SDA 2B opinion

[MikeVB]

Since someone was talking about the big SDA 1's in another post it got me to thinking about my Polk SDA-2B's and what the concensus is on them. I have had these speakers about 15 years or so now and wondered how do they rate with what Polk is producing now? Are the SDA-2's a great speaker or just average in an audiophile's opinion?

Thanks

Mike

[rskarvan]

I think the SDA2b's are very similar to the less expensive Monitor 10's. I actually prefer the Monitor 10's (without the sda effect).
I used to own a pair of SDA2b's new. They were alright. I think the CRS+ is a similar though better sounding speaker. I have the 3.1TL's and those 5 drivers kick the sh$& out of the SDA2's (obviously).

Some say the SDA2 lacks the detail in the midrang that the new plastic-driver polks have (RT series). I think the paper-coated woofers sound more smooth. Its a personal preference.

You have a pretty good set of speakers. There are better out there in Polk-land. But, your SDA2b's are very respectable.

[stubby]

As with most high quality speakers, they will only sound as good as what you feed them. I had a pair a few years back and was pretty happy with them. I never had them hooked up to anything outstanding-Parasound, Adcom, Yamaha stuff, but they still imaged well. Deep bass wasn't really there, but, as Ron said, you're only working with a pair of 6 and a halves.

Stubby

[solidclub]

I agree that the presence of more drivers does allow greater
dynamic, expecially in the lower ranges.

[In Tune]

What would be a good new receiver with enough power to push my SDA/2b's.? I'm looking to run a 5.1 set up, and will be listening to all CD's in stereo, so I am looking for the most power I can get, but realize in my budget,(around 600) I will be limited. I really dont need all the HD features, as I still have my old Tv's for the time being...But I do want to watch movies in 5.1...Any help advice is appreciated..

[On3s&Z3r0s]

Onkyo makes some pretty good receivers in that price range, actually for quite a bit less. I've got some 2B's and they don't seem to be a particularly hard load to drive. I think you could definitely get by with a TX-SR608... Newegg's got em for under $400.

[In Tune]

I checked the 608, I would like something with pre-outs, Any other suggestions,? yamaha? or other, in my price range? thanx

[Ron Temple]

Wow a 9 year old thread revived...

2Bs on a receiver will only get you marginal performance. I'd pickup an HK 254 from an ebay auction, then buy a used nice 2 channel amp to drive the 2Bs. You can probably get a very nice solution for around $600 all in.

[In Tune]

Wow a 9 year old thread revived...

2Bs on a receiver will only get you marginal performance. I'd pickup an HK 254 from an ebay auction, then buy a used nice 2 channel amp to drive the 2Bs. You can probably get a very nice solution for around $600 all in.

Thanx, great suggestion,I wonder if the other channels being only 50 watts would be sufficient to run my surrounds and center nicely for DVD/s etc....?

[Ron Temple]

I don't know what you're running for center and surrounds, but I ran an HK 2xx for years as a pre/pro, sometimes running channels sometimes not. HK measures their RMS numbers differently than other mfgs. Not saying they are really 120w RMS, they are probably just north of 60w all channels driven, maybe 75 X 2. However, they deliver peaks with the best of them. You won't be disappointed in the SQ. What HK lacks are features in comparison to some others and their auto-eq solution isn't Audyssey. The 254 is HDMI 1.3A compliant so you do get the hi-rez codecs.

[In Tune]

I have some (Polk)Monitor30's for surround and Def.Technology Center..The HK looks like it would fill all my requirements and then some feature wise,,I would just need some more power for the Mains......What Power amp should I consider(not to expensive/used)? Thanx!

[Ron Temple]

You can usually find an Adcom GFA555 or a Carver TFM 35 in the $300-350 range. Both will work equally well with the 2Bs. Keep an eye out in the flea market for something in your price range. Just confirm that it's common ground. Both of the above are, but not all Adcoms or Carvers are.

[ben62670]

Also add an Adcom GFA-545 to the list. They are plenty powerful, can be had for around $200.
Take care.
Ben

[cnh]

+1, Curt drives his SDA 2As with that and has nothing but praise for it.

I've picked up a 545 to drive some LSi-7s recently. Seems to be a tad smoother than the GFA-555?

cnh

[inspiredsports]

Wow, a 2002 revived in 2006 revived in 2011 post!

As I write, I am driving my 2B's with just 50 WPC (tube), as in my sig. below.

I can drive myself out of the room at 95 to 105db sitting 13' back in my 24X28X8' room or listen at a comfy 65db level all day long with these extremely efficient and extremely pure-sounding speakers.

My 50W tube VTL and 150W SS NAD amps provide similar db levels, but the VTL sound quality is way more enjoyable.

[Ron Temple]

The guys looking for a < $350 solution. Tough to do tubes on that budget.

[In Tune]

Thank you kind Sirs, for the advice,have a HK 354 refurb coming , will keep you posted.....

[Mike Reeter]

Can't the 2Bs be modified into the 4.1 version? That would be my next step. A very worthwhile adventure for not a whole lotta cash.

[inspiredsports]

There are many threads about TL'ing the 2B. This is mine . . .

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74945

"C5" on the crossover board shown in post #1 in the thread above simply gets a 5.8uf capacitor paralleled with a 2.7 ohm resistor and you are good to go with the RDO-198 tweeter. Post #54 shows several images of the finished crossovers.

[Mike Reeter]

There are many threads about TL'ing the 2B. This is mine . . .

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74945

"C5" on the crossover board shown in post #1 in the thread above simply gets a 5.8uf capacitor paralleled with a 2.7 ohm resistor and you are good to go with the RDO-198 tweeter. Post #54 shows several images of the finished crossovers.

Well,there you go...this is more than just a minor upgrade...it took my CRS+s to a whole new level...a HUGE improvement in every aspect.

[In Tune]

You can usually find an Adcom GFA555 or a Carver TFM 35 in the $300-350 range. Both will work equally well with the 2Bs. Keep an eye out in the flea market for something in your price range. Just confirm that it's common ground. Both of the above are, but not all Adcoms or Carvers are.

Update.... I'm looking at the used Carvers... which models would NOT be a suitable choice for my Speakers? How about the M1.0T? or M500t? I see these can be modded for more power,(down the road)...Or am I better off with the TFM's....? Many Thanx!

[Ron Temple]

The early M1.0Ts(later revs are) and the M500Ts are not common ground, though the M500s are said to be really nice sounding amps. All the TFMs are except the TFM75 (which is pretty hard to find). M4.0T, TFM 42 and 45 are the same amp and many feel are the best of the 2 channel amps. M1.5T is...I believe the later A series are common ground. TFM35 and 35x can usually be found at your pricepoint and will do an excellent job with 2Bs. The trick is to find one in good shape from a reputable seller. I bought mine from a pawn shop Power Seller. It arrived with a wonky channel, but the seller was stand up and paid for a trip through Rita's shop.

[In Tune]

Thanks for the info, However I am told by one Seller of the M500t, that it IS Common Ground,so I need to get your expert call on this..?

[nspindel]

Interesting to see an SDA thread from so long ago, without anyone from the original thread mentioning tweeter replacements and XO upgrades, etc. Wondering if anyone knows approximately when the whole SDA mod craze began?

[inspiredsports]

Interesting to see an SDA thread from so long ago, without anyone from the original thread mentioning tweeter replacements and XO upgrades, etc. Wondering if anyone knows approximately when the whole SDA mod craze began?

In fairness, there were only 2 replies in 2002 (one from a banned psycho), and the 2006 poster only has 39 posts even today, so this thread never really had much traction until it was resurrected this year.

It seems the 7/26/89 SL2000 equipped SDA CRS+ schematic was first updated with the requisite 5.8uf bypass cap and SL3000 "TL" tweeter (precursor to the RDO-198) on 6/18/90.

The 1986 and later SDA CRS models and all SDA 2B crossovers are basically equivalent in the high-pass section.

[nspindel]

good point.

[Ron Temple]

Thanks for the info, However I am told by one Seller of the M500t, that it IS Common Ground,so I need to get your expert call on this..?

The question has been asked and answered on the Carver forum many times. My recollection is that it is not common ground. I haven't been active there for years. You might try pinging treitz or TNRabbit. They were and perhaps still are active there and probably can confirm. You can also go over there and ask...or start a new thread in Electronics here...someone will probably know and confirm.