Polk SRS 3.1 TL

pumpkinman
pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
edited September 2013 in Speakers
aj1n[1].jpg


Hello I'm new to the Polk forum. (My 1st post)

I picked these up today from eBay and feeling that I did well, just OK. It's looking like both tweeters are toast and one of the 6.5 drivers is torn and doesn't sound right. Any help on even how to start restoring these would be appreciate.

Thanks in advance.....P-man
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Because I am The Pumpkinking


A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited September 2013
    Do some searching on here and you will find a load of info on rebuilding these mild or wild.
    I have a pair that i doubt i will ever part with.Great speaker.
    Start with ordering new tweeters and driver from Polk and tell them you are a forum member for a discount.
    Or check fleabay for them.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited September 2013
    Tweeters are on backorder at Polk, they should be in around the end of October. Those are really nice speakers and you can do a few mods to them to really make them sing. Welcome to the club.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited September 2013
    Welcome to CP. As stated tons of info here, enough to completely rebuild those and take them to a much higher level. The search function kinda sucks though. It may help to do your searches through Google with polkaudio.com/forum as part of the search title.
    "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
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,668
    edited September 2013
    Welcome Pumpkinman to CP. hope this helps some--
    Look at VINTAGE SPEAKERS AREA
    Top of page is STICKY-there is alot of valuable information on speakers there. Schematics & other useful info. It wouldnt hurt to spend some time there. Ask questions is you biggest bet too. Especially before ordering something that may be the wrong item :( welcome again
    ..
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    Thanks all for taking the time to reply. I put in a bid on eBay for a working (hopefully) 6.5" driver. I did a closer inspection of the
    cabinets and really not bad. I'll need to pull the side panels of the one speaker and use some construction adhesive to correct that
    little problem. The top of the same speaker was rough but with a razor blade and a little effort it will look just fine with a new coat of clear.
    lmivdewpnb28.jpg


    Because I am The Pumpkinking


    A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    Thanks all for taking the time to reply. I put in a bid on eBay for a working (hopefully) 6.5" driver.
    Did you get the right model?
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited September 2013
    zane77 wrote: »
    Tweeters are on backorder at Polk, they should be in around the end of October. Those are really nice speakers and you can do a few mods to them to really make them sing. Welcome to the club.

    You are referring to the RD0-194's being on backorder. As far as I know the RD0-198 (which the 3.1TL's use) are still available from Polk. And they are better than the SL3000's (that are in the 3.1TL's).
    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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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited September 2013
    OP, which driver is torn?(I can't tell from the picture) Is it one of the singles? Or one of the other four? Depending on which it is, I can probably help you out in getting a replacement.

    Restoring them would include redoing the crossover parts as they are very old and at the end of their life span. Many people like Sonicaps and Mills resistors. Sone prefer Clarity caps and Deulund Cast resistors. I prefer the latter, but they are more expensive. If you are handy with a soldering iron you can buy the parts and do them yourself. If not a forum member (who is well respected) Trey can redo them for you using whichever parts you prefer. The adress is here: http://www.vr3mods.com/

    Also, definately get the RDO-198 tweeters to replace the destroyed ones you have. They are much better than the orignials anyway. Those are the openers, but there are many other mods that are possible. Larry's rings are next in my mind.
    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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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    Nightfall wrote: »
    Did you get the right model?

    A close up pic on eBay shows the numbers are correct. I even had the boss (wife) confirm it.

    I have a pair of Monitor 10B's ,I will look to see if they are the same 6.5 drivers. If so I could borrow one for a bit.
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    OP, which driver is torn?(I can't tell from the picture) Is it one of the singles? Or one of the other four? Depending on which it is, I can probably help you out in getting a replacement.

    It is one of the singles. So they are not all the same ??
    lmivdewpnb28.jpg


    Because I am The Pumpkinking


    A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,666
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    OP, which driver is torn?(I can't tell from the picture) Is it one of the singles? Or one of the other four? Depending on which it is, I can probably help you out in getting a replacement.

    It is one of the singles. So they are not all the same ??


    You have a lot of learning to do padawon.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26697&d=1186346539

    you have 4-6503 stereo drivers and 1-6511 dimensional driver. so if you bought a 6503 you have the wrong driver.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    OP, which driver is torn?(I can't tell from the picture) Is it one of the singles? Or one of the other four? Depending on which it is, I can probably help you out in getting a replacement.

    It is one of the singles. So they are not all the same ??

    They are not all the same drivers. As pitdogg2 noted below. 4 of them are MW6503's and the single one is the MW6511. The MW6511 is much more difficult to get unfortunately. I was hoping it was an MW6503 you needed as I have a number of them. I have an MW6511, but it is a newer Polk edition, not an original. It will definately work, but I personally recommend an original MW6511.
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    You have a lot of learning to do padawon.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26697&d=1186346539

    you have 4-6503 stereo drivers and 1-6511 dimensional driver. so if you bought a 6503 you have the wrong driver.

    ^^^^^Yep.^^^^^
    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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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    You have a lot of learning to do padawon.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/atta...7&d=1186346539

    you have 4-6503 stereo drivers and 1-6511 dimensional driver. so if you bought a 6503 you have the wrong driver.


    Well I was out bid on eBay so no harm. I have other speakers at casa pumpkin so there is no hurry. So pittdog2 you are right I need to slow my roll :lol: I must admit to being a little exited. It's looking like a little more of a long term project.

    P-man
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    6511 dimensional driver.

    So this driver has to do with the with the special cable I'm guessing ??
    lmivdewpnb28.jpg


    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,666
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    6511 dimensional driver.

    So this driver has to do with the with the special cable I'm guessing ??

    yes that is the magic. Do some reading get your learn on we are all here to help you get the best from these special speakers. THEN we'll help you spend your money:)
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    Maybe I'll email Miller Sound and see if they can repair the 6511 driver ??
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    yes that is the magic. Do some reading get your learn on we are all here to help you get the best from these special speakers. THEN we'll help you spend your money:)


    I already have a wife for that :eek:
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,666
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    Maybe I'll email Miller Sound and see if they can repair the 6511 driver ??

    it will cost more than new driver at 48.ea. Call Polk get a new pair then sit back and wait for a used one to show up...they are as rare as hens teeth so do not hold your breath.
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited September 2013
    .....
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    O.K. guys which phone # do I use to contact this Helen at Polk ??

    Bill (P-man)
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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    I already have a wife for that :eek:

    If you think she's bad...... well you aint seen nuthin yet :biggrin:
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    O.K. guys which phone # do I use to contact this Helen at Polk ??

    Bill (P-man)

    Give this number a shot: 1-800-377-7655
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    If you think she's bad...... well you aint seen nuthin yet :biggrin:



    Give this number a shot: 1-800-377-7655


    Thanks

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    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited September 2013
    A 6511 will come up for sale at some point, have ebay give you a prompt when one is listed.
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  • PolkieMan
    PolkieMan Posts: 2,446
    edited September 2013
    Nice ones!
    How much did you pay?

    Read the SDA Handbook.
    http://vr3mods.com/uploads/SDA_Handbook_2011_Rev2.pdf

    Gimpod Custom Boards+Crossover parts list
    http://www.gimpod.com/parts31tl.html


    Tell her you are a Club Polk member. RDO-198 $48 + Tax free shipping
    Get a 2 new 6511's for now till a vintage one shows up.

    Helen Yarbor
    Polkaudio
    Customer Service Rep / Parts
    Baltimore, MD. 21215
    1-800-377-7655
    Fax- 410-764-5470
    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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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,898
    edited September 2013
    PolkieMan wrote: »
    Nice ones!
    How much did you pay?

    Read the SDA Handbook.
    http://vr3mods.com/uploads/SDA_Handbook_2011_Rev2.pdf


    Gimpod Custom Boards+Crossover parts list
    http://www.gimpod.com/parts31tl.html


    Tell her you are a Club Polk member. RDO-198 $48 + Tax free shipping
    Get a 2 new 6511's for now till a vintage one shows up.

    Helen Yarbor
    Polkaudio
    Customer Service Rep / Parts
    Baltimore, MD. 21215
    1-800-377-7655
    Fax- 410-764-5470

    OK here's my tale,

    They were up on eBay with a 24 hour auction. Starting bid was $360 w/ a buy it now of $800 stating that one tweeter didn't work which I felt (for me) was too much money. Next day there back up at starting at $320 w/ buy it now of $500 again no takers. So I contacted him and offered him $275. He says come get them. Sunday I travel the 80 miles only to find out that neither tweeter works and the that 6511 has tear in the cone. I'm ready to leave without them when he pleads for me to buy them. He is down on his luck and says the next stop is the dumpster. Even I didn't want that !! He said give me $50 and there yours. Now I'm not a wealthy man and I'm always looking for a baragin so I took them but paid him $100 plus $20 for LPs. He emailed me last and said when he gets back on his feet he wants to buy them back after I repair them:eek::eek::eek:

    I'm not going thru this so I can sell them back. He's SOL I'm afraid
    lmivdewpnb28.jpg


    Because I am The Pumpkinking


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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,668
    edited September 2013
    My mouth dropped when i read that. WOW WHAT A DEAL. Yes repair & enjoy them. Sure sell them back:lol:
    ..
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    He emailed me last and said when he gets back on his feet he wants to buy them back after I repair them:eek::eek::eek:

    I'm not going thru this so I can sell them back. He's SOL I'm afraid

    I agree, unless he's ready to spend some crazy money they wouldnt leave my setup :smile:
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited September 2013
    Wow dude, you got an incredible deal on those things. I like to think about buying a pair of these speakers to buying a classic car. As long as the frame is solid, the rest can be repaired. Even that's not so true anymore, I believe you can get aftermarket frames for the classic cars. These days you can probably build a '59 Vette out of all brand new parts!

    Anyway, my point is when you fix these up, you can go as all out as you want. You'll spend a good amount of money doing the crossovers and tweeter upgrades. Then you'll want to look at a set of rings, dynamat, armacell, and if you want to get them screaming cosmetically, there's obviously all the finish carpentry you can do to the cabinet. But if you got a good set of 3.1TL cabinets alone for $100, you could spend away on all of your upgrades, drivers, etc. and still walk away with a pair of speakers well worth the money. As long as you're starting with a frame that's in excellent shape, all the rest can be restored.

    Meanwhile, get the replacement 6511's from Polk, and watch eBay for the originals, as people have advised.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited September 2013
    pumpkinman wrote: »
    OK here's my tale,

    They were up on eBay with a 24 hour auction. Starting bid was $360 w/ a buy it now of $800 stating that one tweeter didn't work which I felt (for me) was too much money. Next day there back up at starting at $320 w/ buy it now of $500 again no takers. So I contacted him and offered him $275. He says come get them. Sunday I travel the 80 miles only to find out that neither tweeter works and the that 6511 has tear in the cone. I'm ready to leave without them when he pleads for me to buy them. He is down on his luck and says the next stop is the dumpster. Even I didn't want that !! He said give me $50 and there yours. Now I'm not a wealthy man and I'm always looking for a baragin so I took them but paid him $100 plus $20 for LPs. He emailed me last and said when he gets back on his feet he wants to buy them back after I repair them:eek::eek::eek:

    I'm not going thru this so I can sell them back. He's SOL I'm afraid

    Good story and a great deal on a very worthy pair of SDA's. The 3.1's are probably the rarest of the SDA line up. I enjoy mine daily and doubt I will ever part with them.

    I'd say the seller will most definitely be SOL after you get them up and running.
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