Polk Sda vs Magnepan

2 fairly different types of speakers. Mags are pretty hungry for power and tempermental for set-up. More so that SDA's on both points.
When correctly powerred and set-up the mags probably get the nod in sound. It as always relates to listener prefernce as well.

They both sound like shite.

I have a set of Mag 1.5QRs that I bought at an estate sale for a GREAT price over a year ago. Was running them with a top-of-line NAD 225wpc amp and very quality vintage Sony pre (also from same estate sale). Also run with an HSU sub with the low pass filter turned on (no deep bass to Mags). I was very happy (or so I thought) with the sound.

Fast forward last August where I stumbled on set of Polk CRS+ sda's at another yard sale and grabbed them with no prior knowledge because they were so cheap ($30). Took them home and they surpassed the Mags in every manner I could throw at them.:eek: I immediately upgraded the tweeters as well after discovering this site. Now I'm a happy Polk SDA listener.:) I have never heard any of the other models in the SDA line although I would assume they all sound superb.

Needless to say my wife was thrilled to remove the big panel Maggies and replace with the Polks. Also could place the Polks in a much more user/sound friendly manner given my room geometry.

Moral of story is simply that I was trully blown away by the Polks and was thrilled to find such a amazing sound and presence in a speaker of their size. However, I am now wondering whether the Maggies are or were ever actually in full perfect "working condition". I had noticed some sounds that "didn't sound quite right" on occassion when I was cranking the Mags. From what I have researched (not all that much) the Maggies should not have been that easily surpassed by the Polks, particularly in the mid to high end arena where the Maggies should really shine. Apparently the quasi-ribbon tweeters can de-grade and do need attention from time to time. Its a moot point to me really since I have no intention, nor would my wife ever let me, put the Mags back in the living room.

Soo.. I may never know if the Mags could/should be repaired since I don't want to spend money on speakers that have no home. I still don't know what to do with them so they sit idle at present. I am also reluctant to sell them for what they may be worth if they do have a problem (they still sound damn good). If any maggie-philes come out vacationing on Cape Cod I will hook the mags up and let a more knowledgeable set of ears tell me if they are fine or not.;)

Capecodder:
Although I think the large floor standing SDA's appeal to the "guy" in us for their aesthetics, I have always heard great things about the CRS+ speakers.
At that price you stole some wonderful Polk speakers. Enjoy.

I have a pair of SDA-CRS's amd SRS-2.3's. The 2.3 hits harder, has a larger soundstage and more. That being said the CRS's amaze me with the sound for the size!! There can produce a pounding bass thump and some smooth highs. The only thing I need to do is get some time to replace those four SL2000's so my ears can stop bleeding when I play Brothers in Arms:eek:

madmax wrote:

Although I see the beauty in the maggies, I still prefer the SDA's.
madmax

And I reverse that statement. Try both, pick one. You won't lose much, if any, $$$ in the used market.

I loved my MGIIa's, but lost my listening space. I'll deliver to buyer this Sunday. For my new small space, LSi-9's or SDA's??

dagame27 wrote:

I ended up buying Noel's SDA 2A's (or shortly will!)

Those were the 2A's I started out with. I replaced them with a pair of SDA SRS 2's, then moved on to ribbon speakers. Good for you!

I think you're going to really enjoy the change there. Going from RTi70's to SDA 2's is a massive upgrade in terms of presence, soundstage. Deep, fast bass and dynamics. Should be awesome.