Looking to put a 2 channel system together

cwilliams

Since I spend way too much time reading this forum, I have found myself looking through Craigslist ads daily and drooling over older/vintage Polk speakers. I'd LOVE to own a pair of something. I'm trying to keep a budget around $300 for the speakers. I'll get an amp shortly down the road (probably a HK 3490). I have the space for about anything in that price range and a fairly large room. My preference for sound is not too harsh on the highs, lows I can actually hear and feel, and well defined mid-bass. I play the bass guitar, and I really love being able to hear what the bassist is doing. I listen to a wide variety of music from jazz to rock.

My TSi system (below) does excellent for movies, and decent for music playback. I probably could have held out longer for the TSi500's and a better receiver and called it a day, but I came across some amazing deals on everything and couldn't pass it up. I'm perfectly content with having two rigs.

Some research has turned up a few that I am interested in. If you have any opinion on these, please feel free to chime in -

RTA15t
SDA-CRS+
SDA2
Older Monitor series

wutadumsn23

Hey cwilliams, I myself was in the same boat you are since February, lol. Patience is the key with this hobby sometimes. The HT rig you have now is pretty stout and should last you awhile. I have the TSi 500's myself and I use them as surrounds, since they didn't match up well with my CS2 when I had them up front. As for recommendations, I am pretty new at this 2 ch thing myself, but I did finally jump in with both feet last weekend. I too have been prowling my local CL and stumbled across a pair of Monitor 10's for $100. Long story short I ended up getting them for $50 and these things rock!! They are a very good first step into the 2 ch world and if you can get your hands on them, go for it. I have also heard Monitor 5's and they were pretty sweet as well. A lot of guys run Monitor 7's and they are happy with them as well. Those are the only ones on your list I can offer any kind of opinion on, since they are the only ones I have experience with. Good luck.

-Jeff

Found a couple listings that are "local" to you

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/1665711102.html Monitor 10B's for $130

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ele/1667986478.html RTA 15t for $450

cwilliams

Jeff -

I highly agree with the patience part. I would have been out some cash a long while back if I didn't feel I could find better. I still want to hear some more opinions on different speakers so I have a good idea of what to look for. Others not on my list are welcome!

Honestly, I think the biggest upgrade right now would be my sub. I bought that MTX years ago before I started getting into this hobby. It's definitely not up to my standards anymore. I highly prefer more musical subs with a very tight, focused sound.

Funny thing about those ads - they have both raised their prices since they were first listed. I almost jumped on the 15's because they started at $300, and the 10b's I believe were at $80.

wutadumsn23

Damn, the 10B's for $80 would have been a no brainer, lol. I would have Mapquested the directions for you!! By all means, wait for more opinions, I thought I put that in my post but I forgot, lol. I love my 10's and I have only had them since Sunday. If you are looking for a sub, the PSW505 is about the best deal going right now for Polks at Newegg for $250 shipped. It is a pretty good dual purpose sub, although it's strong point is HT. The DSW series is a very good sub for music, so you may want to check those out as well. Of course, you have the heavy hitters like SVS, Velodyne and Epik, but they can get pricey.

-Jeff

JPSmario

Chris-
I picked up a pair of SDA-2A's a month ago and I love 'em. they are punchy, have a nice bass extension, and are very clean with the RDO194 replacement silk dome tweeters. I'm loving the huge SDA soundstage.

the 2A's and 2B's seem to be better regarded here because they're simplified from 2 tweeters to 1 per speaker; the double tweeters didn't seem necessary for the SDA effect and the XO's are progressively simpler from 2 to 2A to 2B (hey veterans, jump in if I'm missing something here:)).

The monitor 10's I've heard would be a fantastic deal under $100. have fun with your journey!

-Jim

cwilliams

Thanks Jim!

I'm reading more reviews on the Monitor 10's and I'm getting interested in those. Sounds like a darn good speaker!

I actually use Craiglook.com and widen the field significantly when I'm looking through CL ads. I have no problem driving a long distance for a good deal. My job takes me all over the place and it's nothing out of the ordinary.

reeltrouble1

For you I pick SDA's and older NAD gear found on Audiogon, say a 2600 amp, 1130 pre-amp, you'll dig the big green buttons and the bass. Nothing beats a great set of NADS.

If you just gotta have some Monitors the 10's or the 7's (a bit more refined) set at a 3 degree tilt and your rockin the house.


Edit I forgot being an old guru and all that, the monitors with the Peerless are a bit smoother, otherwise you can get replacements for the older polk tweets that smooth the highs a bit, unless you like bite.

RT1

Conradicles

I had 2 sets of Monitor 10's, and while they are great speakers the SDA-2B's squashed them in my rigs. Period.
Enjoy!

cwilliams

Those are the types of opinions I like to hear. Thank you! Any SDA setup that remains within budget is something of interest.

cwilliams

Just wanted to give an update on my progress -

Picked up a pair of SDA-2a's from another fellow Club Polk member. I also had the chance to listen to his SDA-SRS 2 setup on the same amp. Those things are beasts! Wish I had the room for them...

Now that I have the speakers, I'd like be able to drive them fairly efficiently and at a decent price. Obviously used gear is the way to go. Any suggestions are highly appreciated!

cwilliams

Rig completed...or at least off to a really good start.

Picked up a NAD 7175PE today. Sounds amazing! Can't imagine needing any more power than this thing can dish out. Pushing it past 1/4 can produce ear splitting volume. This system has more bass and clarity than my TSi setup even with my mediocre sub. I'm a true believer in SDA! Very very happy I decided to go this direction.

Thanks for all your help!

TECHNOKID

Congratulations on your new system :cool:

Enjoy but don't keep the meighbours awake

Cheers!
TK

cnh

Your most cost effective solution for use with a HK receiver will be the SDA-2A or Bs....what the post above was alluding too is the SDA-2 which has two tweeters instead of one...and one of those tweeters is an SDA (dimensional tweeter).

Please DO NOT CONFUSE THIS...with the fact higher model SDAs also have multiple tweeters and are just FINE..because they are NOT dimensional effect tweeters!

You can't beat a pair of SDAs for their value, especially the entry SDA-2a/b.

If possible try to find a set with the RDO-194 tweeter upgrades rather than the original Polk SILVER dome SL-2000s. You can distinguish the tweeters by their color...the silver domes are quite visibly metallic silver under clear plastic.

cnh

TECHNOKID

cnh wrote: »

Your most cost effective solution for use with a HK receiver will be the SDA-2A or Bs....what the post above was alluding too is the SDA-2 which has two tweeters instead of one...and one of those tweeters is an SDA (dimensional tweeter).

Please DO NOT CONFUSE THIS...with the fact higher model SDAs also have multiple tweeters and are just FINE..because they are NOT dimensional effect tweeters!

You can't beat a pair of SDAs for their value, especially the entry SDA-2a/b.

If possible try to find a set with the RDO-194 tweeter upgrades rather than the original Polk SILVER dome SL-2000s. You can distinguish the tweeters by their color...the silver domes are quite visibly metallic silver under clear plastic.

cnh

Cnh, the OP is not using an HK as he just bought this one instead:

Picked up a NAD 7175PE today

Cheers!
TK

cwilliams

Beat me to it! Thanks TK!