SDA SRS 2.3 versus SDA SRS 2.3TL versus SDA 1C

LaLaLand

Yup, I only seem to come on this site when I need help. Since I was on here last, I bought a set of 1C's, which blow my original pair of SDA 2's away. The I got a Rotel RB1090 amp (380 w/ch into 8 ohms). I've been eyeing the SDA SRS 2.3's for a while and am thinking about buying a set real soon. But I'm wondering what to expect; how they compare to the 1C's and if I should rather wait for a set of SRS 2.3 TL's. (I'm playing mostly records on a Dual CS5000 with a Grado 'black' cartridge through a NAD C162 pre-amp).
Any opinions would be REAL welcome!!!!!
Thanks ! ! !

headrott

Yes, wait for the 2.3TL's absolutely. I will quote Jesse (F1nut) when I upgraded to the 2.3TL's from the 3.1TL's. From the 1C's it'll be even greater, but "you will get more of everything". That is, more SDA "effect", deeper and more powerful bass, and wider, taller, and deeper soundstage. You should definately put your name on the list for a set of Larry's rings too. They will make a huge difference. The 2.3TL's are some amazing speakers, IMO.

Toolfan66

headrott wrote: »

Yes, wait for the 2.3TL's absolutely. I will quote Jesse (F1nut) when I upgraded to the 2.3TL's from the 3.1TL's. From the 1C's it'll be even greater, but "you will get more of everything". That is, more SDA "effect", deeper and more powerful bass, and wider, taller, and deeper soundstage. You should definately put your name on the list for a set of Larry's rings too. They will make a huge difference. The 2.3TL's are some amazing speakers, IMO.

As I do agree with you about the tl's, but one could be waiting a very long time for a set to come up unless they are willing to travel. The 2.3's are amazing speakers as well and would take them over the 1C's if you have the room for them..

chandler9a

I think I would agree with Tool here. I have both 1C's and a pair of 2.3 non TL, 1C's are modded and I use them now but if I had the room and the 2.3's were modded, I would probably be using the 2.3's. I just love the sound I get from those big boys. Keep in mind, you should really make sure you have room for them to sing, if not I, would stick with the 1C's.

I too live in Upstate and know how hard it can be to come across a set of TL's. Yes, they are worth traveling for but who knows when that will be...

Joe08867

I would get either 2.3 or 2.3TL's. They are my favorite of all the SDA models next to SDA2BTL's. Of course the TL version is preferable you won't go wrong with the regular ones either.

And if you switch out the SL2000 in the regular ones for the RD-0194 tweeter they just awesome.

TNHNDYMAN

LaLa- I just got a pair of 2.3TL's and I'm very happy. I have no other SDA's to compare to and realize they are too big for my CURRENT space but, I was afraid I'd never find another pair anywhere near me so I got them. If I'd found some 1C's I'd definately consider them depending on your room size.

brgman

If the 2.3's are available and you are interested then you need to do this:
1.Buy them
2.Mod them
3.Use them
4.Enjoy them
And if TL's pop up-
Sell them and repeat 1-4

headrott

Toolfan66 wrote: »

As I do agree with you about the tl's, but one could be waiting a very long time for a set to come up unless they are willing to travel. The 2.3's are amazing speakers as well and would take them over the 1C's if you have the room for them..

That's a good point Larry, distance from you is important. If he has a "lock" on 2.3's that are a good deal and close, sure go for it. I just think if you are going to do it, I would wait for the TL model as there is a definate improvement between the two. In NY, I would think that it would not be as difficult to find either version of the 2.3's and he wouldn't have to drive too far to get them. I agree that the original poster should take the 2.3's over the 1C's (as others have pointed out) if he has room.

audio_alan

I'll echo that room size is probably the biggest concern to get the "best" sound out speakers. Small compromises on placement/room size are acceptable, but you don't want to put large SDAs in a closet. Other than that caveat, it's hard to go wrong with ANY of the SDA models.

If you have the funds to be able to purchase multiple sets, buy whichever model you find first. Then, if another model pops up and you feel like your current model isn't exactly what you want, buy the next set. You can probably get most/all of your money back if you choose to sell your first set. Or, you can just keep them all, like me... :cheesygrin:

LaLaLand

Lot's of great help!!! Thanks so much.
Point is that TL's don't ever seem to show up in my area, but the 'old' 2.3's do (still rarely though). I guess the question is the best way to find them in the first place....Craigs List?
The room size is about 15'x20'+, or something like that...carpeted. I had the 1C's in there to try them out with the RB1090 amp, and I ended up clipping them (tweeters went out on me). I think that RB1090 produces over 500W/ch into 6 ohms (it does 700W/ch into 4 ohms). BUT it did sound sooooo good

F1nut

I had the 1C's in there to try them out with the RB1090 amp, and I ended up clipping them (tweeters went out on me). I think that RB1090 produces over 500W/ch into 6 ohms (it does 700W/ch into 4 ohms).

Sounds like a good reason to upgrade your amp.

LaLaLand

Hello F1nut,
I don't think I need to upgrade the amp - but I am sure I drove it too hard. Just wanted to see what the 1C's had in them (I usually run them in my other system with a 150 W/ch amp). The RB1090 amp's rating is 380 W/ch into 8 ohms and 700 W/ch into 4 ohms. At full power output, the amp has a THD of 0.03%. The 1C's have an impedance of 6 ohms (I think), so I feel that I got too close to the rating of the 1C's and the tweeters' protection circuit kicked in....surely my fault...at least I didn't blow them. That's actually one of the reasons why I'm looking for the 2.3's, having a rating of 750W - my amp couldn't blow those. Now, I'm no specialist in audio systems, and I might be totally wrong with my assessments, but I'm sure you guys would be more than happy to straighten me out (and I welcome that!).
I've also been looking at the upgrades you guys have listed in the 'sticky' section, and I'm getting ready to make myself smarter on that. I would really love to get the 1C's back into perfect shape!!!! I will be looking for some help on that soon.
Thanks again to all of you for all your input!

Schurkey

LaLaLand wrote: »

I'm looking for the 2.3's, having a rating of 750W - my amp couldn't blow those.

An under-powered or over-driven amplifier is MORE likely to harm speakers than one with enormous power but never clips.

(This is where I insert Gimpod's comment about the "eviction control knob".)

Keep in mind that Polk says the speaker should be used with an amplifier of a certain rating, not that the speaker will accept that rating long-term. If an SDA-1 is recommended to be paired with a "500 watt" amplifier, that doesn't mean the speaker will accept 500 watts for very long.

LaLaLand

Just found a set of 2.3 TL's - this is CRAZY timing

Now I'm wondering what a fair price for an original-owner, non-modded, mint condition set would be? Any input is welcomed...but soon, please

To your point "Schurkey": I get it and appreciate the response. BTW, where's that "seasonally frozen location" of yours...that's funny

gdb

I'd gladly pay $1000.00 -$1200.00 for a "mint" pair ! And I will if any 2.3TLs ever come up for sale near me.:sad:

LaLaLand

Thanks for that, gbd....

LaLaLand

Looks like I just finalized the deal and will have my new 2.3 TL's this coming Monday :biggrin:

chandler9a

Congrats LaLa, where did you find them? Just curious because I rarely see them around here, not that I would buy them but I like seeing if they are close just to know there are any SDA owners in the area.

I hope you got a good deal on them, I too would pay $1,000 for a mint pair. I believe my father paid $1,150 for his 1.2TL's in very good shape.

The 1.2TL's have since been fully upgraded and I would encourage you to do the same when funds become available, it is more than worth the time and money.

TNHNDYMAN

Congrats LaLa!! I just got my 2.3TL's last week for Father's Day gift to myself. I am very happy with them.

LaLaLand

chandler9a: I found them in Nashua, NH. Just picked them up yesterday, and they are NOT mint (I paid 850). But they do look great for their age. There's a little pinhole in the grill fabric, the fabric has very, very minor markings, one of the tweeters is wrinkled slightly (but seems to sound fine), and one of the tweeters was replaced before. But the caps are in great shape and they are really clean. I just brough them into the house this morning (needed some help:), and am in the middle of hooking them up...busy with my kid right now. But I should have them up and running in an hour or so....can't wait!!!!!!
Thanks for all the input from everybody

chandler9a

Glad to here you got them home safe. The price seems fine to me if most or all of the drivers are working. A lot of the things like tweeters you will replace anyway.

Let us know what you think of the sound and when the time comes.....let the modding begin:biggrin:

LaLaLand

Ya, the modding thing....right...lol.
Seriously, I will start with the 1C's, but will run the 2.3TL's first for a while before I do something.
All the drivers are working on 2.3's, and all the rubber (surrounds) are clean and perfect. Maybe I'll start looking at the tweeter upgrade first. Question is what I could expect replacing the SL3000's with the RDO198. Any comments?

drumminman

LaLaLand wrote: »

Ya, the modding thing....right...lol.
Seriously, I will start with the 1C's, but will run the 2.3TL's first for a while before I do something.
All the drivers are working on 2.3's, and all the rubber (surrounds) are clean and perfect. Maybe I'll start looking at the tweeter upgrade first. Question is what I could expect replacing the SL3000's with the RDO198. Any comments?

I was hesitant about replacing the SL3000's with the RD0-198's because I thought the speakers were a little on the warm side of neutral. Every thing I read said the 198's are much smoother, but I thought that might be too much of a good thing, might make my 2. TL's too laid back. WRONG!

They are hands down better: smoother, better imaging, equal or better transient response. Great improvement. To me it was well worth it. Check my signature for the other mods I've done - I've been pleased with each one.

One cheap and easy thing to do is get 'em on spikes - highly recommended!

LaLaLand

Thanks for that, drumminman,
The one thing that I have noticed is that my SDA2's are very bright, and cause me some listener fatique. The SDA 1C's on the other hand, are opposite of that, and I still wonder sometimes if the tweeters are actually working. I just fired up the 2.3TL's for the first time, and they are AWESOME, and sound MUCH BIGGER (I don't know how else to put it), but the tweeters sound very similar to the one's in the 1C's. The guy I bought the 2.3's from, is running some $14k Martin Logan speaker now, mainly because he wanted to get more of the "true cymbal" sound, and improved 'crispness'. Will the RDO198's take me more in that direction?
I wish I could talk with one of you guys on the phone and really get the details on what each mod does to the sound...
Btw: spikes? I don't really get that. My 2.3's are on a carpet, which is on top of a concrete floor. What would spikes do for me?

F1nut

LaLaLand,

Don't question, don't fight it, just do it. All the mods suggested are time tested and proven.

IMO, forget messing with the 1C's, just sell them now. Put that money into the 2.3TL's. Replace the tweeters, do the crossover upgrades including Gimpod's boards, install Larry's rings, apply Dynamat Extreme to the driver/PR baskets and yes, install SPIKES.

BTW, the SL3000's sound nothing like the SL2000's. If you think they do, something is wrong.

brgman

F1nut wrote: »

LaLaLand,

Don't question, don't fight it, just do it. All the mods suggested are time tested and proven.

IMO, forget messing with the 1C's, just sell them now. Put that money into the 2.3TL's. Replace the tweeters, do the crossover upgrades including Gimpod's boards, install Larry's rings, apply Dynamat Extreme to the driver/PR baskets and yes, install SPIKES.

BTW, the SL3000's sound nothing like the SL2000's. If you think they do, something is wrong.

How do you really feel F1?

drumminman

The RD0's have a more realistic sound than the SL3000's with everything from cymbals to vocals. As I said, I was hesitant to make the switch, but when I did the change was immediately apparent. Not even subtle! The highs were still there but smoother, better imaging, as good or better transient response which translates to percussion instruments sound more realistic.

One more mod I highly recommend, maybe after you've done the Xovers. Install Black Hole 5 - I did it in mine and thought it made a nice improvement, provided greater mid range clarity.

The stuff is around $65-70 per sheet, but you only need one.

LaLaLand

To All: => thanks much for your input and the time you've spent on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the evaluation of the 2.3 TL's: Haven't had the time yet to sit and listen. Being a single dad and all; 'all' meaning that I went on a date last night ...but I'm itching real bad by now.
Comparing to the 1C's: tough to do unless I move the speakers around. The 1C's are my front speakers of my HT system, upstairs, 15x23' room, 20'+ sloped ceiling, wood floors, mostly glass in the walls. I call it my echo-chamber. The 1C's run on a separate NAD C272 amp (150 W/ch) - adequate power, but that's about all I can say about that. They sound really, really great for that purpose (I don't have to have a separate subwoofer!). So I won't sell the 1C's, but will sell the SDA2's (mint condition!) in natural oak veneer
The 2.3TL's are in the room below. 15x23', 8' ceiling, sound dampened rear wall, all carpeted. And I only play records, but also have an input for MP3 players - so MP3 is what I used to listen to the speakers so far, and I wouldn't call that quality (my daughter has one of those players, I don't. So, I think, a few of her files were maybe as good as 256kbps, but most not even that good). But tonight is the night: time for listening
When it comes to the mods, I'm looking for the biggest bang for the buck, and then go from there. I just bought these beatuies, so my bank account is not that happy with me right now.
But I get the point: mod the cross-overs and pack in as many less expensive mods as possible right off the bat. I was only wondering about the spikes, because that's the first time I had ever heard of that. And was also wondering if it's still crucial to do when the speakers are sitting on a concrete floor (+carpet, +carpet padding, of course).
Yup, I like to be educated before I make a decision, hence my reason to be here and pick your guys' brains :biggrin:
The thing I'm struggling with now is the tweeter that was replaced. It doesn't look like the other SL3000's, seems to have about the same metal surround, but the dome is almost black. Wondering if that's on of those RDO198's. Maybe I'll take it out tonight to have a look at the back.
Again, thanks to all of you for your time.

heiney9

Sl3000's have a foam ring around the dome. If it doesn't have a foam ring like the others, it's a good guess it's an RD0198-1.

As seen in the photo in this link

LaLaLand

Thanks !

Toolfan66

This thread is just worthless without pics..