SDA SRS 2.3 vs. 2.3Tl

Cramer1

Hello,

I am looking for some opinions. I recently puchased a pair of 2.3's that are in very nice shape. I was not happy with the sound quality of them though compared to my upgrade 3.1TL's. I had asked for some opinions on new caps and resistors for the 2.3's and the Sonic's were very expensive.

Zardoss said he used the Dayton 1% caps on the cross overs and were happy with them. So, I replaced all the capacitors with the Daytons, used Mills resistors and ordered new tweeters from Polk. I also replaced the binding posts and started to mortite the drivers, but have not completed them yet.

With each upgrade the sound quality improved, but still not up to the clarity of my 3.1's.

I have now come across some 2.3TL's for sale, but they are also all original. My question is this; is there enough difference between the 2.3's and the 2.3Tl's to go through the expense and hassle of buying the 2.3tl's, having them shipped, then upgrading them and then trying to sell the 2.3's?

I have to admit, I am still not completely satisified with the 2.3's. They sound good, but after comparing them tot he 3.1tl's I am a bit disappointed. I only have probably 20 hrs on the upgrades and I have read that they get better with more useage.

Thanks for anybody's personal experience between the two and the insight you can give me on this.

Toolfan66

the 2.3's should sound just as good if not better then the 3.1's. keep in mind you do need to let these burn in for at least 100 hours. 300 will floor you or it should anyways.

Your tweeters and crossovers will change the longer you play them.. also did you leave the poly switch in?

Cramer1

Yes, I left in the polyswitch, but replaced it. Also the 750pf capacitors were eliminated.

I think the 2.3tl's look a bit nicer and they were what I was hoping for originally, then of course, when I purchase some 2.3's, then there are 2 sets of 2.3tl's available recently. I would really like to purchase them but I just don't want to be disappointed in the lots of extra time, work and dollars spent, just to only have a slight difference.

I have read some people say the 2.3tl's are way above the 2.3's also, but Zardoss says he has both and like them almost equally, he said the tl's might be just a bit more refined. I am just not sure it is worth it for a "bit".

Should have I removed the poly's and used the resistor instead? I wanted the protection, but if there is a big sound quality difference, then I may have to change them out.

Vette C6.r

I have always wondered the same Cramer. I know the drivers are different as the non TL's have the "donut drivers". I, for one, am interested in what you decide.

I have heard 1c's that blew my 2.3 away, with my same gear, different house. I am still in the midst of breaking my XO's in. The 1c's had massive hours on them. Hopefully mine open up that way as we did the same Sonicap- Mills upgrade. Mine have been on almost a week straight.

Never thought I would say this but I am so sick of hearing music all day long. lol

IMO wait till the XO's burn in before you make a decision.

zarrdoss

I would definitely let the caps and tweeters burn in more, mine sounded good then bad then really started sounding good, and you are burning in both the tweeters and caps will be at least 100 hrs. You should be fine with the poly but if its tripped then replace it. This is a tough call as everyones tastes are different. Are the 2.3tl for sale "locally"?

Cramer1

no they are not Kevin, but he is willing to split shipping and handling. But the price tag is enough so that with all the upgrades and shipping, I don't think I would recover all the expenses.

Don't get me wrong, the 2.3's sound ok, I guess I just expected more. There was a definate difference though, especially when the caps and resistors were replaced. I read there would be a hollow sound, I cannot say they sound hollow, just not as clear as I would have hoped for. I know I am not giving them a lot of time yet, it just seems like the Tls are hard to come by, especially close, and most are not willing to ship. I would love to have both, but I don't think my 3.1's are going anywhere, as I love the way they sound and perform and originally I was not even interested in the 3.1's.

I know you have both and you said you like both pair. These 2.3's I aquired are in such good shape, I hate to give them up also. But something in me just thinks I need to say I have the TL version. Probably crazy!

zarrdoss

If money is not a big issue I would say get them and mod them, better to know for sure then drive yourself crazy with the thought of "what if". No you probably would not recover but there are allot of worse thing you can spend your money on eh?
Mine did sound hollow and just kind of "thin" sounding, then as the caps burned in the sound got fuller sounding.

stubby

I know you have both and you said you like both pair. These 2.3's I aquired are in such good shape, I hate to give them up also. But something in me just thinks I need to say I have the TL version. Probably crazy![/QUOTE]

Cory, remember what I told you about SDA's? It is an addiction and you just got your first hit!

stubby

Cramer1

Paul,

You helped me start this addiction!! It's partially your fault for parting with the 3.1's.

Did you get your upgrades started/done?

Kevin, money is always an issue. There is a lot worse things the money could be spent on. I don't think my wife would approve of both pair!! I guess this SDA thing is just an addiction!! Not all a bad one, except you can run out of room quick!!

stubby

Just here to help!!

No, nothing started yet. Softball season with the girls is all consuming.

stubby

cincycat13

Cramer1,

If you chose to part ways with the 3.1s I would love to blame you for feeding my addiction. Just a thought...

zarrdoss

I hear you, if I didn't have a basement I would have run out of room a long time ago. You would have to keep one pair hidden and switch them out when shes not home, lol.

Cramer1

cincycat 13,

I don't really believe I will part with them anytime soon!! But, if I do, Paul would have first chance to get them back, I am not sure he wants them back, but also said he somewhat regrets giving them up. You would be next in line.

They are just really nice sized unit, with a very full, clear sound. They are very warm, yet they can really thump!

Vette C6.r

Cramer do you have the RDO's in your 2.3's ?

Cramer1

Yes Vette c6.r,

The RDO upgrade as been done. I just have not replaced all the gaskets with rope caulk yet nor do I have them spiked, they are on the factory feet. I should try that but I hate to snag the carpet when I would move them. My 3.1's are not spiked either though. Also I have them on either side of my tv and the speaker's/tv are at an angle to the wall with a powered sub behind the tv compared to the 3.1's are flat against the wall. I have limited ways that I can arrange the room where the 2.3s are though.

Vette C6.r

Cramer1 wrote: »

Yes Vette c6.r,

The RDO upgrade as been done. I just have not replaced all the gaskets with rope caulk yet nor do I have them spiked, they are on the factory feet. I should try that but I hate to snag the carpet when I would move them. My 3.1's are not spiked either though. Also I have them on either side of my tv and the speaker's/tv are at an angle to the wall with a powered sub behind the tv compared to the 3.1's are flat against the wall. I have limited ways that I can arrange the room where the 2.3s are though.

Once you get the spot you like have a someone help you tilt them and spike them where they are that way you don't have to "walk" them and screw up the carpet.