From SDA2 Speakers to Paradigm Studio 80
kchilaka
Posts: 55
Hello Folks,
I am trying to understand a little about the Polk SDA2's place in the speaker totem pole. I currently am using a pair of the orignal SDA2 speakers in my 2 channel system (no sub). They are being driven by a Panasonic XR-55 TI Purepath receiver. I am pretty happy with the sound with a couple of exceptions. The slight lack of sophistication in the tweeters of the SDA2 and the slightly pronounced mid-range. The imaging of the SDA2 of course is fantastic.
I came upon the opportunity to obtain a pair of used Paradigm Studio 80 speakers. The upgrade cost is nominal (if I sell the SDA2s) so not a concern. These are the original version from 1997-1998. These were the second from the TOTL Studio 100 series. The specs of these speakers are similar to that of the SDA2. 91~92 dB efficiency. Low-freq -3dB extension to 38-40hz etc.
What I am wondering is if these Studio 80 speakers will actually be an upgrade from my Polk SDA2 speakers. As I mentioned, the main reasons for the upgrade will be a silkier and smoother top end, less pronounced mid-range and perhaps a little more slam in the bass. Voices are very important to me but I dont want the voice to overwhelm the other instruments in the track, which happens occasionaly with the SDA2.
So does this sound like an upgrade? or more like a lateral move to you folks? Your inputs are valued.
Thanks.
I am trying to understand a little about the Polk SDA2's place in the speaker totem pole. I currently am using a pair of the orignal SDA2 speakers in my 2 channel system (no sub). They are being driven by a Panasonic XR-55 TI Purepath receiver. I am pretty happy with the sound with a couple of exceptions. The slight lack of sophistication in the tweeters of the SDA2 and the slightly pronounced mid-range. The imaging of the SDA2 of course is fantastic.
I came upon the opportunity to obtain a pair of used Paradigm Studio 80 speakers. The upgrade cost is nominal (if I sell the SDA2s) so not a concern. These are the original version from 1997-1998. These were the second from the TOTL Studio 100 series. The specs of these speakers are similar to that of the SDA2. 91~92 dB efficiency. Low-freq -3dB extension to 38-40hz etc.
What I am wondering is if these Studio 80 speakers will actually be an upgrade from my Polk SDA2 speakers. As I mentioned, the main reasons for the upgrade will be a silkier and smoother top end, less pronounced mid-range and perhaps a little more slam in the bass. Voices are very important to me but I dont want the voice to overwhelm the other instruments in the track, which happens occasionaly with the SDA2.
So does this sound like an upgrade? or more like a lateral move to you folks? Your inputs are valued.
Thanks.
Post edited by kchilaka on
Comments
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I'd upgrade the crossovers and get RDO's for the SDA's before replacing them.
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I'd upgrade the crossovers and get RDO's for the SDA's before replacing them.
Yup. The RDO upgrade has been recommended here. Maybe I will keep the SDA2 pair and get the Studio 80. I guess I am looking for an opinion on the quality of the Studio 80 w.r.t to the SDA2s. -
There is quite a difference in the two. The soundstage of the SDA effect is huge in comparison to most standard speakers. That being said the Paradigm's do have a very nice sound. If memory serves the highs were smoother than the SDA2's before I upgraded the tweeters to RDO194's.
You said you have original SDA2's.
Do you have the ones with dual tweeters or single tweeters?
If you have dual tweeters disconnect the dimensional tweeter and listen again.
That will make a huge difference in how they sound. As will and upgrade to the crossover and tweeters in general. -
I do realize I will be giving up the SDA effect. I do have the original SDA2s with the dual tweeters. Disconnect the dimensional tweeter? Hmm, I guess there is a reason that the SDA2-B does not have the dimensional tweeter. Something to try I guess. I don't think I want to go the upgrade route on the tweeters/crossover as I would like to keep these SDA2 speakers stock. They are in mint condition and I really wouldn't want to mess with them ..
I guess I will have to go and listen to the Paradigm studios before I make up my mind on this..There is quite a difference in the two. The soundstage of the SDA effect is huge in comparison to most standard speakers. That being said the Paradigm's do have a very nice sound. If memory serves the highs were smoother than the SDA2's before I upgraded the tweeters to RDO194's.
You said you have original SDA2's.
Do you have the ones with dual tweeters or single tweeters?
If you have dual tweeters disconnect the dimensional tweeter and listen again.
That will make a huge difference in how they sound. As will and upgrade to the crossover and tweeters in general. -
kchilaka- I would try disconnecting the outside tweeter on each speaker, too. I've done it on my SDA2's and that's how I listen to them all the time now. Having it connected confuses the soundstage too much. Some people will say to add a resistor to bring the other tweeter back up to normal output levels, but with the SL2000's, I don't find it necessary. And now I have two spare SL2000's in case I fry the ones that are still active. I have not had the money for the RD0 upgrade, or the 2000's wouldn't still be in there.Ludicrous gibs!
