SDA models and room sizes

[jimbo1421]

Hello,

There is a pair of SDA 2Bs for sale near here and I was wondering if they would work better in my living room than the SDA 1Bs I bought last summer. My entertainment center is at the narrow end of my 13' x 19' living room; there is an 8' opening to the 13' x 14' dining room at the other end.

From what I am reading SDAs need a minimum of 12'-6" to function and that 16'-6" would be much better. Does this apply to all SDA models? Or would the SDA 2, which has fewer drivers than the SDA 1B, function better in the narrower space?

Jim

[ben62670]

Think triangle. The SDA's need to be the same distance from each other as from the listener. You can go a little further back if you must. Also I would try to put them on the long wall.
Ben

[jimbo1421]

Think triangle. The SDA's need to be the same distance from each other as from the listener. You can go a little further back if you must. Also I would try to put them on the long wall.
Ben

So it does not matter which size model? I am trying to decide whether to go for the SDA 2Bs or stick with and refurbish the SDA 1Bs.

Unfortunately there are two doors and a fireplace that prevent me from using the long walls and still keep them 3 feet from the side walls. 2'-8" is the best I can do. I have attached a PDF with three possible floor plans.

Jim

[ben62670]

The last one is the best. It doesn't matter which model SDA you have the same rules apply.

[jimbo1421]

Thanks a lot Ben. One last question — SDA 1B has two tweeters, two stereo MWs and two dimensional drivers; the SDA 2B has just one apiece. What is the advantage of having more drivers? In my sized living room would it make any difference? It would certainly be less expensive to refurbish.

Jim

[ben62670]

The extra tweeters were added to keep up with the efficiency of the MW's. Everytime you double the amount of drivers you get a 3db boost. Also the extra tweeter increases power handling. A single tweeter actually works best, but fear not the 1B's and C's work wonderfully with two tweeters.

[jimbo1421]

Thanks, Ben. So your recommendation would be to stick with the 1Bs that I already have? I did try the third room layout some time ago. The right side had a nice sense of space around it. The left side projected the odd sensation of sound coming out of the corner. Do you have any idea what could be done on the left to balance the sound out a little better. Full length curtains, maybe?

Jim

[ben62670]

Heavy curtains would certainly help. As for which speaker I prefer the 1B's.

[F1nut]

The 2B's with the TL mod are damn fine sounding speakers.