are gonna do movies. I just mothballed my yamaha 5240 HTR and went to separates (Rotel) for HT, but it is the primary system. If you mean two channel, most here like their (expensive) separates. I just picked up a used Carver CM 1099 int. amp that I am liking a lot. It pushes my CRS+ really well.

If you read this whole thread, you know the identity of your speakers is a mystery to most...and due partly to different names from the same speaker from what I could gather. I hope this works out for you...I was scared off by the seller's 97% rating.

[halo]

You might want to post separately on the receiver issue---maybe under electronics. Good suggestion.If you mean two channel, most here like their (expensive) separates.I don't think he needs anything expensive either. Nothing wrong with used Carver, NAD, Rotel, Parasound, Adcom, etc. I was using a Rotel 980BX I got from eBay to drive them. Try out a Sonic Impact t amp $30 or see if you can find one of those Radioshack amps link (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51953) (again $30).

If you want an HT receiver just make sure it has pre outs so you have the option of adding an amp later. Good luck!

[jb2c]

Yes, I was/am very concerned about the seller's rating also. But in looking through the feedback, it seemed alot of it was due to lack of communication from the seller. They do say they are just too busy to answer all the emails. I didn't see negative feedback due to bad description, misrepresentation, etc. so I took a chance. Got my fingers crossed. I just got burned by an Ebay seller who just didn't ship anything and disappeared. Hopefully I'll at least see my speakers at the door!

I was thinking a low end HT receiver to get started with, but one with pre outs so that I could hook up a good quality amp for music. I've been looking at NAD and Rotel a little, but have never had anything but a reciever in the past, so I'm sorta lost on the amps as far as what to watch for to pick up a good one cheap, and how to hook it up. Newbie question here... if I find a low cost amp, can I hook it up in a way that will bypass the HT amp section completely for music, so I get "good clean" sound, but still use the receiver for HT?

Can anyone name a few HT recievers that would be decent for HT, cost around $200, and that have pre outs? I will also post the same question in the receiver/electronics section.

Great forum here! Thanks for the help.