My Polk SDA 2B journey....
- Thread starter Navy_Goat
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- marantz parasound polk sda 2
drew_t
Well-Known Member
I did a more modest overhaul of my SDA-1C crossovers. Replaced the NPs with new ones, replaced the film caps with Audyns, left the resistors alone, replaced the poly switch.
I bought some grill cloth, too, but haven't done anything with it yet. My speakers have the cloth on both the front grill and the side panels. Do the side panels come off at all, or is there some other way of doing a really clean replacement of the cloth on the sides, or would I be best advised to leave them alone? The sides are just a little frayed; the fronts are worse.
I bought some grill cloth, too, but haven't done anything with it yet. My speakers have the cloth on both the front grill and the side panels. Do the side panels come off at all, or is there some other way of doing a really clean replacement of the cloth on the sides, or would I be best advised to leave them alone? The sides are just a little frayed; the fronts are worse.
The side panels on your model are glued on. You can remove them by carefully sliding a long thin flat piece of plastic or metal starting at the back edge and work towards the front. Work slowly. Once recovered use construction adhesive to reattach. Do one side at a time laying the speaker on its side. Weigh the panel down until the adhesive has cured.
daviddi922
Active Member
What is a good price on a set of SDA 2Bs? Lets say in average 7-8/10 condition in stock form.
Also, in comparison to a set of upgraded and recapped Monitor 7Cs, how do the compare?
I assume I will need a lot more power than 110rms at 8 ohms.
Also, in comparison to a set of upgraded and recapped Monitor 7Cs, how do the compare?
I assume I will need a lot more power than 110rms at 8 ohms.
The 7s are my favorite from the monitor series but the SDA 2Bs are a whole other level especially if modified and placed correctly. My 2Bs were my favorites until I stepped up to my now modified SRS 1.2tls.
Navy_Goat
Active Member
Good points. I think the bending you saw is eliminated due to the way I mounted them on the coil.
I think you are 100 percent right about the zip tie.
around 100 to 150 would be a good price. I paid 70 but I was lucky. The purchase price is just the begining.
yes, you will want more than 100 wrms. depending on the specs of the amp and hon wlit is rated...
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daviddi922
Active Member
Okay got it! There is a guy who is selling a pair with the cable locally to me asking $180. Was trying to see if that was a good price or what for them.
I would simply go take a look and a listen. If condition is acceptable and the driver's are functional I would offer $150 and I say he'd accept.
A pair of nice condition stock 2B's should run $400.00.
daviddi922
Active Member
Looks like I was a day too late, he just sold them. 
Navy_Goat
Active Member
My initial impression after 15 to 20 hours:
I have to start by saying I have no accurate back to back listening as I have had my 1C's set up for the last month or so. I would bet that my experiences are represent the switch from un-modded 1C to modded 2B more than a direct comparison of before and after for the 2B.
Highs: I remember the highs being very detailed after the initial mods (RD0198 + 5.8 uF cap = minimum TL mod). So far the highs still sound detailed and engaging.
Lows: Bass seems to be filled in a lot more. This is the biggest improvement I hear at this point. I am playing them without my sub and I don't miss the sub at all.
Overall: As @F1nut already stated, I think I will end up enjoying these at least as much as the 1C. They just present a very balanced sound. I will likely be modding the 1Cs next to see where they end up with new caps, resistors and RD0194s, but I will not be surprised if these 2Bs continue to outperform their larger brothers.
I am curious how much can still be gained by replacing the last few components and finishing all the suggested mods. If I want to continue, the following upgrades are still not done:
- Inductors
- Seal the corners of the cab and seal the rear connector assembly (drivers and PR are done)
- Internal wiring
- Binging posts
- Switch interconnect to speakon connectors
- Dynamat
- BH5 behind mids
Any input on the likely results of completing any of the mods above would be welcome.
Time will tell how much farther this goes. At this point I am happy with the progress and really enjoying the sound.
I have to start by saying I have no accurate back to back listening as I have had my 1C's set up for the last month or so. I would bet that my experiences are represent the switch from un-modded 1C to modded 2B more than a direct comparison of before and after for the 2B.
Highs: I remember the highs being very detailed after the initial mods (RD0198 + 5.8 uF cap = minimum TL mod). So far the highs still sound detailed and engaging.
Lows: Bass seems to be filled in a lot more. This is the biggest improvement I hear at this point. I am playing them without my sub and I don't miss the sub at all.
Overall: As @F1nut already stated, I think I will end up enjoying these at least as much as the 1C. They just present a very balanced sound. I will likely be modding the 1Cs next to see where they end up with new caps, resistors and RD0194s, but I will not be surprised if these 2Bs continue to outperform their larger brothers.
I am curious how much can still be gained by replacing the last few components and finishing all the suggested mods. If I want to continue, the following upgrades are still not done:
- Inductors
- Seal the corners of the cab and seal the rear connector assembly (drivers and PR are done)
- Internal wiring
- Binging posts
- Switch interconnect to speakon connectors
- Dynamat
- BH5 behind mids
Any input on the likely results of completing any of the mods above would be welcome.
Time will tell how much farther this goes. At this point I am happy with the progress and really enjoying the sound.
Congrats! Great to read how well they responded to the mods.
The two things I highlight from your post - dynamat and sound deadening behind mids. I found these mods to be rewarding in my previous Polk restorations. Would recommend them!
7whales7
Addicted Member
If you have some money and you want to take a drive.. there's a set of SRS 2.3's ?? I think?, I can't remember the model, for sale in Rodchester Michigan, (Metro Detroit Craig's) . They where pricey so I didn't pay much attention to the ad. In an affluent neighborhood, I'm sure they're nice. To much for my wallet... they're not mine...LOL just passing info.Looks like I was a day too late, he just sold them.
Navy_Goat
Active Member
Getting better every day!Polk speakers? are they any good?
