Need some info on some SDA's
audiocr381ve
Posts: 2,588
Hey guys, I just want to confirm that these are SRS 3.1 TL's.
Are these the most desirable of the TL version SDA's? If now, what are the most desirable SDA's and in which order? I don't remember seeing a list floating around and am very interested to find out. The bigger SDA's sound like fun
Are these the most desirable of the TL version SDA's? If now, what are the most desirable SDA's and in which order? I don't remember seeing a list floating around and am very interested to find out. The bigger SDA's sound like fun
Post edited by audiocr381ve on
Comments
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I'd say the 2.3TLs would be more desirable sound wise, the 3.1TLs are more rare, if I'm not mistaken. Disclaimer: I've never heard either model.
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Yes, those are 3.1TL's. I own both the 2.3TL's and the 3.1TL's and you can read a write up I did comparing both speakers here: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120466&highlight=3.1TL%27s+2.3TL%27s
Greg
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."![:\](https://forum.polkaudio.com/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee -
The desirability of any speaker is a personal, subjective matter.
As far as SDA's go, room size will have a lot to do with it. In a small room, a smaller speaker may be more desirable.
Here's a list of SDA's; I put a * next to models that a feel could be the most desirable, given room and listener differences:
1.2TL *
2.3TL *
3.1TL *
1.2
2.3
SRS2 *
SRS
2B *
2A
2
1C *
1B
1A
1
CRS+ *
CRS2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
3.1TL's.
The later model SDA's tend to be the most desirable as they were the pinnacle of SDA technology. One thing to consider is pick the SDA based on your room size. There are rooms were a 2B will perform better than a 1.2TL simply because the room is too small for the larger SDA to perform it's best.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
Like the others have said they are 3.1tl's and the one PR is missing a dust cap.
Here is the most desirable list how I see it.
1.2TL. How can you beat the big boys.
2.3TL. Some of the best imaging I have ever heard
SRS2. Most controlled Midrange sound around
2B with TL mod. Just amazing
1C. Rockin out with there @#$$ out
CRS+ with TL Mod. Just as amazing as the 2BTL's
3.1TL. Interesting take on the SDA Sound
As far as 3.1TL's go they are not high on my list but then again they seem rarer than most of the other SDA's, at least around NY/NJ. And I would love to hear them in the right room. -
I would move the 3.1tl after the SRS2 on that list. Room size and treatments will effect all of these speakers. The bigger the speaker, the bigger the room needs to be. My SRS 2's don't really open up until the 10 o'clock position on the volume dial. After you hit the sweet spot on the volume, you feel the band just walked in. All of the speakers on the list are remarkable speakers in the right enviorment.Polk HT system 1: LSIC, LSI25 mains, LSI F/X rears, Lsi F/X rear centers,
Yamaha RX-V2500 System, Carver A753 3 channel amp.
Polk HT system 2: , SRT system with f/x 1,000's rear speakers on 7.1 system currently using Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver, powered by Sunfire Grand Theater amp
Polk Speaker collection: SDA SRS 1.2tl x 2, SRT system, SDA SRS 2 P/B, SDA 2A, SDA 1C Studio, SDA CRS+, Monitor 7B & 4, SRS 3.1tl, RTA 15tl, LS90, LSI 9 -
IMO room treatments are a must with any of these SDA's no matter what room size, room treatments will balance the room for the SDA's.
I don't have the perfect room as most of us don't for the SDA's and RT's brought it all together. I think having a high ceiling is more important for the bigboys.. -
So where would the non-TL 2.3's fall in that spectrum?
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So where would the non-TL 2.3's fall in that spectrum?
Honestly, non-TL 2.3's aren't even worth owning.
If you are unfortunate enough to actually own a pair, my condolences, and I will even offer to relieve you of their burden for a modest disposal fee...:rolleyes::biggrin:2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
falconcry72 wrote: »Honestly, non-TL 2.3's aren't even worth owning.
If you are unfortunate enough to actually own a pair, my condolences, and I will even offer to relieve you of their burden for a modest disposal fee...:rolleyes::biggrin:
Haha
Thanks for the info guys. In a perfect world (ie, correct room, room treatments), it looks like the 1.2 TL's are the speaker to have. I am loving my SDA 2B TL's more than ever, and like everything, I just want "more".After you hit the sweet spot on the volume, you feel the band just walked in.
This is the only thing I wish my 2B's did. Maybe I just need to wait for the right room? Maybe they are capable? -
audiocr381ve wrote: »This is the only thing I wish my 2B's did. Maybe I just need to wait for the right room? Maybe they are capable?
The room they're in definitely plays an integral part.
I just finished upgrading my 2B's to TL's last night, added Dynamat to the PR's, new spikes (thanks Doro) and the results are simply outstanding. Incredible full range sound in a 13' x 18' room with a vaulted ceiling.SDA SRS 2.3TL's
Silk Audio MS-90-BT integrated tube amp
Yaqin MS-20L integrated tube amp
SDA 2B TL's -
michaeljhsda2 wrote: »The room they're in definitely plays an integral part.
I just finished upgrading my 2B's to TL's last night, added Dynamat to the PR's, new spikes (thanks Doro) and the results are simply outstanding. Incredible full range sound in a 13' x 18' room with a vaulted ceiling.
Sweet man! I've done the same mods. The spikes really tightened up the bass response. It really does take a good long while for the crossover's to start settling in too. I was unsure about the mods for a long time and didn't believe that it would be one loooong roller coaster ride before they settled down. -
Like the others have said they are 3.1tl's and the one PR is missing a dust cap.
Here is the most desirable list how I see it.
1.2TL. How can you beat the big boys.
2.3TL. Some of the best imaging I have ever heard
SRS2. Most controlled Midrange sound around
2B with TL mod. Just amazing
1C. Rockin out with there @#$$ out
CRS+ with TL Mod. Just as amazing as the 2BTL's
3.1TL. Interesting take on the SDA Sound
As far as 3.1TL's go they are not high on my list but then again they seem rarer than most of the other SDA's, at least around NY/NJ. And I would love to hear them in the right room.
Can the SRS2's be TL'ed? They have double the mid drivers and tweeters than the 2B's, and they aren't massive. I ask because a pair popped up locally -
audiocr381ve wrote: »Can the SRS2's be TL'ed? They have double the mid drivers and tweeters than the 2B's, and they aren't massive. I ask because a pair popped up locally
From what I know, there was a concerted effort on the SRS 2 Blade/Blade version, and maybe even completed, but the SRS 2 Pin/Blade as of right now is a no go. I even worked with some engineers at Polk and they didn't come up with anything.
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
dcmartinpc wrote: »From what I know, there was a concerted effort on the SRS 2 Blade/Blade version, and maybe even completed, but the SRS 2 Pin/Blade as of right now is a no go. I even worked with some engineers at Polk and they didn't come up with anything.
Don
Hmmm...interesting. I've heard the RD0-194 next to the RD0-198 and I don't think I'd want to own any SDA models that can't utilize the 198 tweeter. It's frickin' sweet, and I haven't heard another tweeter that can reproduce cymbals the way it does. -
2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
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Thank you! I thought so, but I could not find the thread!
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
That was a GREAT read. -
audiocr381ve wrote: »it looks like the 1.2 TL's are the speaker to have.
Hummm not true, it really depends on what one wants.
I stated this before and I will say it again. IMHO tl is a bit over rated not that it's not better it's just that the other SDA's are every bit of worth owning, and I hate it when let's say one is going to pass on a beautiful set of 2.3's for a set of SDA's that are a tl version just because of what they read here on the fourm...
The 2.3's and 1.2's KICK ****!!! -
TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »Hummm not true, it really depends on what one wants.
I stated this before and I will say it again. IMHO tl is a bit over rated not that it's not better it's just that the other SDA's are every bit of worth owning, and I hate it when let's say one is going to pass on a beautiful set of 2.3's for a set of SDA's that are a tl version just because of what they read here on the fourm...
The 2.3's and 1.2's KICK ****!!!
I don't know man, I think the RD0-198 kicks more **** having heard both replacement tweeters for all SDA's. -
audiocr381ve wrote: »I don't know man, I think the RD0-198 kicks more **** having heard both replacement tweeters for all SDA's.
You'll excuse me if I mildly disagree, just based on your past history of not spending hardly anytime listening to just one thing long enough for it to even get broken in and flipping gear like a hot potato.
I think they are both excellent and very close and I wouldn't pass up an opportunity solely based on the criteria of only using the 198. I agree 100% with TOOL, they are all great and holding out for a single model while passing up opportunities for a slightly lower model, is silly.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
You'll excuse me if I mildly disagree, just based on your past history of not spending hardly anytime listening to just one thing long enough for it to even get broken in and flipping gear like a hot potato.
I think they are both excellent and very close and I wouldn't pass up an opportunity solely based on the criteria of only using the 198. I agree 100% with TOOL, they are all great and holding out for a single model while passing up opportunities for a slightly lower model, is silly.
H9
I still have my 2B's don't I
You may be right, I didn't spend several years with the 194's. All I know is what I instantly heard from the 198, along with others like DarqueKnight, and I quote:
DarqueKnightThis simple modification, which only entailed adding a 5.6uF capacitor in parallel with the 2.7 ohm resistor in the tweeter circuit and replacing the RDO194-1 silk dome tweeters (SL2000 replacements) with the RD0198-1 silk dome tweeters (SL3000 replacements), has evolved these 17 year old speakers to a higher level of performance. I was only expecting some modest improvements in high frequency response. What was achieved was a night and day improvement in the overall sound of the speakers. -
falconcry72 wrote: »Honestly, non-TL 2.3's aren't even worth owning.
If you are unfortunate enough to actually own a pair, my condolences, and I will even offer to relieve you of their burden for a modest disposal fee...:rolleyes::biggrin:
I don't care what the pick up price is I just need them gone so my Bose fit nicely into their space. 5' tall eye sores. My mini cubes rock the house!!! :eek: -
While I love the 198's, the 194's are great as well and having a non TL model is still EXTREMELY good to my ears. I am working on rebuilding both a set of 1.2TL's (for my father) and a set of 2.3's non-TL. I am just as excited about one as I am the other.
Concerning the smaller models, I can speak from experience that room size is a huge factor and if you have them in a smaller room, it WILL sound better. -
chandler9a wrote: »While I love the 198's, the 194's are great as well and having a non TL model is still EXTREMELY good to my ears. I am working on rebuilding both a set of 1.2TL's (for my father) and a set of 2.3's non-TL. I am just as excited about one as I am the other.
Concerning the smaller models, I can speak from experience that room size is a huge factor and if you have them in a smaller room, it WILL sound better.
You're probably right. I just realized my crossover's weren't updated when I was listened to the 194's. Maybe that would have made all the difference in the world. -
audiocr381ve wrote: »You're probably right. I just realized my crossover's weren't updated when I was listened to the 194's. Maybe that would have made all the difference in the world.
It absolutely would have helped. The 198 is still better to my ears though.
Greg
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee -
yea, I'm not saying the 198's aren't better. Its just that the other models can sound darn good as well, nothing to pass up IMO.
looks like you got the SDA bug for sure though -
chandler9a wrote: »yea, I'm not saying the 198's aren't better. Its just that the other models can sound darn good as well, nothing to pass up IMO.
looks like you got the SDA bug for sure though
Haha, totally! Their is something special about these speakers. It might be all the hard work (money) that I've put into them? -
Man do I hate being the dumb one; can someone tell me why the 198 tweet can't be used in some models. Theoretically the tweet could be used in any speaker model, sda or not, as long as the x-over is designed to match it and the rest of the system. It would seem that even though it may be more complicated than adding a cap in parallel with a resistor but still possible. What's up? I come from 22 years in car audio and primarily SPL competitions with only mild sound quality systems in my own vehicles as none of my customers seemed to believe that a system with a single 8 or 10 and a pair of point source coax's were worth the time or money to set up properly. However in car audio we made almost anything work. We may have spent 50-60 hours or more tuning a system as described above but made these things work. Somebody help me understand, I'm sure there are some extreme crossover guru's around this forum.;If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of Progress?!
Monitor 5Jr, Monitor 5, RTA12, RTA 15TL, SDA 2A, 1c, SRS 2, 1.2TL, CRS, Atrium. -
The 194 was designed to replace the SL1000 and SL2000 mylar dome tweeters the 198 was designed to replace the SL2500 and SL3000 tri-laminate dome tweeters. So the differences stand out quite a bit.
Polk redesigned the crossovers in all of the Later SDA's to work with the Tri-Laminate tweeters as I believe they are a different Ohm Rating and have very different parameters to deal with in the crossover. As a result the 194 will sound completely wrong in a circuit designed for the 198.
As for how they sound in the wrong circuit, the 194 attenuated the correct signal, it lost the brilliance the tweeter would normally have while adding what almost sounding like hiss to the sound up top. It was very similar sounding to the sliver faced SL1000 to me. Not a good sound by the way.
How do I know? I redid a pair of SDA2b's with the TL mod and forgot to switch out the Tweeters. Took me about 10 minutes to realize my mistake and once the correct Tweeter was in place the sound I heard floored me. All the brilliance was back without the sibilance or nastiness that the 194 had added.
The 194 is an amazing tweeter though and for those of you looking to upgrade non TL SDA's I can't recommend a tweeter more than the 194. It is that good. And in the correct circuit it works wonders on older SDA's.
