Polk SRS 1.2Tl

[Johnlw7]

I have a chance to buy a pair of Polk SRS 1.2Tl signature speakers for $900.They are over 5 ft.tall and weigh in at nearly 200 lbs.Is anyone familiar with these speakers.:scratch2:

 

[John in MA]

I recently ended up with a pair. They're worth somewhere in the $1500-2500 range depending on condition. Outstanding sound quality, plus the unique SDA effect. Make sure they have the interconnect cable. They need a big room to sound their best.

Buy them, $900 is a steal.

 

[SDA SRS 1.2]

Excellent speakers and a great price. +1 on the interconnect cable. Have enjoyed mine since new in '89. They enjoy high power/high current amps.

 

[cubdog]

The interconnects are easy enough to make. Don't let that deter you.

cubdog

 

[John in MA]

For the price it shouldn't deter him, but he should have the seller look hard for the cable. They sometimes wander off over time.

 

[tubino]

Outstanding sound quality, plus the unique SDA effect.

What *is* that SDA effect? There happens to be a pair for sale where I am, and they could follow me home...

 

[John in MA]

Each speaker has two rows of drivers. The inner row provides the normal sound you listen to. The out row provides a reverse-phase signal that cancels out crosstalk (sounds from the left speaker being heard in your right ear, for instance.) The result is supposed to be a deep and pinpoint-realistic soundstage.

 

[tubino]

How do I tell the difference between the 1.2 and the 1.2TL? I think I'll be looking at them tomorrow.

 

[John in MA]

Assuming they're stock, a 1.2 will have SL2000 tweeters (clear/silver dome, two lines of black caulk, and straight "Polk Audio" markings.) The 1.2TL will have SL3000 tweeters (black/gunmetal domes, no caulk, and circular "Polk Audio" markings.)

Many original 1.2's also have five bolts in the middle of the crossover plate, while 1.2TLs have just one in the middle. But this isn't a certainty.

Don't pay attention to what the back of the cabinet says. My 1.2TLs say "1.2"--Polk did a lot of that.

 

[tubino]

I just looked at them. There are no numbers on the back, in fact almost no model number info. I believe they are the originals, not the 1.2 or 1.2TL.

I'm not sure what I'll do. Might make one more offer.

 

[John in MA]

See if the interconnect cable is a blade/blade or pin/blade. I think the original SRS was blade/blade. They're worth less than the 1.2 or 1.2TL. Maybe $1200-1500 if absolutely perfect.

 

[SDA SRS 1.2]

Some good SDA info can be found here: http://www.polksda.com/

 

[tubino]

See if the interconnect cable is a blade/blade or pin/blade. I think the original SRS was blade/blade. They're worth less than the 1.2 or 1.2TL. Maybe $1200-1500 if absolutely perfect.

Huh. Well, the interconnect is pin + blade, kind of a DIN plug looking deal.

I went for them. I'm picking them up tomorrow. Maybe I paid too much? Maybe not.

 

[avguytx]

What I did on a pair of SDA 2.3's for the pin/blade type connection was add a single banana binding post to each speaker right above where the stock connector is. The pin is the only connection that carries a signal on that series of connections so a better connector and a single 12ga speaker wire between the 2 took care of it. Sone have even, for the time being, taken a single RCA cable and cut off the outside shield portion as that center pin will plug perfectly into them. Without the connection on either version, you won't hear the SDA portion of the speakers. I have a pair of SRS II's with the blade/blade connection and, in those, both connections carry a signal and you have to be careful about how those are hooked up. I'm replacing my blade/blade hook up with an XLR connection between them. Maybe a little overboard but they are my main speakers so what the hell.

Great speakers and if fed with a nice big amp will be very enjoyable!

 

[John in MA]

The 2.3 and 1.2 models are capable of using the AI-1 isolation interconnect, which uses the blade of the connector. The binding post trick will keep you from using it.

 

[avguytx]

Only if you are bridging a pair of amps. Otherwise, you don't need it.

 

[tubino]

Great speakers and if fed with a nice big amp will be very enjoyable!

I hope to learn what amps people are using with these. I'm sure to try tube amps, cuz I have them, but are these going to need solid state? I used Woofer Tester to determine impedance, which never drops below 4 ohms. Seems okay for tubes, so far... but maybe they want 30 to 100 watts.

Maybe the deHavs will be a good match...

 

[John in MA]

Only if you are bridging a pair of amps. Otherwise, you don't need it.

Or using a non-common-ground amp, or dual mono amps, or monoblocks that can't be strapped.