Finally! I am going to finally be able to buy my "Speaker of the Gods", but which one

oldmodman
oldmodman Posts: 740
edited March 2012 in Vintage Speakers
I heard a pair of the original SDS=SRA speakers at Shelly Audio in the San Fernando Valley back in the mid 80's. They were the best sounding speakers I have ever heard. Couldn't afford them then, but now I will.
If you were finally able to start looking for the speakers that you have wanted since you heard a pair of the original SDA-SRS speakers, which ones would you say to me "these are the best".

SDA-SRS
SRS 1.2TL
or ????

Since I am single (finally) I can get the (huge) speakers that I have always wanted.
The ironic thing is I have a pair of Klipsch Cornerhorns in my house that were hidden and never a word was said about them:cheesygrin: And I got them used and re finished them, and replaced all the components myself.

I have read all the posts here about modifying the SRS speakers and can't wait to get started. Are there modifications for the original SDS-SRA speakers too? In case those are what I end up finding.

Thanks, Drew

Cliffs notes. What are the best sounding model of the SDS, or SRS series of speakers.
Post edited by oldmodman on

Comments

  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited March 2012
    You certainly came to the right place!

    There are mod threads for all the Polk SDA speakers here on CP. As to which SDA's sound the best, you'll find varying opinions. Some say the 2.3TL's, or the 1.2TL's. Some like the CRS's, SDA 1C's. The TL models are the latest evolution in the SDA lineup, and the most advanced design.

    Best idea is to get your read on, ask questions, do lots of searches.

    Welcome and good luck!
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited March 2012
    There are several threads discussing the "best" sounding model but the discussions always seem to pop up the SRS 2.3TL & 1.2TL as the best "big boys", then the 1C's and 2B's. I'd start there.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited March 2012
    Since you have the room now, IF you can score a decent pair of 1.2s or even better 1.2TL's, you will not be dissapointed. The 1.2's are very impressive especially with the low DCR SDA inductor change. Then you could swap the SL2000's to the RD0194's or even just completely TL them.
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
  • transmaster
    transmaster Posts: 428
    edited March 2012
    This forum has sure inspired me I have a set of Polk 10B's I purchased new in 1989. I had no idea what I had. thanks to this forum I am going to upgrade the crossovers and get these big honkers blasting again.
    Radio Station W7ITC
  • charley95
    charley95 Posts: 908
    edited March 2012
    Looks like a few are showing up on flea-bay!
  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited March 2012
    You had cornerhorn's hidden!
    Your room must be as big as a gymnasium. :eek: :cheesygrin:

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited March 2012
    Why would you want something else when you have a fantastic speaker like the K'horn? Just curious.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
  • transmaster
    transmaster Posts: 428
    edited March 2012
    decal wrote: »
    Why would you want something else when you have a fantastic speaker like the K'horn? Just curious.

    I was wondering that myself the Klipshorn is awesome.
    Radio Station W7ITC
  • oldmodman
    oldmodman Posts: 740
    edited March 2012
    decal wrote: »
    Why would you want something else when you have a fantastic speaker like the K'horn? Just curious.


    Thanks for all the replies. I have been reading all the posts for a couple of years, just have not made any.
    I've always wanted a pair of the big Polks.
    And I have always tended to play the K-horns really loud to cover up the "idling hiss" of transistor amps.
    I am planning on getting a pair of Mike's Tube "HornAmps" (Quicksilver). They only put out about 15 watts, with an incredibly low, inaudible noise floor. And 15 watts of beautiful, clean power is plenty for the K-Horns.

    And I will start searching for a pair of the 1.2TL speakers. Might be a long search too!
  • littlewoodboats
    littlewoodboats Posts: 823
    edited March 2012
    You might also give thought to how much clear wall space you have available. The larger you go the more space they want.

    Good luck however you choose
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited March 2012
    Never hear the K-horns with tube amplification, only with SS. Wasn't impressed - loud but shrill. This was back in the 70's at our local audio emporium.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • MrGlobe
    MrGlobe Posts: 401
    edited March 2012
    Man, you're gonna have large SDA's and a pair of Khorns. Those are going to make for some seriously awesome music listening, whichever SDA's you end up getting.
  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited March 2012
    drumminman, if you ever get the chance to hear Klipschorns under tube power you will be impressed. I owned a pair a bunch of years ago and still miss them.

    oldmodman, go for the big guns, get some 1.2TL's and never look back. Still one of the most impressive speakers I have ever heard. At Any Price.
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited March 2012
    So maybe the 1.2TL's for the front L-R mains, and the K-horns for the rear surrounds :eek::cheesygrin:
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited March 2012
    drumminman wrote: »
    So maybe the 1.2TL's for the front L-R mains, and the K-horns for the rear surrounds :eek::cheesygrin:

    Would you like my shrink's number? :lol:
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
  • audio_alan
    audio_alan Posts: 770
    edited March 2012
    Drew - The original SDA-SRS model is nothing to shake a stick at either, and you can usually get them for about 1/2 to 2/3rds the price of the 1.2 / 1.2tl's... depending on condition, of course.

    I'm sure you know this, but you need a really big space to let the large Polks breath (or lots of bass trapping to counter the big speaker/small room problems you'll encounter). If you have a small listening room, you might be better off with some 2b's, 1'cs, or csr+s. Having said that, there is nothing like having the BIGGEST model sitting in front of you... :cheesygrin:
  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited March 2012
    The CRS+, SRS 3.2tl, and the SDA 2b's, are the best sounding (quality-wise) in my opinion. In that order. The only SDA variant I havent heard is the SRS 2, which some people love. The CRS+ has more SDA magic than any in the lineup. I believe it is mostly due to the rear firing passive woofer. If you upgrade the crossover and the twetter, add an ARM-loaded REL sub, and pull the speakers off the wall a bit, you'll have yourself something special.

    The big boys are impressive, and part of the excitement is their massiveness. but if you don't need to scare women and small children, there is delicateness in the small guys that the SRS/1.2tl can produce.
    design is where science and art break even.