Update - SDA 2b’s top cap redone.

larbor
larbor Posts: 10
edited February 2013 in Vintage Speakers
Just an update … some before and after pictures. I tried to match the original stain to the new veneer but couldn’t, so I just decided to paint them black. Overall, it wasn’t too hard to re-veneer the top. I also put new cloth sides on one speaker (that was actually harder to do than the veneer)

Comparing my SDA 3.1’s to 2b’s, - 3.1’s sound better, especially in the mid-range (I did upgrade the xover’s/ tweeters on the 3.1’s). I was a little surprise on the bass response on 2b’s, not too far behind the 3.1’s, I think the bass will improve on the 3.1’s once I have more burn-in time (hopefully - around 150hrs now). The SDA effect is a little more pronounced on the 2b’s, but my room is probably setup better for a smaller speaker (11x15 – using 11' wall). The tweeters on the 2b’s are brighter than the 3.1’s but not so bright that it’s displeasing. Overall, I like the 2b’s and they will be by backup speakers when I’m doing more upgrades on the 3.1’s

The question now is, do I want to upgrade the crossovers on the 2b’s (maybe tweeters also)? If I do, it will have to be on the cheap. I know the 3.1’s sound better and will be my primary speakers. What is the best low cost solution I can use for this upgrade? I went with Sonicaps for my 3.1’s, which were pretty pricey. Is it worth doing verses just keeping them stock?

I have one other question about speaker phase. The speakers were missing the red and black caps on the poles, so I just followed the diagram on the back of the speakers to determine the positive and negative. I did the SDA Quick Troubleshooting testing and it seem like they’re in phase. Is there a better way to test this?

Thanks

DSC_0899.JPG


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Post edited by larbor on
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Comments

  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited February 2013
    larbor wrote: »
    ...I know the 3.1’s sound better and will be my primary speakers.
    Nice job on the end cap.
    Both original, I prefer 2B's but after upgrade who knows...
    If you want to upgrade 2B's, make sure you do it the same way as 3.1TL's.
    Then only you'll have similar things to compare.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited February 2013
    larbor wrote: »
    The question now is, do I want to upgrade the crossovers on the 2b’s (maybe tweeters also)? If I do, it will have to be on the cheap. I know the 3.1’s sound better and will be my primary speakers. What is the best low cost solution I can use for this upgrade? I went with Sonicaps for my 3.1’s, which were pretty pricey. Is it worth doing verses just keeping them stock?

    I have one other question about speaker phase. The speakers were missing the red and black caps on the poles, so I just followed the diagram on the back of the speakers to determine the positive and negative. I did the SDA Quick Troubleshooting testing and it seem like they’re in phase. Is there a better way to test this?

    Thanks

    DSC_0899.JPG
    ]

    I own both the 2B(TL)'s and 3.1TL's. They are both modded with Sonicaps/Mills resistors. They both have the RD0-198 tweeters installed and the 3.1TL's sound better than the 2B(TL)'s. I recommend modding tthe 2B's and TL-ing them to be able to use the RD0-198 tweeters. If you are just going to use the 2B's as a backup speaker, just save up the money and do the upgrade when you can. If you don't have the RD0-198 tweeters for the 3.1TL's absolutely get them. They are very worthwhile and nice sounding upgrade.



    As far as speaker polarity, the SDA troubleshooting guide is a good resource. One sure way of checking polarity is to open the speakers and check the wiring. That way you know 100%.

    Also, very nice job on the paint for the end caps.
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    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
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited February 2013
    Great job. It all depends on room size for sure, I had the 2B's and now own the 1B's and night and day better for my room are the 1B's, and the 3.1's didn't sound as clear as my 1B's in the same room. Room size does make a difference!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited February 2013
    The red binding post is on the left.

    2B's upgraded to TL's are amazingly good sounding speakers.

    Sonicaps are not expensive.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • larbor
    larbor Posts: 10
    edited February 2013
    Thanks Guys,

    Speaker size and room placement has me rethinking the 2b’s

    I need to do more listening, but the 2b’s do have more sda effect vs. the 3.1’s - it just more and wider. The 3.1’s have great mid-range, it’s a little forward, but it’s more defined than the 2b’s. The bass is better on the 3.1’s, but not my much. It could be I just need more play time on the new 3.1 xover bds.

    I guess I need to upgrade the 2b’s before I can really determine if one works better in my room.

    Are the xover boards the same on the 2b’s and 3.1’s – they look the same? Diff. components, but the boards look like the same layout. I went with Gimpod boards on my 3.1’s – so I have the old boards

    Thanks
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited February 2013
    They are probably the same since the same Gimpod boards works on both of them.
    But the molex connectors may be different check the difference on the Gimpod site
    POLK SDA 2.3 TLS BOUGHT NEW IN 1990, Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-198
    POLK CSI-A6 POLK MONITOR 70'S ONKYO TX NR-808 SONY CDP-333ES
    PIONEER PL-510A SONY BDP S5100
    POLK SDA 1C BOUGHT USED 2011,Gimpod/Sonic Caps/Mills RDO-194
    ONKYO HT RC-360 SONY BDP S590 TECHNICS SL BD-1
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    I bought a pair of 2B TL speakers a little over a month ago from a fellow Polk forum member and absolutely love the sound of them. I have not heard the 3.1 TL so I cannnot compare but the 2Bs are fantastic sounding speakers and definitely worth upgrading.
    The 2Bs I bought were already TL'd and had the upgraded SL-3000 tweeter but I still need to get the even-better RDO-198 tweeter upgrade for the 2Bs.

    Nice job on the end cap! It looks very nice!
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited February 2013
    larbor wrote: »
    What is the best low cost solution I can use for this upgrade?

    Try Jantzen or Dayton. Very nice caps.
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