Considering SL2000 to RD0194 upgrade

On3s&Z3r0s

Hey all SDA modders,

I picked up a pair of original SDA 2's a few months ago and have been working on fixing the few minor things that needed repairing. Now I'm on to considering upgrades. It seems pretty unanimous that everyone prefers the RD0194 replacements for the the SL2000 tweeters. But since I'd need 4 of them at about $50 per (if I can get the CP deal from Polk customer service), that's a good bit of change to fix something that ain't exactly broke.

So, I was wondering if those of you who have heard both could characterize the sonic differences for me. The SDA 2's are bright, but not ear-bleedingly so, and all Polks seem to be a little bright. Do the 194's sound more like the tweeters that went into the Monitor or TSi series (I own modern Monitors too), like the RTi's or anything else Polk? Would you say that the 194's make the speaker more neutral or balanced from high to low overall? Any input would be welcomed.

Also, is it better to call Polk customer service directly, or is there another outlet for parts purchases? I've been to their ebay store, but didn't see any parts available there. Thanks!

madmax

The RDO194's are perfect and an awesome upgrade to the SL2000. I immediately swapped out all of mine the day I heard some 194's. After hearing the 194's I could no longer stand the very rough edgy sounding SL2000. This is a no brainer which will be backed up by anyone who has ever heard the 194. Night and day difference.
madmax

Edit: Call polk direct and tell them you are on club polk for the discount.

sda2mike

do it!

On3s&Z3r0s

madmax wrote: »

... After hearing the 194's I could no longer stand the very rough edgy sounding SL2000...

Yeah, I guess the SL2000's can be a little harsh at times. I'm a fan of Paul Desmond on the clarinet, and it can sound a little shriek-y in the higher octaves. I have a pair of Vandersteens too and he definitely doesn't sound that way on them.

sda2mike wrote: »

do it!

Lol, thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm getting the impression that this is just going to be one of those "leap of faith" type decisions. I'm leaning toward it at this point.

Another question I forgot in my original post... seems like most recap or otherwise modify the crossovers at the same time. Is that necessary to get the full improvement out of the 194's, or is that just something people do as a preventative measure against the old caps failing while they have the speakers opened up?

Thanks for the responses!

heiney9

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

Hey all SDA modders,

I picked up a pair of original SDA 2's a few months ago and have been working on fixing the few minor things that needed repairing. Now I'm on to considering upgrades. It seems pretty unanimous that everyone prefers the RD0194 replacements for the the SL2000 tweeters. But since I'd need 4 of them at about $50 per (if I can get the CP deal from Polk customer service), that's a good bit of change to fix something that ain't exactly broke.

So, I was wondering if those of you who have heard both could characterize the sonic differences for me. The SDA 2's are bright, but not ear-bleedingly so, and all Polks seem to be a little bright. Do the 194's sound more like the tweeters that went into the Monitor or TSi series (I own modern Monitors too), like the RTi's or anything else Polk? Would you say that the 194's make the speaker more neutral or balanced from high to low overall? Any input would be welcomed.

Also, is it better to call Polk customer service directly, or is there another outlet for parts purchases? I've been to their ebay store, but didn't see any parts available there. Thanks!

Search my man! This topic is 2nd only to cable discussions on CP. The short and skinny is the RD0's are better in every way!! Well worth the money and that's all you need to know.

Polk CS is the only outlet for replacement parts like this. They are giving you a discount plus free 2nd day shipping what more do you want?

H9

Toolfan66

Again DO IT!!!:cool:

dbaldus

If you want to decide whether it is worth it to you or not, put in Rush - YYZ from their Moving Pictures album. Turn it up pretty loud, and listen to the part mid-way through the song when the glass is breaking. If you don't think that the SL2000's sound "sharp" or "harsh" to your ears, particularly at higher volumes, you probably won't notice much if you switch to the RDO's.

When I A/B'd the two tweeters on this part of the song, I immediately noticed a difference, whereas for the majority of other songs the difference was a lot more subtle (and, IMO, not worth the $400 to replace all 8 on my Original SRS's). However, YYZ convinced me how sharp the sound from the SL2000's were and I've never looked back.

Give it a try!

madmax

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

Yeah, I guess the SL2000's can be a little harsh at times.

That is what I thought before the upgrade, I had no idea how bad they really were. You could spend $10K on other equipment upgrades and wouldn't approach the benifit that replacing the SL2000's gives you, seriously.

Once you do replace them they need some burn in time. Mine sounded like crap for the first hours then went to extreme perfection.

Just do it!

Roy Munson

Mine sounded like crap for the first hours then went to extreme perfection.

ditto..the rdo's need imo a minimum of 40 hours to really start sounding good as they are definitely very dry and laid back when new. As an experiment I once took the rdo's out and put the sl2000's back in and I couldn't stand it for more than ten minutes before I put the rdo's back in! lol

madmax

Roy Munson wrote: »

As an experiment I once took the rdo's out and put the sl2000's back in and I couldn't stand it for more than ten minutes before I put the rdo's back in! lol

Ha ha, me too. We must have too much time on our hands.

On3s&Z3r0s

Alright, alright, I'm in. I'll call Polk cs tomorrow and let them know everyone at CP says this is a mandatory upgrade for anyone owning SDA's. This is all pretty ironic because in my newbieness I purchased a pair of Monitor 5jr's shortly after my SDA's specifically so I could have some spare SL2000's in the event I cooked one. I think I'll skip replacing those. Two new tweeters would damn near double what I paid for them! Of course I say that now... if the RDO's are as good as everyone says they are...

So any thoughts on the necessity of recapping the crossovers? I'm sure I could find parts... I'm more worried about learning how to solder!

Thanks for pushing me over the edge. I'll tell my wife to talk to y'all when she sees I've got the speakers on the bench again.

ben62670

I rebuild/upgrade crossovers for Polkies if you don't feel comfortable doing it. I'll let others chime in on the thoughts of XO upgrading.
Ben

sda2mike

ben62670 wrote: »

I rebuild/upgrade crossovers for Polkies if you don't feel comfortable doing it. I'll let others chime in on the thoughts of XO upgrading.
Ben

just do it!!:D

Vette C6.r

Just as a point of reference and maybe something nobody else has experienced.

When I got the 194's the difference wasn't right off the bat. When they burned in a bit they are very much worth the price. Especially since you only have 2 to replace.

Due to what we believe was a XO blowing one of my 194's in my 2.3's I had to put a 2000 in place till the 194 came in.

I didn't releize the difference due to the length of time I hadn't heard them. Once I put the new 194 back in the array it made a very noticable difference.

Get them. Mention that you are a forum memeber as well.

JPSmario

my SDA 2A's had a SL2000's in bad shape when I got them. I bought a good pair from a friend and couldn't listen to music for more than an hour at a time because of ear fatigue from the 'bite':eek: I ordered the RDO194's, put them in and never looked back (sold the SL2000's). IMO, the RDO's are more real, especially after 60 hours or so. I'd be really surprised if you regretted the change.

Conradicles

The tweeters are better. Period end of story.

However, you are in a tight spot...$200 is a lot to spend on those particular speakers. Worst case, if you find you don't like them you can sell them and make most of your money back. Best case you love them and upgrade the capacitors and resistors not to mention a few other tweaks. Peace.

inspiredsports

For me, the harshness of the SL2000 was easily noticeable, but the "fatigue factor" was the real deal breaker.

I now listen to my rig (with upgraded tweeters and crossovers) for about 8 hours a day while in my home office. I can remember that about an hour was all I could tolerate from the SL2000's

heiney9

+10,000 on the X-over upgrade too. It goes hand in hand with the RD0's. If you have to do it in stages get the RD0's first and then redo the X-overs. Those together take the speakers far beyond belief. Trust me on that...........I was skeptical as hell at first also.

Now I'm a believer and have done the same to my Monitor 5B's with the same stunning results.

H9

On3s&Z3r0s

Conradicles wrote: »

The tweeters are better. Period end of story.

However, you are in a tight spot...$200 is a lot to spend on those particular speakers...

Yeah, that was my dilemma. It seems like the SDA 2's are sort of the redheaded stepchild of the SDA line. I mean, I like 'em a lot, but I think I'd like some 1C's a lot better. New tweeters and XO's would be at least as much again as what I paid for them.

But, with the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the RD0's I think I'll have to go ahead with that. Then, if I come across a pair of stock 1C's, I'll have a set that's already broken in! If not, probably new caps and other mods down the line.

Thanks again for everyone's time and input!

sda2mike

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

Yeah, that was my dilemma. It seems like the SDA 2's are sort of the redheaded stepchild of the SDA line. I mean, I like 'em a lot, but I think I'd like some 1C's a lot better. New tweeters and XO's would be at least as much again as what I paid for them.

But, with the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the RD0's I think I'll have to go ahead with that. Then, if I come across a pair of stock 1C's, I'll have a set that's already broken in! If not, probably new caps and other mods down the line.

Thanks again for everyone's time and input!

red-headed step-child? watchoo talkin bout willis??

On3s&Z3r0s

sda2mike wrote: »

red-headed step-child? watchoo talkin bout willis??

Hurhur... no offense. Like I said... I like em, and I'm glad I bought em! Got the impression tho that most SDA freaks think the dimensional tweeter is unnecessary at best. Plus, I luuuuuv a speaker that can produce tight, well defined bass on it's own. It's tough to do that with a single 6.5" driver dedicated to bass and a 12" PR. The 1C's are callin me!

inspiredsports

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

Yeah, that was my dilemma. It seems like the SDA 2's are sort of the redheaded stepchild of the SDA line. I mean, I like 'em a lot, but I think I'd like some 1C's a lot better. New tweeters and XO's would be at least as much again as what I paid for them.

But, with the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the RD0's I think I'll have to go ahead with that. Then, if I come across a pair of stock 1C's, I'll have a set that's already broken in! If not, probably new caps and other mods down the line.

Thanks again for everyone's time and input!

I think that is a great plan. If you buy a different set of Polks, swap the new tweets into the pair you are keeping and sell off the pair with the older tweets.

Vette C6.r

On a side note the 2000's always seem to sell in the For Sale section.

I sold 8 of them I had. That helped lessen the blow of the RDO's.

Not a definate but something to think about. They also seem to sell on e-bay rather frequent.

Vette C6.r

Just listened to some 1c's with the 2000's in them on my system.

I think people forget how bad the 2000's are.

I listened at about a 9 o'clock level. They are really hard on the ears. I went back to the speakers with the RDO in them. MUCH MUCH better.


Here is a video that tells you what to do.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmUZGdi7Ty4