Question for those who have moved on from SDA

drumminman

For those of you who've moved onto other speakers which SDA models did you own/spend time with and were they stock or modded. If the latter, what mods were implemented?

What do the speakers you moved to have that you didn't get from the SDA's?

I have 2.3TL's with all the mods (except for replacing the internal wiring) and I continue to be amazed at their sound. No desire to move on here.

Mystery

I've had
SDA-2B
SDA-2B Studio
SDA-2
SDA-2A
SDA-CRS+
SDA-3.1TL

All stock and they all moved on and I still have Boston A400's.

I preferred Vandersteen 1's over the 2B's.

I still have a pair of CRS+ that I will compare against fully upgraded ones (Toolfan66's) and see if I like them enough to go that route.

tonyb

Moved on from SRT's to Legacy Focus 20/20's. Better imaging, slam, air around notes, sharper defined notes also. While soundstage isn't quit as wide as the SRT's, still wider than most others. Just a better all around speaker imho.

If your happy though, why move on ? Enjoy your tunes and take the wife on vacation.

Mystery

tonyb wrote: »

If your happy though, why move on ? Enjoy your tunes and take the wife on vacation.

You mean send your wife on vacation so you can enjoy the tunes.

treitz3

Hmmm, I have moved on from the most fully modded set of SDA 1C's I have ever known of but I do not wish to comment. I have many friends here who still have SDA's, modded and not, who are enjoying them fully. It looks as if you are completely satisfied as well with no desire to move on. So with that said, I'd prefer not to comment publicly on your inquiry.

You are welcome to PM me and we can chat over the phone (my dime) but I decline to answer this question on a Polk forum. I'd like to keep the friends I have here, if you know what I mean. *winks*

Tom

headrott

No strong desire to move on here Fred. 2.3TL's fully modded (have Clarity Cap ESA's and Duelund Cast resistors) , but minus internal wiring as well. I like them........A lot.

drumminman

No worries to those that prefer something else, and no wish to start trouble. Just curious is all. Thanks to all those who responded, and keep 'em coming !

Moose68Bash

I haven't moved on from two pairs of mod'd SDAs. The 1Cs have been mod'd about as far as they can go, or at least as far as I'm likely to take them. The SRS1.2s, however, are going the next step. Trey is in the process of building TL crossovers with new internal wiring for them.

I'm responding to this thread because I decided to take the 1.2s to the next level after my wife and I auditioned a Nola Grand Reference Series 2 system in August. The Nola system would definitely have been a quantum jump in sound quality, and my wife and I were ready to purchase the system.

However, when we got home to New Hampshire and started the planning to install them in our living room, the complexity of installing this system overwhelmed us. It simply was not practical. For example: The Nola system requires two -- yes, two -- two channel power amplification systems -- one for the bass towers and one for the main towers.

Furthermore, the four towers are very large and overpowering. They dominate their setting and are not easy to locate, even in a room that is roughly 20'x35', as is our living room.

Surprisingly, my wife liked the sound so much that she ended up being more interested in the Nolas -- and still talks about getting them -- than I was. Once I understood what it would take to install them, I decided I just wanted to push the SDA SRS1.2s to the next level, which is when I contacted Trey.

Those of you who have read my previous posts may recall that when I first decided to upgrade the 1.2s without going the TL route, it was because my wife and I had auditioned Wilson Maxx 3s, B&W 800Ds, some Nolas and Thiels and decided that they did not offer improvements in sound quality that made us want to abandon the SDAs.

While I appreciate that contemporary speaker technology -- such as the Perreaux speakers in the system I recently bought for my daughter as a wedding gift -- offers advantages in some respects -- e.g., precision of rendering of certain instruments, timbres, and frequencies -- I still prefer the SDA effect's sound stage and imaging.

Many advantages of contemporary technology, I believe, can be achieved by further upgrading the 1.2s, which is the reason I have asked Trey to do his high-end mods to my 1.2 crossovers.

cnh

Almost NO speaker does EVERYTHING "equally" well. So I do NOT move on. I move OUT. That is, I add other speakers. At present, I like my SDAs but I also like my BIG JBLs and the Boston A200s. Each one does something different and I don't really believe they are fully comparable. Even Tony admits that few speakers beat SDAs sound stage? Since they were designed with that in mind, why should others be better in that area?

JBLs have some very nice bass weight and slam. And the Bostons have a more refined/detailed high end that can be a little bright. Both SDAs and Bostons are easy placement with the Bostons being the very easiest. And the JBLs are a TRUE pain to place in a room. And on and on.

Of newer speakers I've heard I prefer upper level Focals with Beryllium tweeters, but most are out of my pay grade. lol

cnh

ZLTFUL

I have 2.3TLs fully modded short of wiring (winter project) and the biggest reason I haven't moved on is because the next speakers I want for primary 2 channel listening are currently cost prohibitive.
But I have a strong feeling that even if I do replace them, I will most likely hold onto them as a living room speaker because I truly enjoy them.

westmassguy

Drummin, there's no harm in asking around or auditioning what's out there now. As a rebuilder, I hear a lot of different speakers, all vintage of course, but always come back to my 2As. They have that certain something that I can't find in other speakers.
Unlike 30+ years ago, where good Sound Shops were plentiful, I'd have to drive 30-40 miles just to find a place that wasn't all imported Chinese crap. I have no desire at this point to do so.

markamerica

Drumminman,

I haven't moved on. I doubt I will. I love the broad imaging of the SDAs. In fact, I've acquired more of them. I still think the SDA dimensional idea was an astonishing break-through in speaker technology, and I still think it makes for the best imaging of any arrangement ever conceived. I have heard some incredibly expensive speakers(from the perspective of my budgetary constraints) that sounded quite good, but again, I come back to the SDA effect. I've not heard a pair of speakers that(whether I could afford them or not) produce anything like the effect created by the SDAs.

This is why last weekend, I acquired a pair of 1C (studios) that while needing some cosmetic attention, are in very good condition generally, and well worth the $300 I paid for them. I think they may be among the best overall value of the SDA line, and for that price, I couldn't pass them up. In time, I'll upgrade their crossovers and install Larry's rings, and all the usual upgrades. Honestly, when I listen to them, I can't believe I got that kind of sound for $300. There are a few scrapes in the laminate, but the grills are in good shape, and I think in the longer run, I'll probably put a proper wood veneer on them when I do all the other upgrades, but sheesh, man, for that money, I don't know where I'd ever get a better-sounding pair of speakers, and being a middle-class schlub as I am, I don't think I will ever afford anything substantially better than my SRSs or my 1.2TLs, and while I've not yet upgraded those, I'm now in the process of acquiring parts for the SRSs. Then it will be the 1.2TLs. Then another project. Then the 1Cs. That will keep me busy for 3-5 years.

Move on? Not likely. Move up via upgrades? You betcha!

I will admit having one non-Polk pair of speakers, however, they are mostly a nostalgic thing for me. They sound okay, but I like them because they are different, and because I owned a pair back in the day. BES SM-280s. The SDAs, I love for nostalgia, power, sound-stage, and overall value, as well as the upgrades I'm working on(I am a tinkering fool, as you know.) The BES don't sound particularly good, and all of the qualitative reasons say "Ditch'em," but nostalgia won't let me. That said, they're not hooked up at the moment... I had to put those 1Cs somewhere...

DarqueKnight

drumminman wrote: »

For those of you who've moved onto other speakers which SDA models did you own/spend time with and were they stock or modded. If the latter, what mods were implemented?

What do the speakers you moved to have that you didn't get from the SDA's?

I have 2.3TL's with all the mods (except for replacing the internal wiring) and I continue to be amazed at their sound. No desire to move on here.

This is a good question that comes up occasionally. I've even asked it myself:

People-Who-Love-Big-Sdas-Upgrade-To-What

I haven't moved on yet, but those who have seem to favor large electrostatics like those from Sound-Lab and Innersound. If I do ever move on, it will probably be to something like the Sonus faber Aida:

drumminman wrote: »

No worries to those that prefer something else, and no wish to start trouble. Just curious is all. Thanks to all those who responded, and keep 'em coming !

I definitely don't view such a thread/question as "starting trouble" since I have asked the same question myself. I am always interested in reading about the experiences of performance audio enthusiasts as they move up.

treitz3 wrote: »

You are welcome to PM me and we can chat over the phone (my dime) but I decline to answer this question on a Polk forum. I'd like to keep the friends I have here, if you know what I mean. *winks*
Tom

Awww Tom, you know we're not like that. We have been very tolerant of, and interested in, the experiences of members' post-SDA speakers from the likes of Sound-Lab, InnerSound, Acoustic Research, etc. Feel free to share.

drumminman

Thanks for the link, DK. Didn't realize this question had been asked. Still, that was 4 years ago so I suppose it was time for a reprise

I bought the CRS+ recently as I'll be retiring in a few years and don't know yet if we'll be downsizing. If we do we may not have room for the 2.3TL's. I have no desire to get away from the SDA effect as like WMG said, they have a something I can't find with other speakers.

Interesting responses everyone. I'd like to hear more about what mods were done by people who have moved on.

motorstereo

I tried moving on to a pair of ads 1530's. In a side by side down and dirty set up they actually sounded better than a pair of SRS's. So I brought them home. But they didn't have that sda soundstage and I found myself not listening to them even though they had sweeter mids and more bottom end. I was also hoping my Talon Khorus (14K when new) might give my 1.2s a run for their money. That didn't happen either. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that's I'll never move on from my tl's. I will do more mods, room treatments and electronics upgrades to keep things interesting though.

tonyb

Some of us have a saying.....go big or go home. No replacement for displacement. For me anyway, I like big speakers.....the sheer force of dynamics brings a realism bookies just can't deliver....especially if you like your music loud.

While the older SDA'S still are tough to beat given their used prices, they don't fit well anymore into todays décor. A big speaker that looks like a piece of furniture, and performs like a symphony....now we are talkin' WAF.

For soundstage, anything wider will be in your neighbors living room with SDA's, but soundstage alone doesn't make up the whole musical experience. You can still have all those nifty attributes we audiophiles cling to with other brands and to a greater degree. Sure....there's a price tag to get all that, what doesn't have a price tag for better ?

Just my opinion, and I've owned a few SDA's in my day including SRT's. For the price....you'd be hard pressed to do better, but if your wallet grows there is certainly better out there. You have to find your own point of diminishing returns in audio. This isn't a race, nor is it about whipping out dicks and measuring. If you like SDA's, your happy with the sound, rock on and spend your coin elsewhere.

bigaltx24

I'm always listening to and buying other speakers but have yet to find anything that can knock my 1Bs from their top spot. In the past few months I've had a chance to audition a pair of Carver Amazings and a pair of Martin Logan Odysseys, both nice speakers, but I passed on both.

Toolfan66

When I move on, I'm building my own speakers. I have done a lot of research in the last couple of years, and there is a couple people that will help me along the way..

But this doesn't mean my SDA's are leaving me..

PolkieMan

The 2.3 tls and with the help of others here on the mods I am content.
I tried to move on, in one instance, it was just something decent for the bedroom so I got a pair of Monitor 70 Series II listening to them made tired, the shrillness and hollow bass so I found a pair of 1C problem solved! The monitors are now rear surrounds in the main room (don't need stands), Went and listened to some $1500 a pair Martin Logans I wasn't impressed I guess something I would like for a replacement would cost me 5 or 6 thousand dollars

drumminman

TonyB, were your SRT's stock, and if not what mods had you performed?

Moose what do Trey's high end mods for the 1.2TL's consist of?

Toolfan66

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/sphaeron_excalibur.php

These are the finest speakers I have yet to put my ears on..

westmassguy

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/sphaeron_excalibur.php

These are the finest speakers I have yet to put my ears on..

My word, those look like something out of a 50s sci-fi movie that would eat you if you got too close.

vmaxer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/sphaeron_excalibur.php

These are the finest speakers I have yet to put my ears on..

westmassguy wrote: »

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/sphaeron_excalibur.php

These are the finest speakers I have yet to put my ears on..

My word, those look like something out of a 50s sci-fi movie that would eat you if you got too close.

And I bet they are under $2,000.00....

Toolfan66

Haha, they are quite expensive, but they are incredible in sound..

vmaxer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Haha, they are quite expensive, but they are incredible in sound..

How much??? You know they saying,,,if you have to ask, but I do.

Toolfan66

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/violoncello_II.php

These ones are $80,000.00 if I remember right, I know I'm close. Some people don't like horns, I personally love them..

Mystery

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/violoncello_II.php

These ones are $80,000.00 if I remember right, I know I'm close. Some people don't like horns, I personally love them..

$80k sounds like a steal as online prices show them at $325k.

PolkieMan

How about a Group Buy!!! ???

Mystery wrote: »

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/violoncello_II.php

These ones are $80,000.00 if I remember right, I know I'm close. Some people don't like horns, I personally love them..

$80k sounds like a steal as online prices show them at $325k.

Mystery

PolkieMan wrote: »

How about a Group Buy!!! ???

Mystery wrote: »

Toolfan66 wrote: »

http://www.acapella.de/en/hornspeakers/violoncello_II.php

These ones are $80,000.00 if I remember right, I know I'm close. Some people don't like horns, I personally love them..

$80k sounds like a steal as online prices show them at $325k.

I showed those speakers to my wife without mentioning price and she said, "Don't bring those speakers home" so I'm saving over $300k on speakers.

tonyb

Horns are hit or miss for me. Given their nature, the associated gear has a lot to do with either sounding like heaven or dog poo.

Moose68Bash

drumminman wrote: »

TonyB, were your SRT's stock, and if not what mods had you performed?

Moose what do Trey's high end mods for the 1.2TL's consist of?

Trey is developing a couple (or, perhaps, more) variations on his highest level mods. You can read the details in any number of his posts, or you can contact him directly.

The level I am getting includes point-to-point wiring, Clarity MR caps throughout, Dueland resistors throughout, Supra Rondo internal wiring (9 AWG) with gold disconnects, WBT binding posts, Jantzen inductors (Jantzen C Coil for SDA circuit), custom fabricated "shelf" for the crossover assembly. I already have Vr3 Mods custom binding post plates. Custom Supra Rondo (double run of 11 AWG = 9 AWG) interconnect with Neutrik connectors on speaker ends and bananas on Dreadnought ends.

I shall, of course, install RD-0198 tweeters.

I hope I haven't missed anything, and I hope this helps.