3.1TL or 2B - Should I move to the 3.1TL?

GospelTruth

I posted that not that long ago that I got some 2Bs (not the studio) and have really been enjoying them. I can't remember who posted it, but they said buy some SDAs, even if it's not the ones you want in the end - at least you can enjoy them in the meantime. So, I'm enjoying the 2Bs and reading on every possible upgrade there is.

Well, some 3.1TLs came available about 3 hours from me. Just wonder what folks around here thought about them. I have been scouring this site trying to find comparisons and it's hard to get a good feel for which would be better. From what I've gathered, the 3.1TL seems to be considered one of the most musical of the SDA lineup. However, some have voiced that it doesn't have SDA sound field like others in the SDA lineup - even the 2B. Maybe it's a little more hidden as it's 4 drivers to one for the SDA effect. Additionally, it does appear that it has a little more "slam" to it. On the other side, there seem to be a lot of folks here who really like the 2Bs. I can say they are a pretty awesome speaker. From what I've read the 2B has a great SDA image and holds it's own. It's been listed as one of the best ones to own of the bunch.

So, I'm trying to even decide if I should even think about making an offer on the 3.1TLs or just stay happy with the 2Bs and in the end do the 4.1TL upgrade to them. Either one I would eventually upgrade - just trying to see what might be the best in the long run.

My room is 15x19 with the speakers against the longer wall (just have to do it that way because of the layout). I listen to pretty much everything but find the most enjoyment with the SDA speakers on music like country, swing, softer rock and easy listening. Sure I like a good rock song now and then, and those sound great on the SDAs but it's been amazing to hear some softer stuff on these. I should also note, that I plan on either keeping the 2Bs or the 3.1TL in a separate 2 channel system and not putting these in my HT room.

Anyway, any thoughts?

headrott

I own both the 2B's (real wood) and have TL'd them with Sonicap/Mills. I also own some 3.1TL's and have redone the crossovers with Sonicap/Mills. I have also done Larry's rings/Dynamat/new gaskets, etc. etc. etc. on them both and can say that I enjoy the 3.1TL's more than the 2B's. I do enjoy both however. If I was to choose between the two, I would choose the 3.1TL's however. If you get a good deal on them, absoutely buy them. You will hear an improvement over the 2B's after doing the mods. The 3.1TL's are a good size for your room size as well. Let us know what happens.

GospelTruth

headrott wrote: »

I own both the 2B's (real wood) and have TL'd them with Sonicap/Mills. I also own some 3.1TL's and have redone the crossovers with Sonicap/Mills. I have also done Larry's rings/Dynamat/new gaskets, etc. etc. etc. on them both and can say that I enjoy the 3.1TL's more than the 2B's. I do enjoy both however. If I was to choose between the two, I would choose the 3.1TL's however. If you get a good deal on them, absoutely buy them. You will hear an improvement over the 2B's after doing the mods. The 3.1TL's are a good size for your room size as well. Let us know what happens.

What would you consider a good deal? They look to be in pretty good condition but they don't have the IC cable. I would either have to build one or find one online separately. Also, they don't come with the carpet spikes that I believe came with them from Polk.

And thanks for the information. Nice to know that someone has both that can do a comparison.

brgman

In my opinion the 3.1Tl's after mods are way better than 2B's that were modded.Had both.Sold the 2B's.
Nice shape 3.1TL's can run about $400 to $500 in my experience.

gdb

Your 2B cable should work on the 3.1s. No spikes but, leveler button feet are what was supplied.

Schurkey

brgman wrote: »

Nice shape 3.1TL's can run about $400 to $500 in my experience.

I would CLIMB ALL OVER a pair of 3.1TLs for $400 in good condition if they were within three hours drive. I would probably buy them at $500.

PolkieMan

Yea if they are in good shape I would jump on that deal.

GospelTruth

brgman wrote: »

In my opinion the 3.1Tl's after mods are way better than 2B's that were modded.Had both.Sold the 2B's.
Nice shape 3.1TL's can run about $400 to $500 in my experience.

Thanks brgman for the information on the price range. Like I said they don't have the interconnect, but that's not a make or break deal. I just hope it allows for some flexibility in the price. I do have a cable with my present set of SDA 2Bs, but I would keep that with them if I were to sell them and get the 3.1TLs. I think i would do what DarqueKnight did and make a custom SDA interconnect.

Either way, I sent the guy a PM to see if he still has them. If I don't get them, at least I'll know next time what a good price range is if some ever show up again.

headrott

As has been said, and since you can pick up the 3.1TL's I would even pay up to $550.00 for them. This is assuming they are in very good shape. Let us know what happens.

GospelTruth

headrott wrote: »

As has been said, and since you can pick up the 3.1TL's I would even pay up to $550.00 for them. This is assuming they are in very good shape. Let us know what happens.

They look in good shape. Owner says they have some "nicks" in the wood here and there, but I can't really tell from the pictures. I'm guessing they are pretty small. The grills and drivers all look to be in excellent condition though.

I'll keep you posted on what happens.

stubby

3.1 any day over the 2b. Both are fine sounding speakers but the 3.1 has that SRS sound with more impact and life-like dynamic range.

SDA is not as pronounced as other models but is probably more natural sounding. Very musical speakers.

Get 'em!!

stubby

GospelTruth

Well, I can get them for $400 and he's willing to meet halfway. The seller disclosed two issues with the speakers. They were his fathers (only owner) and he didn't notice them initially. I have the issues attached as photos. I'm thinking of still getting them, but don't know if there would be an issue with the driver. The seller says it's not ripped, just a graze on the speaker cone. The other issue is the veneer is cracked off at the bottom back of one of the units. Probably an easy fix with some new veneer I would think. Other than that everything looks good. I'm guessing at most I would have to buy one driver from Polk to replace the one if it's somehow damaged.

Thoughts? Look like a good deal even with the "issues"?

headrott

I think $400.00 is a relatively good deal. It is somewhat difficult to tell how large the veneer tear is due to the size of the photo and how close up it is. But, $400.00 is a good deal even with that issue and is only cosmetic. Unfortunately, the MW-6503? or is it the MW-6511 driver will likely impact the sound by the way the driver looks. You should definately buy a replacement. If you need an MW-6503 I have one I can sell you that is an original from an SDA 3.1TL. IMO, I would stick with the original drivers (when possible). PM me if get the speakers and you are interested. I would buy them.

chandler9a

IMO I would buy them. The driver is easily replaceable and the veneer seems fixable as well. But for $400, I would grab them any day.

I am happy with the SDA's I have but the 3.1TL's are one of those models I would LOVE to have some day, perfect size to me.

Let us know how it turns out!

Drenis

I would buy them as well. Especially since the seller will even meet you half way.

Looks as if something hit that driver with its corner. That's nothing from someone being careless with a finger. I would check under the cabinets, where the veneer goes, are the feet even attached? They look too "low". Check the bottoms for any damage.

GospelTruth

Well, either the guy left for vacation or he sold them to someone else. He hasn't rentured my emails in four days. Right now I'm figuring he sold them for a higher price to someone else who was willing to pay more than he wanted. I think you get that with folks who put things up on Craigslist - highest price wins. Oh well, it wasn't mine to sell in the first place. I'll just keep looking and in the meantime enjoy the 2Bs that I have right now.

Thanks everyone for you input. Now I know what to look for next time with regard to price and condition. And thanks Headrott for offering up to sell a driver if I was to need it. I read a lot about situations like that on these forums. People seem to love this hobby so much that they help each other out when needed whether it be information, directions on doing something or selling speaker parts. It's a great forum and I appreciate all the aspects of it.

gdb

He (seller) could also have entered a google search and been directed to this thread ! :eek:


3rd down from the top.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&q=3.1TL&oq=3.1TL&gs_l=hp.12..0i5j0i8i33i30l3.2236.6351.0.11735.5.5.0.0.0.0.110.438.4j1.5.0...0.0.pVVhFaVRrHk&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=ce19979f0aca28f&biw=1239&bih=600

NotaSuv

Well, either the guy left for vacation or he sold them to someone else. He hasn't rentured my emails in four days. Right now I'm figuring he sold them for a higher price to someone else who was willing to pay more than he wanted. I think you get that with folks who put things up on Craigslist - highest price wins. Oh well, it wasn't mine to sell in the first place. I'll just keep looking and in the meantime enjoy the 2Bs that I have right now.


LOL probably was reading this board and sold for higher price...........

NotaSuv

gdb wrote: »

He (seller) could also have entered a google search and been directed to this thread ! :eek:

wow beat me by 30 sec lol

gdb

Yeah, it's not called The Worldwide Web fer nothing !!!

GospelTruth

Yeah, the web is kinda a double edged sword sometimes. No matter, it's not like I don't have a great pair of speakers already that I can listen to.

gdb

That's the spirit !! Next time play em close to the vest until they're yours........then post !!!:cheesygrin:

Drenis

As a courtesy, the seller should have advised you that someone else came forward with more money and gave you the opportunity to match that or pass. That is assuming that the seller actually sold them and didn't get hit by a bus.

When I bought my 3.1TL's, they were listed for sale locally for 3+ months. I had a few emails with the seller but wasn't ready to budge. Not for the asking price. Then when he re-listed them for slightly lower I asked what he wants for sure in hand to take them, I walked out paying $100 less than his asking price. Supposedly there were two other people interested if I didn't buy them (It was a good attempt at a sales tactic ), but I was buying regardless.

wwresto

GospelTruth -

congratulations on the new family additions (smile)

WW

Mystery

In my small room, 2b sounded much better than 3.1tl's.

F1nut

Old thread and no speakers were purchased.

GospelTruth

wwestro, thanks for making this happen. You rock!

headrott

Mystery wrote: »

In my small room, 2b sounded much better than 3.1tl's.

Not in my room.

F1nut

Hmmm....so, a deal was done behind the scenes. Not exactly against the rules I suppose, but you both should have kept your mouths shut.

GospelTruth

Reply moved to appropriate thread.

wwresto

GT -

the gratz was for the child. Now double the gratz.

Lot of grumpy folk here.

WW signing out