SDA SRS 2B...Good enough or wait for SRS 1.2 OR 2.3 tl's?

selectsc
selectsc Posts: 14
edited April 2010 in Speakers
Hello all, Looking forward to getting to know you! Question: I currently have Monitor 10's and SDA 2B Polks. My amp is a recapped Pioneer Spec 2 that tested out @ 350 watts per channel. Sounds good with the present Polks but considering some SRS 2B's that I found locally. They have had the crossovers and tweeters upgraded and the seller claims their in good cosmetic shape. He said he would take $700. Is that a good price? Are the SRS 2B's much better than what I have? I was also thinking of picking up a second Spec 2 and bi amping them to a pair of 1.2tl or 2.3tl. I'm a little impatient...should I pick up the SRS 2B's or wait till I can find the coveted 1.2tl's or the 2.3tl's? Thanks in advance for your insights! Sandy / selectsc
Post edited by selectsc on
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    where are you located?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    North Carolina
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    700 seems a bit high for 2b's even if they are upgraded... I would hold off for now and wait for what you really want to come along.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    What do think about bi amping two Spec 2's with 1.2 or 2.3 tl's?
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited April 2010
    SRS 2B's ? Maybe SRS 2's?
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    lol....not exactly sure what you mean?
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,349
    edited April 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    700 seems a bit high for 2b's even if they are upgraded... I would hold off for now and wait for what you really want to come along.

    I say that depends on how much upgrading has been done and how long ago..

    I paid $250 for my 1C's, and I have about $825-$875 in upgrades.

    Crossovers:D
    Tweeters:D
    Blackhole:D
    SonicBarrier:D
    New Wood caps :D stain, and polyurethane
    New Wood for sides with new grill cloth:D
    New Binding Posts:D
    New Binding Posts for interconnect cable with Bananas:D
    Dynamat:D
    Mortite:D
    Spikes:D

    and I am still debating on redoing the internal wiring and connectors.

    My point is they might be worth it with upgrades depending on what has been done..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2010
    do you mean these?

    http://www.polksda.com/ebay/5729354520_SDA-SRS2.pdf
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    Hello zarrdoss, Yes they are the same model. Not sure whether I should pick these up or focus on locating some 1.2 or 2.3 tl's. What do you think about bi amping the tl's if I can find them?
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    Those are a nice speaker, and can be TL modded I believe. I would try to get them for 600.00 and do a few mods.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2010
    Those are the SDA SRS 2's then, I have never heard them or seen any but hear they are good and I would have to say they are a step up from what you have. I had the sda 2b's and were great speakes. I now have some 2.3tl's and have modded those (tweets and x-overs) and sound great. I have never tried bi-amping them and hear these don't make a real big difference when you do if you are using a powerful enough amp. As nooshinjohn stated I would try and get them and latter on if a good deal on some 1.2 or 2.3tl's turn up get them and sell the 2's. It would be worth it to try them out at least IMO. go listen to them and see what you think.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,201
    edited April 2010
    If you get these SRS2's, It will be the best 600 or 700 you'll spend on a set of speakers in your life. I know.:D
    I own a set.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2010
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^yep^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited April 2010
    If the guy has replaced the tweets and done the crossovers, he's put at least $350 into them already, probably more. So $700 doesn't seem like an unfair asking price, in fact it sounds like a deal. I'd ask him what he put in the crossovers, maybe offer his a tad less, but these seem like they are good to go.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited April 2010
    I also owe a pair of these SRS2s,(bought mine in 1988 I believe). Mine are all original and will agree,I think you'd be happy with the upgraded pair you are checking out. Good luck with them!
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    OK guys, Found a pair of what I believe are SDA SRS originals (64"x21"x13") that are supposed to be in "like new" condition for $1000. From what I read on the threads even the originals can be modded to sound closer to the 1.2 or 1.2tl if I am not satisfied with their sound. Long drive tho...will add a couple hundred to the total. Thoughts on outlay of $1300+- for a NICE pair of the originals? Seller said they are mine if I want them...will not sell to anyone else if I get back to him today. Should I jump on em! Thanks!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    The SRS are the e-ticket all the way and if you are willing to drive for them, they will be well worth the trip. I say jump!
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited April 2010
    +1 on the SRS's. If they are within your budget, get going immediately and pick up those speakers!
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited April 2010
    both the sets you are looking at are fine speakers, some consider the SRS 2 to be one of the finest Polk made, the SRS original have great sound as well, but do require a large room to really shine. If you have the space I would get the SRS if not the SRS 2, either way its going to be a win for you. No biamping the Originals only one set of binding posts, they are also blade/blade for the connect so no mono-blocks unless you can find a way to strap the negative posts to create a common ground.

    enjoy and have fun

    RT1
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    Room size in the cabin we're going to build will be 18x22. Speakers can be placed 4' off side walls and seperated from 8-12'. Seating will be approx 15' from dedicated component wall / home theater. SDA SRS should be right @ home...don't ya think?
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    One more thing...seller of the SDA SRS says there are 9 screws and 4 rivets on the crossover plate. Past threads talk about 13/14 screws on the SDA SRS and 9 screws on the 1.2. What's up with the rivets? Seller does not know which model he has. With the twin blade are these originals or the 1.2's?
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    selectsc wrote: »
    One more thing...seller of the SDA SRS says there are 9 screws and 4 rivets on the crossover plate. Past threads talk about 13/14 screws on the SDA SRS and 9 screws on the 1.2. What's up with the rivets? Seller does not know which model he has. With the twin blade are these originals or the 1.2's?


    They are the originals.... I do think the SRS-2's might work better for the room size you mention however.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited April 2010
    I dont think you are going to be happy with anything but the big boys, I suspect you will always have the itch......so get em and be done with it, although 18x22 is "big" room as far as living space, they can go in a much larger room, say 20x40 with 10 ft ceilings, I used mine in a 17 by 24, they sounded good so have fun. You have good wall clearance so either way should be fine, start with either set about 6 inches from the back wall and dont be afraid to adjust based on your room.

    RT1
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    Thanks everyone for your feedback / insights! In respect to room size there will also be an open basement that will be 26x50 with 10' ceilings...the speakers could go there and then use my existing SDA 2B'S and Monitor 10's for the Living Room / HT. One more thing before I hit the road. If I remember correctly a Driver or the Passive Radiator should be removed prior to transporting to prevent Driver lockup / freezing. Any insights there and / or in best configuration for placement in van? If things go as I hope I'll be on the road tomorrow!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,474
    edited April 2010
    The best way to prevent damage is to transport them on their backs with all drivers/passives in place.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    Thanks John!
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  • selectsc
    selectsc Posts: 14
    edited April 2010
    Checked speakers at sellers and all was good. Arrived home last night and hooked them up to find I could not isolate Left and Right channels. I'm also getting a "pop" when I crank em' up. Bass response also seems lacking. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited April 2010
    Is your amp common ground...if not or you don't know, then disconnect and find out. Popping, distortion, lack of performance might point to this, especially if they sounded fine at the seller's place. Using a non-common ground amp can damage both speakers and amp.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited April 2010
    selectsc wrote: »
    Room size in the cabin we're going to build will be 18x22. Speakers can be placed 4' off side walls and seperated from 8-12'. Seating will be approx 15' from dedicated component wall / home theater. SDA SRS should be right @ home...don't ya think?

    Just for a comparision, my room is 19.5' x 11.5' and I use 1.2TLs and they ARE NOT too much speaker for the room. They sound right at home in my room.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited April 2010
    Ron Temple wrote: »
    Is your amp common ground...if not or you don't know, then disconnect and find out. Popping, distortion, lack of performance might point to this, especially if they sounded fine at the seller's place. Using a non-common ground amp can damage both speakers and amp.

    The popping sound and lack of bass are two of the most heard problems when using non-common groung amps. To reiterate DISCONNECT THEM and don't play them again on that amp until you've made sure the amp is common ground as you can damage both the speakers and the amp.

    If the amp is indeed non-commond ground, call the manufacturer and find out if you can strap the negative speaker post on both channels together. I had to do this with a pair of Adcom 565 mono blocks and the tech at Adcom also recommended strapping the chasis together too.
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