RTA12C vs SDA SRS 2.3
70hemicuda
Posts: 30
Hello, new the forum but not to Polk speakers. Everytime I find a nice set of vintage speakers I buy them and then I find a nicer set not too long later. So far I've gone from monitor 5 to 7s, then to 10s and most recently picked up a pair of RTA12C's. Went to a record store this past weekend and they had a pair of SDA SRS 2.3's. I'm considering picking those up and trying to trade in the rta12 and 10a's. Would this be a good move? The sheer size of the sda are awesome and from what I've read are some of the best polks. I love the RTA12C's but if those SDA are better I'm going for it. Opinions? Thanks.
Comments
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What are you waiting for?
Just make sure you have the right amplification (high current and common ground).
Welcome aboard to the never-ending Polk upgrade festivities.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
I guess that answers that. And I believe im good on power. I'm running a Yamaha professional amp with 240 wpc. If I can ever find another thatll give me 700 watts each.
First I have to see if they'll do the trade. They want $700 and they are in good shape, but not amazing. -
That is a steal. Dont walk. Run and get them! Do the basic check by pressing gently on the passive bass driver before purchase to make sure drivers arent frozen. Transport them on their backs to avoid magnet shift.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
I will say that you should plan to budget for at least the RDO tweeters and XO upgrades on the 2.3s. All the old SDA speakers have caps on the XOs that are way past EOL. They will sound good as is but wont acheive amazing without those mods.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
I'd get them even if all the magnets were shifted.
Guess I should have added, make sure your amp can handle the ohm load as well.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
Post some pics when you have a chance. I'm also curious if these are the original 2.3s or the 2.3TLs?____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
Amp should be fine after checking specs.
This was the only picture I got when I was at the store
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Seems like the cosmetic stuff can be addressed with a little TLC. Do they by chance have the SDA interconnect cable?
Btw, welcome to the forum.🙂____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
70hemicuda wrote: »I guess that answers that. And I believe im good on power. I'm running a Yamaha professional amp with 240 wpc. If I can ever find another thatll give me 700 watts each.
You're putting the cart before the horse here. Bridged amps produce more noise, they usually do not like a 4 ohm or lower load. Regardless you will need to build a dreadnought before you can think of this. If you plan on running them as plain ol'stereo speakers and NOT using the SDA cable save your money and put into the RTA12c's
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70hemicuda wrote: »I guess that answers that. And I believe im good on power. I'm running a Yamaha professional amp with 240 wpc. If I can ever find another thatll give me 700 watts each.
You're putting the cart before the horse here. Bridged amps produce more noise, they usually do not like a 4 ohm or lower load. Regardless you will need to build a dreadnought before you can think of this. If you plan on running them as plain ol'stereo speakers and NOT using the SDA cable save your money and put into the RTA12c's
I really didn't ever plan on using a bridged set up. I was just stating the power of the amp. If they have the cable then yes I do plan on using it and just sticking with my one power amp. -
Definitely dont do the SDA cable if your amp is not common ground. The 2.3s are an end game speaker for many. I would put the money into the 2.3s rather than another non sda speaker and change amplifiers, if needed.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
When you get to the store, take the front grills off and look at the mid driver configuration. If you see doughnuts like these, https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/comment/792040#Comment_792040
they are most likely the non TL version. There also should be some identifying stickers on the back.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
Hm I did take the grill off but can't recall if they had that donut. What's the difference between the 2?
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Different upgrade paths. I believe the doughnut version uses the SL2000 tweeter which can be upgraded to the RD094 vs the newer TL version which upgrades from the SL3000 to RD098. TL is the preferred option if you have the choice.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
70hemicuda wrote: »70hemicuda wrote: »I guess that answers that. And I believe im good on power. I'm running a Yamaha professional amp with 240 wpc. If I can ever find another thatll give me 700 watts each.
You're putting the cart before the horse here. Bridged amps produce more noise, they usually do not like a 4 ohm or lower load. Regardless you will need to build a dreadnought before you can think of this. If you plan on running them as plain ol'stereo speakers and NOT using the SDA cable save your money and put into the RTA12c's
I really didn't ever plan on using a bridged set up. I was just stating the power of the amp. If they have the cable then yes I do plan on using it and just sticking with my one power amp.
Okay all good. This statement below it sounded like you were looking to bridge an amp to get more power. I do not know any other way to have two of the same amps and get 700 wpc. If the Yamaha amp is rated at 240wpc, running two it is still 240wpc.70hemicuda wrote: »
I guess that answers that. And I believe im good on power. I'm running a Yamaha professional amp with 240 wpc. If I can ever find another that'll give me 700 watts each.
carry on
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When you get to the store, take the front grills off and look at the mid driver configuration. If you see doughnuts like these, https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/comment/792040#Comment_792040
they are most likely the non TL version. There also should be some identifying stickers on the back.
Is the non TL option still worth it or pass? -
That and the potential lack of cable could be price negotiating points. I dont have a reference point to advise if the non TL is worth it beyond having previously owned a pair of Modded SDA 1Cs which use the RD094. They sounded fantastic.
Maybe others who have them will chime in.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
I've seen forum discussions debating SDA vs. RTA 12B-C, and some said they preferred the RTA's standard stereo approach. I have to say my RTA 12B's, after upgrades and mods (and just 100 hours of burn-in) - absolutely jaw dropping! Tracks that are well recorded and mastered, especially high def, have unbelievable detail, attack and imaging. Tracks I've played 100 times over the years now have stuff I've never previously heard. Way more of everything compared to the M10's. Now I've never heard 2.3's, but what I'm getting out of these 12B's is easily comparable to higher end $10K speakers. My two cents - get the 2.3's but hang on to your 12c's just in case.
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The first gen 2.3 have drivers that are very hard to replace. The donut drivers are virtually unobtainable. The mw6511 and 15"passives are about the same. You'll want to make sure they all are all in good shape and not scraping
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[You'll want to make sure they all are all in good shape and not scraping [/quote]
100%. You likely wont be able to hook them up in the store so pressing on the passive and watching to see if all the mid driver cones move without scraping is a must. That also helps you identify potential cabinet integrity issues.
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polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
Before I'll comment on the difference between the 2.3 and 2.3 TL I need to see some pics of your Cuda. Welcome to Club Polk!Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
I'd like to keep my 12c's but unfortunately there is no way I can if I get these 2.3's. Space just won't allow it. I'm gonna try to swing by the store tomorrow and really check them out again. They do have a room dedicated to equipment testing.
As for the barracuda, that's my dream car. One day I will have one. As for now I just got a couple of old jeeps. -
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As others mentioned, make sure that all drivers don't scrape. Take your fingers and push them with even pressure around the dust cap to move the cone in and out. Don't push too hard.
If it's the original SRS 2.3 and any one of the MW6513 (doughnut drivers) are scraping, I'd negotiate and get the magnet repaired. If they're totally locked up I'd keep the RTA-12C.
Definitely get the RD-0194 tweeter if they're the SRS 2.3, but if they're the SRS 2.3TL you don't NEED to upgrade the tri-lam (SL3000) to the RD-0198, but it'll result in a big improvement.
The SL2000 is really bad lol, I hate to say it but the +5dB peak at 13KHz really does fatigue the ears more than a Klipsch speaker does. -
The first gen 2.3 have drivers that are very hard to replace. The donut drivers are virtually unobtainable. The mw6511 and 15"passives are about the same. You'll want to make sure they all are all in good shape and not scraping
100% agreed on the 6511s, haven't been looking for long just yet but I've seen exactly 0 available to purchase. -
70hemicuda wrote: »As for the barracuda, that's my dream car. One day I will have one. As for now I just got a couple of old jeeps.
Geez. Maybe I should change my username to horsecokbillionaire.Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
70hemicuda wrote: »As for the barracuda, that's my dream car. One day I will have one. As for now I just got a couple of old jeeps.
Geez. Maybe I should change my username to horsecokbillionaire.
You're about 2 years behind the high schoolers but you've got the spirit. -
A friend of mine has a couple late 60's barracuda's, not the really cool hemi cuda's.
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As others mentioned, make sure that all drivers don't scrape. Take your fingers and push them with even pressure around the dust cap to move the cone in and out. Don't push too hard.
If it's the original SRS 2.3 and any one of the MW6513 (doughnut drivers) are scraping, I'd negotiate and get the magnet repaired. If they're totally locked up I'd keep the RTA-12C.
Definitely get the RD-0194 tweeter if they're the SRS 2.3, but if they're the SRS 2.3TL you don't NEED to upgrade the tri-lam (SL3000) to the RD-0198, but it'll result in a big improvement.
The SL2000 is really bad lol, I hate to say it but the +5dB peak at 13KHz really does fatigue the ears more than a Klipsch speaker does.
You must be reading a lot on this forum to act like you know what you're talking about.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 -
Get that kid a lab coat and a JHU degree.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
