Sda srs 1.2

stone of tone

I have owned my 1.2's (fully functional stock) since December 8th, 2011 and they continue to floor me with musicality. I found a duplicate Audio Alchemy front end at Audiogon in February and could not be happier IMHO to have AA gear for my SDA 1's and now for my 1.2's.

I have been at this hobby since 1981 and have owned and still do, a few Polk Speakers. I now feel I own (for my ear brain connection), two of the best ways to listen to the models I own (see Signature). However, I move to a house next month from an Apartment and look forward to being able to turn the volume up on the 1.2's and get a more powerful Amp to drive them. Question: I can order and install TL Tweeter's and plug and play them correct?

Thanks, Larry
PS-when I move next month...the 1.2's and SDA 1's get personally moved first to my new home.

Schurkey

1.2 non-TL and any SDA-1 will use RD0-194 tweeters as plug-and-play.

The 198s will require crossover mods in the 1.2s (to 1.2TL specs) and any series SDA 1. Whether those crossover modifications are supported by Polk R & D depends on which model SDA-1 you have. So far as I know, only the SDA-1B is known to be upgradable to the 198s; the 1C has not been "approved" although my money and intuition would be on the same modification as used for the 1B--pop out the 4.4uF cap, install a 5.8uF cap in it's place. Change one Faston connector to match the smaller blade on the 198 tweeter. Adjust tweeter volume relative to midrange/bass by playing with the main tweeter resistor value as required. Older series of SDA-1 having the horizontally-aligned pair of tweeters at the top of the cabinet--you're on your own.

heiney9

Installing the RD0198-1 doesn't mean you have 1.2TL's, the speakers are different in many other ways. What you will have is a pair of 1.2's with RD0198-1's. I wouldn't even bother with the SDA 1's. Just get the RD0194-1's and be done with it for all of them.

H9

Schurkey

heiney9 wrote: »

Installing the RD0198-1 doesn't mean you have 1.2TL's, the speakers are different in many other ways.

I learn something every time I come here. I thought the 1.2 and 1.2TLs used the same cabinets and the same low-frequency drivers, but had different tweeters (of course!) and the crossovers, while strongly related, had numerous differences.

IF (big IF) the cabinets are the same, with the crossover updated to 1.2TL-spec, and the tweeters replaced, how is the modified 1.2 different from a 1.2TL using the 198s?

The only difference I can think of would revolve around the parts quality used in the crossover modification.

What's different about the cabinets?

gimpod

Schurkey wrote: »

Change one Faston connector to match the smaller blade on the 198 tweeter.

I've noticed you've posted this a couple times of late and I hate to say it it but you've got it wrong. The SL2000's & RDO194-1's use the small (0.110") Fastons for both connectors, The SL3000's & RDO198-1's use a small (0.110") Faston on the positive side and a large (0.250") Faston on the negative side. Also that SDA 1B / SDA SRS 2 (b/B) TL mod has only been done by one person that I know of, keep in mind this is not a Polk design or sanctioned mod.

Schurkey

gimpod wrote: »

I've noticed you've posted this a couple times of late and I hate to say it it but you've got it wrong. The SL2000's & RDO194-1's use the small (0.110") Fastons for both connectors, The SL3000's & RDO198-1's use a small (0.110") Faston on the positive side and a large (0.250") Faston on the negative side.

As usual, you're absolutely correct. I knew that one Faston connector has to be changed per tweeter--I forgot that a small one has to be changed to a larger one, not larger changed to smaller.

gimpod wrote: »

Also that SDA 1B / SDA SRS 2 (b/B) TL mod has only been done by one person that I know of, keep in mind this is not a Polk design or sanctioned mod.

It was pioneered by inspiredsports based on advice from Matthew Himself, although it got filtered through a couple of other folks on the way down the grapevine. I've done it to my 1Bs.

It traces back to Post 26 in this thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?78812-I-would-like-to-quot-TL-quot-my-1986-SDA-SRS-2-s&p=1012031

heiney9

Schurkey wrote: »

I learn something every time I come here. I thought the 1.2 and 1.2TLs used the same cabinets and the same low-frequency drivers, but had different tweeters (of course!) and the crossovers, while strongly related, had numerous differences.

IF (big IF) the cabinets are the same, with the crossover updated to 1.2TL-spec, and the tweeters replaced, how is the modified 1.2 different from a 1.2TL using the 198s?

The only difference I can think of would revolve around the parts quality used in the crossover modification.

What's different about the cabinets?

Darqueknight ran down the differences at one point, but I'll be damned if I can find the thread. I believe it is covered in the final version of the SDA compendium.

H9

gimpod

Besides the tweeter's, tweeter harness & crossover difference I think the internal bracing is different also. Although Polk use to sell a conversion kit for the 1.2's to change them over to 1.2TL's

stone of tone

Thanks, Schurkey, heiney9 & gimpod. I will get the RD0194-1's to keep/use the current Fastons and not have to do any other mods. I know I need to be careful, as those Faston connectors can be a little brittle with the age. Is the RD0194-1 significantly better than the current stock Tweeter's? Probably smoother at higher volume?

Schurkey

gimpod wrote: »

Besides the tweeter's, tweeter harness & crossover difference I think the internal bracing is different also. Although Polk use to sell a conversion kit for the 1.2's to change them over to 1.2TL's

A guy's gotta wonder if there's any conversion kits still in stock...so we'd know what to copy!

Toolfan66

There is only one added brace in the TL model. It's not that hard to TL a set of 1.2's just a little money and time..

Marty913

stone of tone wrote: »

Thanks, Schurkey, heiney9 & gimpod. I will get the RD0194-1's to keep/use the current Fastons and not have to do any other mods. I know I need to be careful, as those Faston connectors can be a little brittle with the age. Is the RD0194-1 significantly better than the current stock Tweeter's? Probably smoother at higher volume?

There are a few SL2000 advocates (not many) but the general consensus is that the 194's are a major improvement, with benefits not just limited to higher volumes. I was OK with the stock tweeters in my 1C's but they did become fatiguing with extended listening. That all went away when I swapped them out.

gimpod

Toolfan66 wrote: »

There is only one added brace in the TL model. It's not that hard to TL a set of 1.2's just a little money and time..

And just how much money and time have you got in yours, I'll bet more than you care to admit. :razz:

I don't even want to think about how much I have in my 1C's. :redface:

hangon

I just purchased a sweet pair of 1.2's (not the tl's).
I am going to replace all the tweeters with the new RDO's soon.
Do the RDO's make the non tl's perform the same as the tl's
after I replace the tweeters, or close?

gimpod

hangon wrote: »

I just purchased a sweet pair of 1.2's (not the tl's).
I am going to replace all the tweeters with the new RDO's soon.
Do the RDO's make the non tl's perform the same as the tl's
after I replace the tweeters, or close?

In a nutshell no the RDO194's won't make them sound like the TL version (too many other factors involved) but IMO the RDO194's are worth every cent and will out preform the stock SL2000's by a wide margin especially if you upgrade the crossovers.

heiney9

hangon wrote: »

I just purchased a sweet pair of 1.2's (not the tl's).
I am going to replace all the tweeters with the new RDO's soon.
Do the RDO's make the non tl's perform the same as the tl's
after I replace the tweeters, or close?

Very close as far as smoothness from the tweeter section.

Toolfan66

gimpod wrote: »

And just how much money and time have you got in yours, I'll bet more than you care to admit. :razz:

I don't even want to think about how much I have in my 1C's. :redface:

Yeah!! I have spent a lot of money on my speakers but well worth it in the end.. With that said one doesn't have to spend that much to TL a set of 1.2's.

hangon wrote: »

I just purchased a sweet pair of 1.2's (not the tl's).
I am going to replace all the tweeters with the new RDO's soon.
Do the RDO's make the non tl's perform the same as the tl's
after I replace the tweeters, or close?

If you have plans on upgrading the crossovers just spend a few dollars more and TL them, and pick up the RDO-198's. If you don't have plans on upgrading the crossovers then get the RDO-194's

IMO you can't go wrong with either decision. I have owned both sets and they both will give you years of pleasure..

Tool fan

hangon

I am planning on re-capping, I already have (3) spare RDO-198's, can I just use the RDO-198's
and just re-capping to the tl specifications?

Are the RDO-194's the same tweeter, only the terminal connections different?

What significant difference make the tl's any better than the non-tl's?

bluecomet

The RDO-194's are not the same tweeter as the RDO-198's. I have 1.2's witth RDO 194's, 1.2tl's that are completely stock and 1.2tl's that are completely modified with RDO-198's. Each has it's own sonic signature. Generally I have found that the 1.2tl's are more refined than the 1.2's but the 1.2's excel when lessoning to hard rock in particular. That's just my own opinion. I am sure others have had different experiences. I was more than impressed when I only replaced the SL2000's in my 1.2's with RDO-194's. I would leave the 1.2's in stock form before going down the tl road. You may find you are satisfied with the 1.2 version.